The Nature Conservancy is seeking a strong, dynamic leader with successful fundraising experience and the proven ability to collaboratively manage complex programs with multiple partners in an ever-changing environment. The Palmyra Program Director is based in the Conservancy’s Honolulu office, and is responsible for securing the human, financial, and political support needed to sustainably manage the Palmyra Program. The Director provides strategic leadership for and overall management of the program, and is directly responsible for:
• Public and private fundraising in collaboration with local, regional, national, and international staff and partners;
• Building internal and external support for Palmyra as a world-class research station, a model for sustainable green infrastructure, and a rare example of the value of conservation management and protection of unique marine ecosystems around the globe;
• Building and maintaining close, cooperative relationships with government agencies, research institutions and universities, and other partners supporting management, research, and fundraising at Palmyra Atoll;
• Recruiting and managing a strong, stable team of dedicated staff and volunteers;
• Planning, developing, implementing and managing budgets, contracts, grants and other financial transactions to ensure financial security and stability for the program;
• Maintaining safe, secure, and reliable transportation to and from Palmyra; and
• Ensuring safe, successful, and enjoyable field experiences on the atoll for partners, researchers and program supporters.
In addition, the Palmyra Program Director manages a small team of dedicated staff in Honolulu and on Palmyra to ensure:
• Collaborative conservation planning and management;
• Ongoing transportation of people and supplies to and from the atoll;
• Coordination of TNC, academic, and multi-agency scientific research;
• Field station operations and maintenance, including clean energy production, runway maintenance, and the provision of clean and comfortable lodging;
• Safe boating and diving operations; and
• Successful coordination with TNC staff of multiple annual field trips to Palmyra for partners, researchers and program supporters
This position requires the ability to work with and influence others in leadership positions both within and outside of the Conservancy, including TNC local, regional, national, and global staff; the Palmyra Advisory Group; members of the local Board of Trustees and global Board of Governors; high-level donors; government agencies; researchers and leaders of research institutions. The Palmyra Program Director reports to the Hawai‘i State Director (or his/her designee), supervises staff, and may manage interns and volunteers.
Please complete an online application at www.nature.org/careers and upload a resume and cover letter by October 13, 2015. Cover letter must specify how you meet the minimum qualifications outlined below.
• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in senior-level program management or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience delivering quality results in multiple, complex projects, under high stress situations, with partners and colleagues on short deadlines.
• Experience remotely managing and coordinating the work of other professionals, including staff, researchers, and government partners.
• Demonstrated ability to judge talent, help staff set and meet objectives, assess and manage staff strengths and challenges, create strong morale and team spirit, and motivate individuals and teams toward desirable results.
• Strong collaborative problem-solving skills with demonstrated success in cooperative crisis management.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and in person. Proven interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Experience developing and managing complex budgets and finances.
