Executive Director, Micronesia & Polynesia

📋 Description

• • As the Executive Director for Micronesia & Polynesia, you will be the pivotal leader responsible for overseeing all facets of this critical business unit, embodying a key conservation leader within the region.
• • You will represent The Nature Conservancy (TNC) with a diverse array of stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and advocating for our mission.
• • Your leadership will guide a team of dedicated conservation professionals, driving them to achieve impactful conservation outcomes across the lands, waters, and oceans of Micronesia and Polynesia.
• • This senior leadership role demands a strategic vision for a geographically dispersed and complex business unit, requiring adept navigation of diverse challenges and opportunities.
• • You will play an integral part of the leadership team within TNC’s Pacific Division, contributing to the broader strategic direction of a region of immense global importance for biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation.
• • The Pacific Division encompasses Micronesia and Polynesia, alongside California, Hawai’i, and Palmyra, highlighting the significant scope and impact of your work.
• • Beyond managing the Micronesia and Polynesia business unit, you will contribute significantly to national and global TNC priorities, influencing conservation efforts on a wider scale.
• • You will provide the vision, leadership, and strategic direction necessary to guide TNC's work and that of its partners within Micronesia (including the Federated States of Micronesia, Republics of Palau, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Territory of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands) and Polynesia (American Samoa and French Polynesia).
• • Accountability for the success of the Micronesia and Polynesia Programs rests with you, ensuring the effective implementation of TNC’s conservation approach and the generation of measurable conservation results, all while upholding organizational values.
• • You will ensure that conservation outcomes are achieved in priority areas falling under the program’s responsibilities, contributing vital intellectual, financial, and human resources to the formulation and execution of cross-boundary conservation efforts.
• • A key aspect of your role will be close collaboration with governments and partners across the region to develop robust marine, terrestrial, and institutional building programs.
• • You will be instrumental in catalyzing alliances with partners and agencies, fostering collaborations that directly contribute to achieving ambitious conservation goals.
• • In conjunction with TNC Divisional and Global teams, you will be responsible for setting strategic agendas and expanding conservation programs throughout Micronesia and Polynesia.
• • Working closely with the Deputy Director and Conservation Director, you will be responsible for recruiting, retaining, and leading a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team across a geographically dispersed region.
• • You will drive fundraising efforts, providing oversight for financial and grants management, and proactively resolving program management issues to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• • This position is based in Micronesia, requiring travel throughout the Pacific region and internationally for TNC-related meetings and crucial fundraising activities.
• • You will provide essential input into the development of regional strategies and TNC organization-wide programs and priorities, shaping the future of conservation.
• • As the primary local spokesperson for TNC, you will engage with both internal and external audiences, including staff, volunteers, public and private donors, government agencies, community leaders, and other partners, cultivating support and promoting TNC’s mission and vision.
• • You will actively support philanthropy, resources, and external affairs staff in cultivating and directly soliciting donations from private, bilateral, and multilateral government sources to meet ambitious fundraising targets.
• • You will identify and drive innovative conservation strategies and associated outcomes within the region, pushing the boundaries of conservation practice.
• • Spearheading innovative initiatives such as Project Finance for Permanence (PFPs), transboundary Marine Spatial Planning (MSP), and the expansion of Pacific Island Tuna conservation efforts will be a core responsibility.
• • You will undertake high-level management and leadership responsibilities, both internally within TNC and externally with partners and stakeholders.
• • You will be responsible for developing and executing the Program’s expansion into new geographies, broadening TNC's reach and impact.
• • Developing and nurturing strong collaborations with partners, stakeholders, and other local and regional groups is paramount to success.
• • You will develop and implement a sustainable staffing and funding plan that aligns with the Chapter's strategic priorities and long-term vision.
• • You will develop and manage a Board of Trustees for the Micronesia and Polynesia business unit, providing governance and strategic oversight.
• • This role may involve working in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances, reflecting the nature of conservation work.
• • You will be expected to make independent strategic decisions frequently, drawing upon analysis, often ambiguous information, extensive experience, and a deep understanding of the regional context.
• • You will collaborate with TNC’s global programs to ensure seamless alignment of joint conservation goals and initiatives.
• • In partnership with Division leaders and global strategic programs, you will maintain a platform for staff from across different business units to work strategically and collaboratively in the region.
• • You will ensure that the program operates with a strong ethical framework and upholds TNC’s values in all activities.
• • You will foster a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement within your team and the broader program.
• • You will contribute to TNC’s global knowledge base by documenting lessons learned and best practices from the region.
• • You will manage budgets effectively, ensuring financial stewardship and accountability for all program expenditures.
• • You will represent TNC at key regional and international forums, conferences, and meetings, raising the organization’s profile and influence.
• • You will be responsible for risk management, identifying potential challenges and developing mitigation strategies to ensure program continuity and success.
• • You will champion diversity, equity, and inclusion within your team and in all TNC’s regional operations.
• • You will build and maintain strong relationships with local communities, ensuring their active participation and benefit from conservation efforts.
• • You will contribute to TNC’s overall strategic planning process, providing insights and recommendations based on your regional expertise.
• • You will ensure compliance with all relevant local, national, and international laws and regulations.
• • You will foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and mutual support among staff and partners.
• • You will be a visible and accessible leader, inspiring confidence and commitment from your team and stakeholders.
• • You will continuously assess the conservation landscape, adapting strategies as needed to respond to emerging threats and opportunities.
• • You will ensure that TNC’s conservation work in the region is scientifically sound, evidence-based, and delivers measurable impact.
• • You will be a key advocate for conservation policy and advocacy efforts in Micronesia and Polynesia.
• • You will cultivate a strong sense of ownership and accountability among your team members for achieving conservation goals.
• • You will ensure that TNC’s operations in the region are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
• • You will be a champion for TNC’s mission, inspiring others to join in protecting the lands and waters upon which all life depends.