OFFICE LOCATION

Location is flexible in TNC's core countries in Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Colombia, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru) and in United States.
    
WHO WE ARE
    
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”
    
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Latin American Region (LAR) Director of Science and Strategy will work to achieve the Conservancy’s ambitious goals at this critical time in history and in one of the most scientifically significant regions in the world: Latin America. As a scientific regional leader in a science-driven organization, this Director will ensure that science underpins and orients our strategic conservation priorities and interventions, projects, and programs in LAR. This is a time for collaboration and action and a role that will help drive systems-scale change to support the Conservancy’s mission.

Collaborating with LAR's Policy Director and regional leadership team, as well as Global Science and the Chief Conservation Office, this Director will offer input and scientific leadership on organizational priorities, management of the science strategies to reach our 2030 goals in LAR, and cross-cutting science issues in dynamic conditions. 
They serve as a high-level advisor to key regional leaders, and they are skilled at translating science into practical uses to inform both strategic direction and action.  
 
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The LAR Director of Science and Strategy will provide science-focused leadership, supporting the Science, Conservation, Policy and Management teams and informing work in LAR with conservation science best practices and emerging scientific findings from around the world. They will provide conceptual leadership and specific guidance on the development, refinement, and reporting of conservation strategies and projects in alignment with TNC’s 2030 goals and regional initiatives. 

While potentially conducting original research and publishing findings, their primary focus lies in applied science. Their research endeavours may include designing and testing conservation interventions; predicting the effects of potential strategies on nature, climate, and communities; leading Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL); identifying priority areas for the Conservancy's work; keeping abreast of emerging trends in science both across TNC and in their field of expertise; communicating science needs from the region to the broader organization, including as a member of TNC´s global Science Council; and partnering with scientists and conservation teams throughout the organization to guarantee a science-driven approach.

Specific functions include:

• Collaborates with LAR´s regional and country teams to address science capacity gaps, strengthen evidence-based decision-making, and optimize resource allocation. 
• Serves as a thought partner to Conservation leaders, to help shape strategies and projects in LAR.  
• Facilitates knowledge sharing and synergies across teams in LAR and with global TNC teams
• Facilitates the deployment of global and regional science resources and expertise for the development, execution, and integration of work streams. Supports alignment of science support with LAR strategy. Helps ensure communication among functions and teams, within LAR and globally. 
• Undertakes and leads applied scientific research to assist LAR leadership in identifying priority locations and approaches in LAR – in alignment with TNC’s 2030 Goals.
• This includes designing and testing conservation interventions, and predicting the impact of potential strategies for nature, climate, and people.
• Supports teams working in defined regional priority areas with program design, applying Conservation by Design and Systems Change approaches.
• Leads a small, dedicated team.
• Leads Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning, and supports teams in the establishment of metrics and verification for LAR priority areas and sectors. 
• Builds strong collaborative networks within and beyond TNC, including partnerships with universities and institutions.
• Provides training and mentoring to LAR staff on conservation science, evidence-based decision-making, and other relevant scientific disciplines, to empower informed and effective conservation actions.
• Enhances TNC's profile by actively engaging and collaborating with scientists, conservation practitioners, fundraising teams, governmental liaisons, and marketing/communication professionals. Acts as the primary spokesperson for topics pertinent to the organization's mission and objectives.
• In partnership with fundraisers, pursues grant funding for science projects, and provides scientific support to teams preparing funding proposals for conservation work.
• Promotes inclusion, a diverse workforce, diversity of thought, and shared ownership and commitment to the organization’s highest priorities. 
• Actively supports a culture of accountability for execution and results.
• Communicating effectively with a wide variety of audiences helping translate science to ensure it can be meaningfully integrated into conservation strategies. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:

• Can be based in any country in LAR with an active TNC office: Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru; or in the United States. 
• Willingness to travel frequently, at least 30% of the time, often on short notice.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Doctoral degree in conservation science or any related field plus a minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural team, including managing senior-level leaders.
• Experience publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals, especially Google Scholar and/or ResearchGate.
• Experience seeking public and private funding.                                  
• Experience in establishing and maintaining relationships with high-level stakeholders in the conservation field, including policymakers, leading researchers, and conservation organization leaders.
• Experience working at the nexus of conservation and science.
• Experience in applying systems thinking to complex projects and challenging partnerships.
• Experience in engaging and motivating others to support a new path forward, building energy and involvement to sustain results over time.
• Experience communicating and teaching science to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience in partnership development in multiple countries                              
• Fluency in English; working knowledge of either Spanish or Portuguese; excellent written and oral communication skills.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world! 

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

SALARY INFORMATION

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S.-based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $92,700 – 155,600 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.
    
APPLY NOW

Please apply to Job 54325 at www.nature.org/careers, or apply directly here https://careers.nature.org/. Submit the required cover letter and resume separately using the upload buttons.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. 

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.