Stewardship Program Manager, Arizona at The Nature Conservancy in Tucson, Arizona

Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Tucson, Arizona, USA

or Ramsey Canyon Preserve office, Hereford, AZ, USA

#LI-POST

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

Based at our Tucson office (preferred) or the Ramsey Canyon Preserve office in Hereford, AZ, the Arizona Stewardship Program Manager directs aspects of stewardship and community relations for a geographic area within the Arizona Business Unit. Serves as the principle contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations and the academic community.

The Arizona Stewardship Program Manager oversees the management of several TNC owned preserves, driving regional engagement with conservation partners within Southeast and Northern Arizona as it relates to the Apache Highlands and to some extent the Forest Program. Primary program areas include the Upper San Pedro and Sonoita Creek Watersheds, along with Hart Prairie as it relates to the Apache Highlands Business Plan and Arizona Business Unit (BU). This position serves as the principal contact to government agencies, other conservation organizations, foundations, and the academic community within the program area.

This position establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

If you're looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join our Chapter as the Stewardship Program Manager! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the beautiful state of Arizona, but you'll contribute to conservation goals through many networks!

We're looking for a passionate, dedicated person to work within our Chapter. Systems Leadership, creativity, and the ability to influence without authority are key in this role. Come join TNC and apply today!

The Arizona Stewardship Program Manager continues to define TNC as a major conservation partner within the area of responsibility, manages conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies, builds strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field, and develops key partnerships with public and private organizations with shared conservation goals. This position will engage regional support across Arizona for local conservation efforts and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities.

This position oversees the management of four preserves: Patagonia-Sonoita, Ramsey Canyon, Canelo Hills and one preserve in Northern Arizona (Hart Prairie). This position will directly supervise three (3) full time site managers and work closely with the Protection, Water, and the Forest programs within the Apache Highland Business Planning Area. Essential functions include:

Program Management - APPROX. 30%

1. Optimizes TNC conservation investments to leverage large scale conservation projects protecting priority lands, water resources, fire regimes, and wildlife connectivity corridors.
2. Conducts forward thinking work planning and creative problem solving across Arizona at a regional level within scope of existing strategies.
3. Proposes program priorities and implementation of conservation priorities across Arizona at a regional level as identified in the Apache Highlands Business Plan and the Arizona BU Strategic business plan.
4. Works closely with other program staff on regional working group projects and strategies within the Apache Highlands Business Plan.
5. Supports partner building and implementation of TNC supported fire regime projects.
6. Oversees the development and management of the preserve budgets. May administer project budgets unique to the program area.

External Engagement and Partnerships - APPROX. 30%

1. Represents stewardship in program area internally, in public, with partners, and occasionally media.
2. Negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, other conservation organizations and key stakeholders related to Stewardship operations within program area.
3. Develops and maintains collaborative partnerships with Federal and State, and local Agencies, Tribal Nations, NGO's, NRCDs, and other strategic partner with similar conservation objectives.
4. Engages and provides input on external influences within program area. Examples include mining and energy interests, changes to State and Federal regulatory rulings, and agency management plans.
5. Works with development and marketing staff to raise awareness, identify fundraising, and outreach opportunities.

Supervision - APPROX. 30%

1. Ensures: (1) stewardship sites are staffed appropriately; (2) safety is prioritized in all aspects of preserve operations; (3) appropriate management and resolution of personnel issues; and (4) stewardship employees are connected to, and engaged with, the broader Chapter.
2. Builds a cross-functional team approach to TNC's work to align expertise, skills, and interests with programmatic needs and staff development.
3. Regularly meets with direct reports and carries out quarterly and year-end performance conversations with team members.
4. Provides support and guidance to direct reports in managing their team.
5. Supports the operations and backfill of vacancies within the program (may include filling in at a preserve during a vacancy).
6. Timely and accurate completion of administrative functions such as regular on-going check-ins with employees, performance reviews, expense reports, and timecards.

Other Duties - APPROX. 10%

1. Collaborates closely with Stewardship Director and Lower San Pedro Program Manager on overlapping responsibilities and to fill in for one another during absences.
2. Participates in Operations, AZ Business Unit, Division, Regional and TNC-wide meetings, trainings, etc.
3. Frequent travel within Arizona to visit preserves, meetings, etc. (with possible over-night / weekend stays), occasionally in the U.S.
4. Timely completion of miscellaneous administrative tasks such as training, expense reports, and timecards
5. Other duties as assigned and directed by supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Geographic size/scope is larger than a preserve and smaller than a business unit.
• Programmatic scope may require cross-boundary work and relationships.
• Leads and manages team or project to support and improve conservation efforts.
• Manage multi-disciplinary administrative, professional, and other support staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development. Establish clear directions and set stretch objectives.
• Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
• Collaborates with and supports Development team efforts to raise private funds for the program; works with AZ Conservation and Financial staff to seek and manage public funding if appropriate.
• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.
• Ensures all responsibilities are conducted within TNC and Arizona procedures and business practices and in collaboration with appropriate other BU functions.
• Frequently makes independent decision based on analysis, experience, and context.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• Regular travel with some overnight stays throughout Arizona (to various preserves, staff retreat, meetings, training, etc.) and occasionally in the U.S. (trainings, retreats, conferences, etc.).
• Occasionally requires working long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Regularly lift, push, pull, move 25 pounds.
• Other duties as required.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA/BS degree and 5 years' experience in natural resources, conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including staffing, workloads and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating agreements.
• Experience with common software applications e.g., Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Valid driver's license.
• Youth certified (within initial 30 days of employment with TNC; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 5-7 years' experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Familiarity with southwest ecosystems and conservation issues.
• Familiarity with mining and agriculture issues and culture.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising.
• Politically savvy.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We're proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $62,000-$74,700 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.

Job Family: Conservation

Internal Job Code: 250005

Salary Grade: 7

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 54572, submit your current resume and a cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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 culture. 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 orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.

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