Utah State Director

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Utah State Director functions as manager and conservation strategist for a mid-sized Operating Unit. They are accountable for the Chapter’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values.  They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit’s responsibilities, and contributes intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. They support the alignment of activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in their ecoregion(s)/operating unit and in areas beyond their span of authority. They serves as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The Utah State Director oversees fundraising and marketing for the Chapter, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals. They support philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals.

The staff comprising the various Chapter functions may be structured as needed or shared with other units as efficiency dictates to meet the needs of the unit.  The Utah State Director reports to the Western US & Canada Division Director and works closely with the local trustees/advisory board.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a strong leader for Utah State Director as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. The Conservancy has worked in Utah for nearly 40 years, protecting more than 1 million acres of public and private land and completing more than 230 conservation projects, serving as a trusted partner in state and regional land and water protection initiatives, and becoming an effective leader in both federal and state public policy on conservation and climate issues.

The Utah Chapter works closely with a variety of partners on conservation strategies statewide focusing on eight conservation strategies, all of which together maximize Utah’s contributions to TNC’s Global 2030 Goals:

• Protecting Lands
• Stewarding and Leveraging Our Preserves
• Using Science & Catalyzing Land Health
• Expanding Water Science
• Transforming Water Policy & Law
• Demonstrating Innovative Water Approaches
• Advancing Climate Action
• Adapting to a Variable Climate.

With a strong and talented staff of 25, a board of trustees comprised of 30 members, and a resilient, robust program in place, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead on a strategic approach to Utah’s conservation priorities—and to help shape a resilient, viable future for all Utahans.

The State Director drives the Utah Chapter’s conservation strategy, public policy leadership, and fundraising functions. They work closely with the Utah board of trustees to create and implement the Chapter’s conservation strategies in alignment with The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 Goals. They will also ensure a work environment that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. As a leader in the Utah conservation movement, the State Director plays a primary role in working with partner organizations, government agencies, elected officials, corporations, and other key decision-makers to build alliances and shared agendas that advance science driven conservation outcomes in Utah, across the western U.S., and around the world.

What You’ll Bring:

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Overall responsibility for conservation results, philanthropy activities and goals of the Utah Chapter, and for integration of regional and global priorities;
• Manages the development and execution of Utah’s strategic conservation plan, budget and financial plans, and annual work programs, all delivered on time and within budget;
• Demonstrates a strong understanding of on-the-ground conservation;
• Incorporates organizational values and competencies as foundational elements in all aspects of work;
• Ensures recruitment, management and development of high quality and effective staff;
• Provides leadership in public policy efforts within Utah and the region;
• Ensures that programmatic commitments, financial standards and legal requirements are met;
• Presents and represents the chapter’s and TNC’s vision in a compelling and engaging manner to internal and external audiences as lead spokesperson;
• Delivers effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on complex topics to employee groups, managers at all levels, board members and outside organizations;
• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to travel routinely throughout the geography and globally as required;
• Works flexibly, sometimes beyond the normal workday, including weekends, as necessary, during deadline periods;
• Directs, prepares, presents and/or participates in negotiations of project proposals with governmental, bilateral and/or multilateral agencies; and
• Works well under pressure.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.
• Management experience including leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Written and verbal fluency in English is required and fluency in the predominant language of the operating unit if other than English.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.
• Experience in fundraising and budget management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7-10 years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred.  Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy a must.
• Extensive management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards.  Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Proven technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus.  Demonstrated operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Successful experience in marketing or fund raising desired.
• Fluency in the predominant language of the operating unit strongly desired.  Written and verbal fluency in English required.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

Compensation:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $155,000 – 175,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

• Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

• The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

• We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Note: This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

To Apply

Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to apply to Job #54085. Submit required cover letter and resume separately using the upload buttons.  The application deadline is October 29, 2023.  Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.