Southern Ohio Program Manager

The Southern Ohio Program Manager is part of TNC’s Conservation Team and implements projects and programs that lead to measurable conservation outcomes on-the-ground while supporting visitor experience. They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results. 

The Program Manager is responsible for directing stewardship activities at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve and other southern Ohio preserves, and managing associated spatial data, ensuring high-quality visitor experiences, complying with Forest Stewardship Council certification standards, and managing a cohesive team to meet shared objectives. A key responsibility also involves effectively communicating our conservation mission to government officials and local citizens, while fostering engagement with regional partners and tribal communities connected to southern Ohio.

Additional duties include, but may not be limited to:

• Programmatic scope requires cross-boundary work and relationship management.          

• Manages multi-disciplinary staff, with responsibility for performance management, training and career development.

• Establishes clear directions and set stretch objectives for direct reports.

• Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals.

• Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and context.

• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• Negotiates and writes agreements and leases.

• Develops and manages budgets, negotiates and contracts with vendors, and supports fundraising and donor stewardship efforts.

• Performs and directs ecological management tasks such as biological monitoring, invasive species control, and fire management.

• Responds to public inquiries, attends public meetings and addresses complaints.

• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and uneven terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

To effectively conduct the essential functions of the position, the Program Manager is expected to live within a 30 minutes of the Edge of Appalachia, near West Union, Ohio, so they can respond to urgent and routine issues and events on the preserve, including but not limited to security, equipment failures, and other issues that arise. On-site housing is available, and we prefer the successful candidate will take advantage of this option.

Want to help save the planet? Through the efforts of The Nature Conservancy, 65,000 acres in Ohio have been conserved for people and nature.  We're looking for a collaborative partner who thrives in an environment based on fostering and building relationships within TNC, across the state chapter, and with external partners. That includes being comfortable networking with varied groups, such as: private landowners, conservation partners, local officials, donors, board members and the public to inspire support for the Conservancy’s priorities.

If this sounds like you, this is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

• BA/BS degree and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.

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

• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

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

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

• Experience with ArcGIS and ArcGIS Field Maps for data management.

• Cross cultural experience is appreciated.

• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities.

• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.

• Knowledge of ecological land management principles/restoration principles, including invasive species ecology, silviculture, and fire management.

• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

• Experience negotiating agreements. 

• Knowledge of fire as a prescribed management tool, and able to support implementation fire strategies as developed.

• Knowledge of flora and fauna of Appalachian Ohio.

• Ability to obtain required licenses or certifications, such as first aid, CPR, herbicide application, and driver’s license. 

• Ability to creatively leverage resources.

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 $74,000 - $78,000. 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.