The Oregon Director of Conservation (ODC) will provide strategic leadership and support for all the Conservancy’s conservation work in Oregon, which includes multiple climate strategies, as well as strategies to conserve healthy lands, water and ocean. They will lead a team of over 25 highly experienced conservation professionals across the state, including 5-6 direct reports. The ODC reports to the Oregon State Director and as member of TNC Oregon’s Executive Leadership Team, they have shared responsibility for coordinated program alignment, management, and success across all of TNC Oregon.

The ODC will cultivate a collaborative team environment among conservation staff and ensure effective coordination with external affairs, philanthropy, stewardship and other core function teams to achieve TNC Oregon’s strategic goals as outlined in the current 2022-2025 Strategic Plan. This will include strengthening internal systems that foster highly effective and trusting teams with clear roles, inclusive and effective decision-making, strong communication, and adaptive learning and management of strategies within a dynamic work environment. They will provide strategic leadership to staff and support targeted annual and multi-year outcomes related to the conservation strategies, while cultivating a positive, collaborative and outcomes-driven culture. The ODC will be responsible for supporting staff in developing equitable approaches and outcomes in conservation and science efforts and that support Indigenous lands and communities. The ODC will work intentionally with the Executive Leadership Team to model the Conservancy’s values and competencies to nurture a workplace culture of safety, inclusion and belonging for all staff, volunteers and board members.

In addition, the ODC will help to establish and amplify the Conservancy’s role as a major conservation partner by serving as a senior level contact to government agencies, other conservation and environmental justice organizations, Tribal governments and communities, foundations and the research/academic community. They will engage partners to build key influential support for local, state, Western Division, and/or national conservation efforts. They may negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, major institutions, and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities, and develop and implement cutting edge conservation strategies. The ODC will work closely with Conservancy staff in other states to implement multi-state conservation efforts.

Are you looking for a career that helps people and nature to thrive together?  Are you passionate about leading others to do their best work? We’re looking for a collaborative leader, skilled relationship-builder and influential communicator to help us create a better future for our climate, lands, waters and communities. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues and a wide range of partners – including environmental justice organizations and Indigenous communities – to advance conservation and public policy solutions in Oregon.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience; conservation practice experience may include work in climate or environmental advocacy or science, environmental health, or related fields.
• Experience in leading and supporting multidisciplinary teams across reporting relationships to implement multiple projects of strategic importance, including supervising professionals, managing finances, allocating resources, and coordinating the work of partners while meeting deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in building relationships with non-profit partners, community groups, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, corporate partners, elected officials, government agencies, and/or other key partners.
• Experience working with current trends and practices in conservation. Conservation may include work in climate or environmental advocacy or science, environmental health, or related fields.