Conservation Partnership and Engagement Specialist

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation Partnership and Engagement Specialist is a statewide role based in the Chicagoland area that supports The Nature Conservancys Chicago Area Climate Adaptation Program. The Conservation Partnership and Engagement Specialist is responsible for the future development and oversight of the Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) and the Thrive Outside Chicago Program. The VSN is a statewide program that supports the engagement stewardship and restoration of natural areas by providing capacity building opportunities to local community conservation efforts to ensure that the benefits of nature are accessible to all people. The Thrive Outside Chicago Program is an initiative in partnership with the Outdoor Foundation Thrive Outside Chicago network partners and the national Thrive Outside Network that works to improve equitable outdoor access for all communities in Chicago. This position leads and will work closely with other TNC preserve and support staff on developing managing and advancing equitable conservation programs plans and methods for engagement with a focus on strategic geographic areas across the state.

Were Looking for You:

The Conservation Partnership and Engagement Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing community engagement strategies that build off existing programs to connect and foster relationships between local communities and regional TNC projects and preserves. This position oversees multiple grantmaking and capacity-building programs that align with TNCs equitable conservation strategies through the statewide Volunteer Stewardship Network (VSN) and the Thrive Outside program in Chicago. The VSN will support volunteer stewardship groups and community-based organizations in strategic areas to build greater capacity for habitat restoration and community driven conservation and outdoor access projects in local natural areas and public green spaces. As part of the management of the VSN the Specialist will also be responsible for the continued oversight of the Thrive Outside Chicago network and support its integration with the VSN. This includes advancing strategies that build capacity for local organizations working to connect communities (e.g. south and west sides of Chicago) with nature and outdoor programming in the Chicago area. This position reports directly to the Director of Community Partnerships and Engagement and works closely with multiple TNC preserve and support staff to achieve desired program deliverables and outcomes.

In this role you will be:

• Responsible for the development implementation and management of the Volunteer Stewardship Network including budgeting strategic planning and delivering grantmaking and capacity building programs that support volunteer stewardship groups and community-based organizations and leaders in strategic areas across the state.

• Developing and maintaining strategic partnerships with attention to building relationships with a focus to connect TNC programs and preserves with local community-based organizations and stewardship groups.

• Incorporating community-based conservation strategies to increase access address barriers and support capacity building for strategic partners to support local conservation efforts and access to nature projects.

• Overseeing the Thrive Outside Chicago program through its integration with the Volunteer Stewardship Network while working with support staff to sustain local and national network partner relationships.

• Strengthening and expand existing strategies related to community-based conservation and volunteer stewardship.

• Responsible for project management of multiple community engagement programs while utilizing support staff and working with internal and external partners to achieve program outcomes.

This is a hybrid position that reports to the Chicago Field Office averaging two days a week with the exception of when time is spent in the field. Must be willing to travel frequently to meet with partners across the greater Chicago land area with some occasional travel to TNC programs and preserves throughout the state.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary administrative and professional staff to achieve desired program outcomes.

• 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 and assisting with budget development.

• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• Under minimal supervision makes independent decisions 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.

What Youll Bring:

• BA/BS in a related field and 5 years experience in conservation partnership building and/or community engagement or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience negotiating complex agreements.

• Supervisory experience preferred.

• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.

• Experience using common software applications including but not limited to Zoom Microsoft Suite and Google Suites.

• Experience in training and curriculum design.

• Grant administration experience including creating proposals and reports.

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

• Experience managing complex or multiple projects including staffing workloads and finances under deadlines.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience managing and administering grantmaking and capacity building programs.

• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in community engagement conservation and natural resource management.

• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of partners i.e. conservation and land management agencies community-based organizations and volunteer groups.

• Strong project management experience working across various programs to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s) and desired outcomes.

• Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with program partners.

• Knowledge and understanding of the City of Chicago and Cook Countys political cultural and environmental NGO landscape.

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page 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 employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $77500 $83000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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.

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 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 and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of 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.

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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.