Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner

The Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner functions as a leader and conservation strategist for a large, complex business unit in a global organization that plays an integral leadership role in TNC’s Midwest Division. The Midwest Division encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin—a region of Great Lakes, great rivers and immense global importance for conserving biodiversity, tackling climate change, and protecting lands and waters as outlined in TNC’s 2030 goals. In addition to representing Michigan and the Midwest, this position must also be versed in national and global TNC priorities.

This position will be a key leader in a global fundraising campaign and is responsible for producing measurable conservation results, while leading a large, multidisciplinary team of professionals across the state. They serve as the primary spokesperson for TNC in Michigan to internal and external audiences (including public and private donors, media, the business community, the Michigan Board of Trustees, community leaders and other partners, government agencies and officials and staff). They cultivate those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner sets objectives and manages the performance of a large and collaborative team with a focus on strategy development, fundraising and managing the Board of Trustees. They work together across teams as they cultivate and solicit high-level donors (private and public) to meet fundraising goals. Additionally, this role supports conservation programs and initiatives, organization visibility, policy and government relations, the management of staff and the financial health of the business unit.

The Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner also collaborates with peer Midwest Executive Directors and the Midwest Division Director (known as the Midwest Board of Partners) in helping shape the strategy, development and execution of cross-boundary efforts within the Midwest and globally, including the contribution of financial and human resources. Along with other members of the Midwest Board of Partners, the Michigan Executive Director supports the Midwest 2030 conservation goals, and sponsors one or more conservation strategy and functional area teams at the regional level. They help align their team’s work to secure and deploy sufficient resources and capacity to achieve the Midwest’s maximum contribution to TNC’s 2030 conservation goals.

The Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner creates a healthy work environment for all TNC staff in the state and supports coordinated staff development across the region. This position reports to the Midwest Division Director and works in partnership with the Midwest Board of Partners and the Michigan Board of Trustees.

Location:  Within Michigan, preference for the greater Lansing, Ann Arbor, Detroit, or Grand Rapids areas.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional leadership skills, with a strong background in high-level fundraising. They must be a compelling storyteller and talented communicator who can successfully use these talents to fundraise, build consensus and speak about TNC’s mission, vision and work—from state, regional and global perspective. This role must be able to effectively engage a wide range of partners, while constantly building and engaging the volunteer Board of Trustees.

This position requires a person with deep self-confidence tempered by genuine humility. They must have an ambitious yet collaborative nature. They must be very high-energy, intelligent, abstract thinkers willing to take bold, calculated risks while balancing the need to make transparent decisions in a matrixed and sometimes ambiguous environment. They must have very high emotional intelligence and be compassionate but also able to make tough decisions while being equitable, fair and inclusive.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of Michigan and the Midwest.

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.

• Extensive management experience, including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage the performance of a large multidisciplinary team.

• Proven experience in cultivating and soliciting high-level donors to reach fundraising goals, which is a priority for this position.

• Written and verbal fluency in English.

• Effective presentation and communication skills for diverse audiences, including high-level donors, the media, the business community, board members, outside partners, staff or equivalent that lead to desired outcomes.

• Experience with strategic fiscal management, including long-term sustainability.

• Seven to 10 years of experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, nonprofit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting organizational, divisional or business unit goals.

• Experience working in the U.S. and globally preferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy.

• Outstanding leadership skills, including thought-leadership, visionary qualities and the ability to inspire others in a decentralized, geographically dispersed and highly matrixed organization.

• Knowledge of conservation and conservation practices.

• High energy, forward-thinking and creative individual with high ethical standards.

• Proven strategic thinking skills, creative problem-solving, adept decision-making, adaptability and ability to collaborate and influence.

• Demonstrated experience in public speaking on behalf of a global organization with the capability to present on a wide range of science-based and conservation topics desired.

• A strong network of local, regional and national contacts that include leaders from philanthropic, business and communities relevant to our conservation work.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s 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 employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $185,000 - $218,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's 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 Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll 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.
We’re 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 Conservancy's background screening process.
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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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.