Director of Conservation Programs

~ Great River Greening's mission is to secure the legacy of Minnesota lands and waters through community-based restoration, stewardship and partnerships. ~

Our experienced, committed ecologists apply state-of-the-art practices to restoration projects, sharing their skill and knowledge to communities, businesses, landowners, agencies, organizations, and volunteers with whom we work. They also help the next generation discover opportunities in environmental sciences through a dynamic community and youth involvement program.

Great River Greening's restoration projects are aimed at improving the region's natural resources by strengthening ecological systems and promoting stewardship and management of critical lands and waters.

We strive to develop effective, mutually-beneficial relationships with our partners to meet their long-term ecological restoration needs, often identifying financial resources to bring to the project, providing ecological expertise, and/or engaging the community when appropriate.

We have partnered with hundreds of public and private entities across Minnesota, forging long-term relationships and offering ecological and community assistance that will support their ongoing management through the years. 

Position Overview  

The Director of Conservation Programs is central to fulfilling Great River Greening's mission, and operationalizes our strategic plan through culturing long-term relationships, procurement of necessary resources, exploration of new conservation priorities, and taking effective and targeted actions that result in the restoration of Minnesota's natural resources.

With Great River Greening's conservation partners, funders, and Board, the Director develops and oversees implementation of its conservation programs, procures large governmental grants, and elevates its profile among conservation organizations statewide.

The Director is also key to infusing creativity and vision into the future conservation work of Great River Greening and clarifying its niche within the conservation sector.

Great River Greening has grown significantly in its geographic scope over the last five years and currently has three conservation programs:

1) Greater Twin Cities Metro, restoring critical lands and water in the metro area and enhancing the recreational experience of visitors to parks, natural areas, lakes and rivers;

2) Anoka Sandplain, restoring the globally endangered oak savanna habitat in east central Minnesota; and

3) Agricultural Watersheds, improving water quality through collaborative work with farmers.

Despite our growing reach and impact, our staff size remains small and we work collaboratively as a friendly and committed team. We maintain a workplace culture that is driven toward mission success, yet recognizes the value of work-life balance.

The Director of Conservation Programs reports to the Executive Director and works in close association with the Directors' Team, i.e., senior management team that includes the Directors of Finance, Development and Operations. 

Responsibilities  

Lead Program Development and Planning 

• Define Greening's conservation direction as stated in its strategic plan; work with the Directors' Team to evaluate progress towards strategic goals.
• Develop new and maintain existing conservation programs in line with Greening's mission, adopted strategic plan, and yearly conservation work plan.
• Develop, lead, and nurture effective partnerships with government agencies, businesses, industry groups, individuals, and others that further Greening's conservation goals.
• Procure funding and other resources for the implementation of conservation programs and projects through grant writing and partner coordination.
• Participate as key leader in strategic planning for future strategic plans. 

Supervise Program and Project Management 

• Effectively manage and mentor direct reports and guide other staff in the implementation of Greening's conservation goals. Current reports include the Watershed Coordinator in St. Peter and the Grant Management Assistant for large state grants.
• Review and approve annual work objectives for direct reports.
• Review and approve contractual agreements with funding sources, partners, and contractors.
• Working with Directors of Operations and Finance, ensure organizational compliance in project implementation, expenditures, contracting and data/information management with grant agreements. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Attend most board meetings.
• Promote Greening's employee goals, including diversity, equal opportunity, and work place culture.
• Serve as one of the primary representatives for the organization, expanding Greening's network of partners, supporters, and volunteers and participating in various meetings of common interest. 

Qualifications  

Essential Qualifications 

• At least ten years of experience in natural resources or related field, including five years of program leadership and management.
• Advanced degree in natural resources or allied field.
• Strong business skills, including project and grant management, budget development, and strategic planning.
• Self-starter and big thinker with excellent verbal, social, and writing skills.
• Superb fundraising and grant writing skills; proven history of securing and managing large grants to successful completion.
• Proven history of envisioning, developing, and implementing innovative conservation strategies to tackle conservation challenges.
• Strong track record in staff management and mentoring.
• Demonstrated ability and demeanor to forge and maintain effective partnerships with traditional and non-traditional partners to advance the conservation of natural resources in Minnesota.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for engaging the community in conservation.
• Computer experience with Microsoft office suite and internet utilities. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Familiarity and experience with state and federal natural resource, agricultural and watershed conservation programs, funding mechanisms and practices, from traditional government-based programs to emerging ideas on farmer-led and market-based solutions.
• Working knowledge of Minnesota conservation organizations and government agencies.
• Solid understanding of watershed management, and regional land use and its effect on water quality and natural resources.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing conservation projects with landowners or other partners, delivering high quality results on time and within budget.
• Experience with database management systems.
• Experience as an educator or presenter.
• Sense of humor, even in stressful situations. 

To Apply 

• Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a cover letter and resume that details your qualifications to Deborah Karasov, Executive Director. 
• Electronic applications only.
• Deadline: Monday, July 20, 2015 or until filled.