ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2012 to advance the restoration and conservation of natural areas for a resilient and healthy New York City. Working in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), we seek to ensure the high-quality management of NYC’s 20,000 acres of forests and wetlands. Our work includes conducting scientific research, restoring natural habitats, developing tools to inform data-driven management, and increasing awareness and opportunities for the public to experience NYC’s abundant nature and diverse ecology. We are poised to increase our scope and reach as a leading urban conservation organization. More information about our work is at naturalareasnyc.org.
POSITION OVERVIEW The Natural Areas Conservancy is seeking a Director of Conservation Programs to lead the organization’s conservation programs including - Provide leadership and vision for NAC’s urban conservation programs and initiatives, including advancing our applied science programs, web-based tools, and restoration and park improvement projects - Supervise research and restoration staff - Develop metrics for success - Increase promotion and scope of NAC and urban conservation - Serve as member of NAC executive team and develop and execute strategic organizational goals MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES - Advance existing high-level programs such as our Forest Management Framework, applied science, watershed plans, restoration projects, and fellowships and internships. - Manage projects and staff, including supervising research and monitoring, GIS/Data management and natural area and park improvement programs. - Develop and implement performance metrics framework. - Develop internal and external communication documents and reports. - Work closely with NYC Parks’ division of Natural Resources and their Urban Field Station on land management, monitoring, and applied research programs. - Cooperate with researchers and outside institutions, including but not limited to, academic, non-profit, city, state, and federal agencies, on research projects and data dissemination/coordination. - Represent the organization, NYC Parks, and City as appropriate. - Manage and oversee budget, procurement, and administrative reporting, database management and tracking, and training. PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS - Expertise in a scientific field related to natural areas management, conservation, restoration ecology, conservation biology, water resource management, botany, landscape ecology, etc. - Prior experience working in an urban area preferred. - Minimum of five years of professional experience in managing projects. - Proven track record of goals-based accomplishments. - Personal connections within the NYC/Northeast scientific community. - Experience communicating technical information for a diverse audience. - Bachelors’ degree is required; Masters Degree is preferred. - Excellent writing, communications, management, administrative, and interpersonal skills. - Excellent computer skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with GIS, database management a plus. - Knowledge of organizational development and/or government operations. - Valid New York State driver license. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume with the position title to: [email protected]
