Director of Conservation (Aus)

Who We Are:

Founded in 1951 The Nature Conservancy is one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organisations in the world.

We are dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science we create innovative on-the-ground/in-the-water solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change through mitigation and adaptation and conserving lands waters and oceans at unprecedented keeping with our commitment to diversity core value we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 70 countries we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities governments the private sector and other partners in the conservation of nature. To learn more about TNC globally visit or follow @naturepress on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Today we conduct projects in all mainland Australian states and territories. From restoring oyster reefs in Botany Bay to working with Indigenous Traditional Owner groups to manage their country for its cultural and conservation values to developing conservation strategies in Melbourne to deliver environment economic and social outcomes our work is varied and diverse. However no matter the project we remain focused on our collective ambition to deliver conservation outcomes that benefit people and nature at scale.

To learn more about our work in Australia visit or follow us on Facebook @TNCAustralia.

What We Can Achieve Together:

Australia is home to some of the richest and most diverse landscapes in the world. However as a result of the dual biodiversity loss and climate change crises this environment is under threat. The Director of Conservation is a visionary leader who integrates science policy and partnerships to deliver large-scale conservation outcomes. This role requires strategic acumen collaborative leadership and the ability to influence policy and mobilise resources for impact. The Director drives the national conservation strategy to achieve TNC Australias 2030 goals providing inclusive leadership to a multidisciplinary team and contributing as a core member of the Australian Leadership Team (ALT) to foster organisational alignment and cross-functional collaboration.

To deliver on the three major focus areas above the Director of Conservation serves as the principal and strategic contact to significant stakeholders via a collaborative approach that builds and nurtures relationships and partnerships across government agencies NGOs local communities and corporate entities. The Director also plays a key role in promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing across conservation strategies and more broadly across the Asia Pacific region fostering a culture of cross-functional teamwork while raising the profile of TNC Australia and elevating the contributions of subject matter experts.

Were Looking For You:

A key part of the role involves supporting the Country Director and working closely with the Director of Development to drive fundraising and philanthropy efforts including donor identification cultivation and stewardship. The Director also supports strategic fundraising initiatives including innovative conservation finance solutions to secure unrestricted funding and long-term sustainability.

• Designs implements and directs complex and diverse projects encompassing multiple programs and coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside the organisation. Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.

• Assesses and manages organisational risks including financial reputational operational and Work Health and Safety through robust due diligence compliance oversight and proactive mitigation strategies in line with TNC ethical and compliance requirements.

• Participates in the formulation and evaluation of broad policies and/or long-term programs or making decisions which typically have broad organisational impact.

• Ability to make independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis ambiguous information experience and context.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Relevant Bachelors degree or higher and 10 years applied experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Technical & Conservation Expertise

• Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.

• Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs.

• Experience working with methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.

• Experience conceiving and implementing strategic and creative initiatives.

• Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant disciplines and geographic regions.

Indigenous & Cultural Engagement

• Experience championing Indigenous-led conservation approaches by embedding cultural values and supporting capacity-building initiatives while demonstrating respect for and knowledge of traditional Indigenous knowledge in conservation practice and embracing TNCs Indigenous-led and science-backed approach.

Leadership & Management

• Leadership experience including motivating leading setting objectives and managing performance. Experience directing major programs or projects of strategic importance including managing finances supervising multidisciplinary teams and coordinating partners while meeting deadlines.

Fundraising & Partnerships

• Fundraising experience either directly or working closely with a fundraising function.

• Experience in partnership development with Indigenous groups non-profit partners community groups and/or government agencies.

• Experience networking with high-level conservation contacts.

Government Relations & Policy

• Experience managing shaping or collaborating closely with a Government Relations and Policy function.

• Experience influencing developing and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level.

• Experience negotiating complex and innovative solutions with government agencies major institutions landowners and regulators.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Experience with financial management of a large program.

Communication Skills

• Ability to communicate clearly via written spoken and graphical means in English.

Other Requirements

• Must have the legal right to work in Australia and provide evidence of this right.

Desired Qualifications:

• Relevant PhD or Masters Degree

• Experience working with Indigenous communities and incorporating Indigenous Knowledge in conservation practice.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.

• Experience in conservation finance and strategic policy influence.

• Experience at an Executive level in a global matrixed organisation.

• Politically savvy.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits retirement benefits parental leave paid time off life insurance and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys background screening process.

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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.