The Nature Conservancy
JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION TITLE: PROGRAM MANAGER, CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION SCIENCE LOCATION: San Francisco, CA ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The Program Manager is responsible for programmatic and administrative oversight of the California Conservation Science program. S/he conducts science and planning research and fosters cross-cutting learning among an international conservation community through the writing, editing and dissemination of information, including reports, peer reviewed literature and other media. S/he works closely with the Director of Conservation Science on program strategy development and annual planning and budgeting, and is responsible for the management of program finances, coordination of program staff recruitment, hiring and other personnel transactions, management of contracts and private grants supporting a range of scientific projects, acts as liaison with IT staff on program needs, and ensures compliance with internal policies and procedures and external requirements. S/he works closely with science and planning staff in the development of conservation assessments, and assists with the development and dissemination of conservation science and planning protocols. S/he is responsible for design and implementation of the program communications strategy, including planning and coordination of statewide team meetings, science writing workshops, annual speaker series, program workshops and conferences, and dissemination and marketing of published reports and articles. Further, s/he is responsible for the production of communication and outreach materials to educate and inform conservation partners, scientific organizations, the academic community and the general public, including managing outside vendors to achieve project specific goals. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS BA/BS and MA/MS, and 5 years experience in natural resource management; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience negotiating complex agreements. Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc. Experience communicating with the public both in writing and verbally. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means in English. Ability to make sound decisions on legal, financial, conservation and reporting issues. Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results. Completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s). Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities. Ability to communicate and work closely with scientists. Explaining conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science. Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation. Strong knowledge of common software applications such as Word, Excel, Web browsers, etc. COMPLEXITY/PROBLEM SOLVING: Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes. Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances. Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems. Cultivates and develops creative ideas to improve conservation strategies. Applies diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments. Identifies and disseminates lessons learned, best practices and methods, tools, consistencies and inconsistencies across plans. Ensures program accountability and legal compliance. DISCRETION/LATITUDE/DECISION-MAKING: Ability to identify and assess legal, financial, and other conservation issues and make sound decisions for TNC. Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment. Performs tasks with minimal supervision. RESPONSIBILITY/OVERSIGHT FINANCIAL AND SUPERVISORY: May need to gain cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals. Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets. Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements. Establish and maintain optimal standards of performance for the department or program while controlling costs and administering budgets. COMMUNICATIONS/INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS: Communicates strategic project goals and objectives. Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization. Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including other TNC departments. Ability to simplify and explain the principles of conservation science and practices to technical and non-technical audiences. WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT: Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines. Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or physical strain. Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements. HOW TO APPLY Please apply online http://www.nature.org/careers/. All sections of online application must be completed (e.g. work experience and education, even if information is included in resume) in order to be considered for the position. Please upload cover letter and resume as one document. Please apply by August 4, 2008. EOE STATEMENT The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
