Director of Coastal Programs

📋 Description

• • Lead the strategic direction and implementation of The Nature Conservancy's (TNC) coastal conservation efforts in New Jersey, establishing the organization as a pivotal partner within local communities and the broader Northeast Division.
• • Define, develop, and execute New Jersey's comprehensive Coastal conservation strategic plan, ensuring alignment with TNC's overarching mission and regional objectives.
• • Spearhead the development and implementation of innovative natural and nature-based solutions designed to mitigate the impacts of coastal flooding and other climate change effects, delivering tangible social and environmental benefits to coastal communities.
• • Cultivate and nurture robust partnerships with a diverse array of public and private organizations, including government agencies, non-profit conservation groups, community stakeholders, and funders, to foster collaborative conservation initiatives.
• • Drive the advancement of TNC's climate adaptation, coasts and oceans, and offshore wind strategies within the Northeast Division, providing critical leadership and support to relevant teams.
• • Develop and manage a dynamic portfolio of conservation projects and strategies that demonstrably showcase the efficacy of nature-based solutions in enhancing coastal resilience and community well-being, with a focus on scalability and replicability.
• • Engage actively with targeted communities to build local capacity, foster support for conservation efforts, and co-create a pipeline of community-driven, nature-based projects that address local needs and priorities.
• • Collaborate closely with the Government Relations team to enhance TNC's credibility with elected officials and government departments, advocating for and advancing policy priorities that integrate nature-based solutions into all levels of governance.
• • Establish and champion policies and sustainable financing mechanisms that institutionalize the successful application of nature-based solutions for climate change adaptation and coastal protection.
• • Provide strong leadership and direction to a multi-disciplinary team of conservation professionals, overseeing performance management, professional development, training, and career advancement to foster a high-performing and motivated workforce.
• • Assume full financial responsibility for the Coastal Program, including developing and managing program budgets, actively supporting fundraising initiatives, and ensuring the successful acquisition of public and private funds to meet program objectives.
• • Communicate effectively and widely, disseminating successful conservation approaches, best practices, and lessons learned to a broad range of audiences, including scientific communities, policymakers, community members, and the general public.
• • Work collaboratively with the Director of Conservation Programs to ensure seamless integration and strategic alignment of coastal conservation initiatives across New Jersey and the wider Northeast Division.
• • Contribute to TNC's reputation as a science-based organization by integrating the latest scientific research and best practices into conservation planning and implementation.
• • Potentially work in diverse environmental conditions, including remote locations, challenging terrains, and physically demanding circumstances, reflecting the hands-on nature of coastal conservation work.
• • Foster an inclusive and collaborative team environment, promoting respect for all individuals, communities, and cultures, in line with TNC's core values.
• • Drive the adaptive management of the coastal strategic plan, ensuring that conservation efforts are continuously monitored, evaluated, and adjusted based on scientific data and on-the-ground results to maximize impact and long-term success.
• • Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors and funding sources, playing a key role in securing the financial resources necessary for the successful execution of the Coastal Program's ambitious goals.
• • Negotiate effectively with various stakeholders to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for conservation projects and partnerships.
• • Stay abreast of current trends, emerging challenges, and best practices in coastal conservation, climate adaptation, and nature-based solutions, applying this knowledge to inform strategic decision-making and program development.
• • Contribute to the development and implementation of conservation policies and plans, leveraging expertise to influence decision-making at local, state, and regional levels.
• • Ensure that biodiversity information systems and related initiatives are leveraged effectively to support conservation planning, monitoring, and reporting.
• • Navigate complex political landscapes and build consensus among diverse stakeholders to advance conservation objectives.
• • Develop and implement strategies to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by offshore wind development in coastal areas, ensuring that conservation interests are integrated into planning and execution.
• • Promote the understanding and adoption of nature-based solutions as a critical component of community resilience and sustainable development strategies.
• • Measure and report on the impact of conservation programs, demonstrating the value and effectiveness of TNC's work to funders, partners, and the public.
• • Mentor and guide staff, fostering a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement within the Coastal Programs team.
• • Contribute to TNC's global conservation efforts by sharing knowledge, experiences, and best practices from the New Jersey Coastal Program.
• • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and policies governing conservation activities and funding.