The Agriculture Strategy Director, Nature United will leverage and adapt TNC’s North America Agriculture Program theory of change, key strategies and relationships to lead the development and implementation of an agriculture program in Canada to influence how Canada and its producers provide food while generating regional and global outcomes that benefit both people and nature. The program will be focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, outcomes for freshwater and biodiversity, maximizing food security and production systems resilience.  Leveraging existing corporate and government engagement, science and research capacity, the Director will bring their understanding of the existing food system in Canada to develop new and diverse partnerships and innovative approaches to drive the adoption of regenerative agricultural practices in key Canadian geographies.

The Director will work within Nature United’s Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) Program and with the support of Nature United and TNC resources to rapidly to refine strategy goals and objectives.  They will engage in and establish relationships with key external partners leveraging the experience, expertise and resources of TNC, especially in science, innovation and global corporate relationships. The Director will identify strategic risks, gaps and opportunities, and build the necessary team capacity and relationships to achieve Nature United’s 2030 Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) program goal for increasing landowner adoption of regenerative agricultural practices to reduce emissions while generating biodiversity and socio-economic co-benefits.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

The Director will report to and be supported by Nature United’s Natural Climate Solutions Program Director to fulfill the responsibilities of this role that include: 1) adapting and implementing TNC’s North America agriculture program in Canada; 2) refine existing Canada agriculture program goals and strategies which focus on establishing a foodscape, engaging corporations, and agriculture policy; 3) ensuring strong internal alignment with and support from TNC’s global programs, including the Provide Food and Water Sustainably team and participate in key TNC global and North American initiatives; 4) building new and leveraging existing partnerships to educate and influence leaders and decision makers and to support execution of projects with farmer and rancher networks, government agencies, agribusinesses, agri-food companies and agribusinesses, and NGO partners; 5) supporting organizational efforts to secure the necessary human capacity and financial support to advance program strategies including identifying, recruiting and supervising new team members over time; 6) contribute to the development of strategic communications to advance the strategy; and 7) provide subject matter expertise and thought leadership for Nature United to advance agriculture natural climate solutions in Canada.

The Director will collaborate closely with other Nature United key staff including regional program directors, conservation finance, strategic communications, fundraising, and the Strategic Partnerships team who provide government relations, corporate engagement, and senior science expertise. The Director will be expected to interact directly with key government officials to influence federal and provincial public policies, and direct resources to implement NCS agricultural solutions across and through relevant government programs. The Director will also engage agri-food companies and agribusinesses, input providers, and farmer groups in the development of agricultural supply chains that reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved soil health, nutrient management and avoided conversion of grasslands and wetlands while supporting profitable production of food, fiber, and other agricultural products sufficient to meet demands from a growing global population. The Director is expected to work with the broader Nature United team to assess legal, financial, reputational, and policy risks on a variety of issues related to program development, public policy, and external partnerships, ensuring relevant Nature United and TNC organizational standards are met. They must have the willingness and ability to travel within Canada and the US (estimated 20-25%), and occasionally internationally, as required

Are you looking for work you can believe in? Nature United is a workplace where we care about each other and know that what we do matters, and that our work makes a difference. We’re looking for someone to lead the development and implementation of an agriculture program in Canada to influence how Canada and its producers provide food while generating regional and global outcomes that benefit both people and nature.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting the work of our team. Join us as we impact conservation across Canada and 70+ countries and territories around the globe!