Utah State Director

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks its next Utah State Director to lead the Utah Business Unit (BU) and serve as a partner with colleagues in TNCs Western US and Canada Division as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals.

This role is based in Salt Lake City Utah or within commuting distance. This role is primarily in-person with some flexibility for hybrid.

With 24 staff across the state a 22-member volunteer board and a strong conservation agenda in place this role offers a unique opportunity to help shape a resilient future for Utah the Western US and the globe.

The Utah State Director functions as the visionary leader senior manager and principal ambassador for the Utah Business Unit (BU). Some of the current strategic conservation initiatives that the Utah State Director will lead include 1) restoring and protecting Great Salt Lake 2) advancing water security across the Colorado River Basin 3) conserving the Sagebrush Sea 4) supporting resilience in western dry forests and 5) advancing climate and renewable energy solutions. They are accountable for the BUs success in implementing TNCs conservation approach producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the BUs responsibilities and contribute intellectual financial and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. They support the alignment of activities by securing coordinating and configuring resources capacity and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects threats and strategies. They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC both in their ecoregions or BU and in areas beyond their span of authority. They serve as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff volunteers the Board of Trustees public and private donors government agencies and officials Tribal leaders community leaders and other partners) and cultivate those audiences to support and promote TNCs mission and vision.

The Utah State Director oversees the leaders of policy/government relations fundraising and finance for the BU and partners with Division-wide leaders of marketing/communications finance conservation and HR. Leadership may include approving budgets setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals and supporting philanthropy resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals. They are responsible for a significant portion of the BUs direct fundraising.

In addition to their responsibilities leading and managing the Utah BU the Utah State Director serves on the Leadership Team for the Western US and Canada Division. The Divisions current priorities include cross-boundary system-scale initiatives in Indigenous-led Conservation major river restoration forest grassland and sagebrush steppe health climate and renewable energy and federal policy and public lands. The Utah State Director will lead fundraising efforts and deploy staff to support these Division-level initiatives. The Utah State Director plays a leadership role in local-to-global fundraising for The Nature Conservancy.

The Utah State Director reports to the Western US and Canada Division Director and works closely with the local Board of Trustees.

• Bachelors degree and minimum of 7 years of senior management experience or equivalent relevant combination.

• Leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary team with a proven ability to motivate manage set objectives and manage performance.

• Experience working and operating in Utah.

• Experience in natural resources and/or the environment more broadly.

• Strategic planning and systems thinking for large complex initiatives.

• Financial experience managing a multi-million-dollar budget.

• Experience communicating with and presenting to different types of audiences including donors board members employees and outside partners.

• Experience working with Tribal Nations and sovereign governments.

• Fluency in English; excellent written and oral communication skills.

• 7 to 10 years experience as a proven manager in the conservation arena non-profit sector advocacy or related for-profit area including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.

• General knowledge of the politics and natural resources of Utah and the Western US their conservation challenges and current management approaches.

• Experience in fundraising and commitment to increase program fundraising success in support of the Conservancys global regional and local priorities especially by identifying innovative forms of fundraising cultivating major donors and forging relationships and results in the Utah market.

• Experience building partnerships or multi-lateral agreements across business and/or government.

• Experience creating and fostering an environment that allows staff to feel empowered and creating a culture of trust fairness and career development.

• Experience developing collaborative partnerships with Tribal governments or Indigenous-led organizations.

• Experience cultivating effective interpersonal engagement and relationships in a global multicultural context and developing relationships to drive organizational outcomes.

• Proven skills in board development and recruitment for fundraising and influencing results.

• Exposure to policy influence and development.

• Navigating and managing within a global matrixed organization.

• Politically savvy.

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. 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 $190000 - $202000. 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.

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.

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.