The Land Repurposing Project Manager will help build out the Strategic Restoration work by 1) leading internal analyses to assess new project opportunities that would catalyze San Joaquin upland species recovery and, in some cases, low environmental impact solar energy development, 2) identifying and evaluating potential project sites, 3) coordinating closely with external partners to implement projects and explore emerging opportunities, 4) managing the development of restoration plans for project sites, and 5) identifying and pursuing relevant public and private funding to implement San Joaquin upland habitat restoration projects. All of these functions will be done in close coordination with the project team. As the team member most often at project sites and close to the ground, the Project Manager will be traveling to project sites and speaking with landowners and agency representatives regularly. This person will also represent TNC at public meetings and workshops at local and regional venues. This role requires frequent, in-person presence at project sites in the San Joaquin Valley, Covid safety protocols permitting.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Lead the development of internal-facing analyses to identify candidate project sites
• Gather input from core and matrixed team members to inform the development of analyses, projects, and proposals.
• Manage day-to-day engagement with landowners, external partners, public agencies, and funders.
• Manage contracts and supervise contractors who are providing scientific or practical/restoration services in support of the project.
• Lead multi-disciplinary internal teams, most likely of peers rather than direct reports, to develop key project components and deliverables.
• Establish and maintain relationships with existing and new project partners.
• Understand and navigate California water policy and politics.
• Manage contractors and teams to develop and implement restoration plans
• Develop and manage budgets for projects and grants.
• Scout out, prepare, write, and manage public grants to support the project, including effective engagement of public funders in all stages of the grant process.
• Support the Development team in raising funds from individual and foundation donors by providing material and meeting with team members or donors to talk about the project.
• Coordinate and communicate with the Climate Program team, which leads our renewable energy work, on low-impact solar development in the San Joaquin Valley.
• Become familiar with and be able to represent in a general way the work of the Water Program, the energy strategy, and the California Chapter of TNC.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May need to travel to project sites in the San Joaquin Valley up to 50% of the time.
• Frequently make independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.