Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

As a core member of the Connecticut Chapter’s Urban Conservation team, the Network Manager will support the development of the Connecticut Urban Forest Network for Equity and Resilience, a new statewide network of urban forestry community leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders that seeks to build capacity within and among communities to address inequities in canopy cover across Connecticut. They will develop and advance partnerships with diverse stakeholders - including neighbourhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.

The primary responsibilities for this position contribute to TNC’s work on a 5-year United States Forest Service (USFS) Urban and Community Forestry grant, funded through the Inflation Reduction Act.

The Network Manager will guide and implement the comprehensive, five-year urban forestry project funded by USFS, including:

• Facilitate a stakeholder assessment using social science methods to map and better understand the strengths, gaps, opportunities and landscape of existing and potential Network members from across Connecticut.
• Manage and advance partnerships with diverse stakeholders - including neighborhood, municipal, state, and federal government entities, non-profit organizations, foundations, academia, and faith-based groups.
• Develop, and engage in, informational and educational initiatives designed to communicate various urban forestry activities to diverse audiences. This includes creating technical articles, delivering lectures, developing presentations, and giving tours.
• Provide grant administration (tracking outcomes, reporting, compliance, etc.), research, and other general assistance to Urban Conservation program staff working toward the achievement of Chapter goals.

This is a five-year term position, with the possibility of extension subject to funding.

This position is based in New Haven, with frequent travel across Connecticut. May work in variable weather conditions on difficult terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We are looking for someone with a strong social-science background who understands the needs and challenges of Connecticut cities, such as flooding, urban heat, and air pollution, and has ambition to implement nature-based solutions, like expanding urban forests, to help address these challenges. We’re looking for someone who will demonstrate understanding of the socio-ecological opportunities and challenges in Connecticut and approach conservation decisions with a diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice lens.

The Network Manager will be an integral member of The Nature Conservancy – Connecticut Urban Conservation team. Our vision is to achieve greener, more resilient cities in Connecticut through the expansion of the urban forest and canopy cover within the communities where we work.  The vision is to address inequities in access to nature in Connecticut cities through meaningful engagement and collaboration with the community at large, anchor institutions, and other stakeholders implementing impactful conservation efforts. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Supervisory experience.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Web Browsers.
• Real estate license (if required).
• Experience with principles of land acquisition.
• Experience in training and curriculum design.

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, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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