Program Project Manager

The Program Project Manager will provide strategic project and program support for high-priority work including OKR initiatives, Conservation Portfolio Management priorities, and/or other priorities defined by TNC’s Executive Leadership. Using proven team management and project management approaches, they will help senior leaders and client teams clarify purpose, structure ambiguous work, align stakeholders, establish governance and decision pathways, and translate strategic intent into executable plans for medium- to large-scale, complex initiatives that often span departments, programs, and geographies.   

The Program Project Manager II will execute fundamental project and program management activities, working with high-priority client teams to define outcomes, success measures, scope, roles, decision rights, risks, dependencies, workstreams, budgets, metrics, schedules, and escalation points with input and buy-in from key stakeholders and team members. They will ensure that project plans incorporate necessary change management activities to mitigate change risks and ensure the adoption of new behaviors required for project success. They will serve as a strategic project management resource and coach, helping clients critically assess the problem to be solved, make trade-offs, anticipate system-level implications, and ensure plans are actionable, sequenced, resourced, and clearly connected to enterprise priorities.

They will develop, configure, or improve practical systems, tools, dashboards, and business processes that create transparency and decision support. These solutions will help teams (1) translate strategy into realistic plans, (2) coordinate execution across functions, (3) identify risks, dependencies, and blockers early, and (4) transparently report progress for learning, accountability, escalation, and problem-solving. They will support teams in adopting and sustaining these tools and practices.

The Program Project Manager II will build governance rhythms, sponsor decision points, and go/no-go decisions into project plans. After the initial set up and structuring of the team’s strategy or project, the Project Manager II may help the client team identify and recruit a long- term Program or Project Manager or short-term Acting Program and Project manager, allowing the Project Manager II to move on to working with a pipeline of high-priority teams needing upfront structuring, planning, and alignment support. As needed and available, at times the Program Project Manager II may re-engage with clients to support risk management, issue resolution, conflict management, decision facilitation, and collaboratively solve complex problems.

They will utilize organizationally approved program, project, and change management methodologies and processes and ensure organizational standards are met. They will act as a master resource to other staff and project managers to provide project management guidance, coaching, training, and expertise.

They will travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed (working outside of normal business hours at least once or twice a week when supporting teams outside their time zones). Their work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience leading complex, cross-functional, multi-disciplinary work in highly matrixed environments, especially where the path forward is ambiguous and stakeholder alignment is essential.

The ideal candidate is a strategic project manager who can create clarity, structure decisions, connect work to organizational priorities, and drive disciplined execution without relying on positional authority. They should bring exceptional communication, synthesis, facilitation, collaboration, and stakeholder-management skills, with experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects or programs. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen TNC’s ability to translate strategy into durable, mission-aligned results.

• Be an expert consultant in the organization’s project management method and bring that expertise to high-priority programs and projects;

• Act independently and in supervisor’s stead, as needed; exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems;

• Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional, cross-geography, and cross-organizational teams towards a desired outcome;

• Drives effective partnership between Project Management and Change Management; 

• Ensures that project plans address people-side and change management needs;

• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information; 

• Develop and implement the organization’s project management excellence initiative that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved;

• Consult with client teams in ensuring programmatic commitments, Conservancy policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance; decisions may bind the organization financially or legally;

• Consult with client teams to manage project budgets and assist with budget development related to strategic projects;

• Coach client teams to manage and implement multiple complex projects, including managing project teams, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability;

• May manage or participate in complex negotiations;

• Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed;

• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain;

• Work is varied and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines; and

• Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years related experience or equivalent combination; 

• 5 years of project management experience or 3 years acting as a project lead;

• Completed coursework or other training on project management principles;

• Direct experience working on and experience consulting on managing and tracking multiple projects, managing and implementing complex processes time management; 

• Experience managing project teams and working with cross-functional staff;

• Experience managing scheduling and logistical aspects of medium to large projects that range from short to long term; and directly using and consulting on project management techniques and tools.

• Experience working with a highly matrixed, decentralized and collaborative organization. 

• Experience meeting time sensitive deadlines. 

• Experience training staff on how to effectively engage with internal and external parties.  

• Credentialed certification in Highly Effective Teams® (HET) or Project Management Professional (PMP) or equivalent program;

• Experience with applying Change Management best practices on projects or partnering with a Change Manager to ensure effective Change Management; 

• Familiarity with standard Organizational Change Management practices, models, and deliverables; 

• Reputable Change Management certification or designation or formal education/training in Change Management;

• Ability to use project management software (e.g., Smartsheet or equivalent database system) or the ability to quickly learn new software.

• Critical analytical thinking and excellent English writing skills;

• Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise, executive-ready materials;

• Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade without direct authority;

• Experience translating ambiguous objectives into clear outcomes, decision points, workplans, governance structures, and delivery pathways;

• Experience facilitating alignment among senior leaders, sponsors, cross-functional teams, and stakeholders with differing perspectives or priorities;

• Experience identifying and managing system-level risks, dependencies, trade-offs, escalation needs, and organizational implications across complex initiatives;

• Experience connecting project or program execution to strategic outcomes, benefits realization, change adoption, portfolio visibility, or enterprise priorities;

• Ability to write and speak in a language other than English, such as Spanish, Portuguese, French or Chinese, highly desirable.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences;

• NGO experience

• Ability to acquire quick fluency in the client’s global strategy or Business Unit strategy

• Familiarity and knowledge related to business, governmental, and/or environmental policy and practices pertaining to the global strategy or Business Unit area of focus.

• Experience supervising interns and/or volunteers;

• Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches; 

• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data;

• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $91,000- $121,500. 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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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.