Job Description
Position Title:
Rio Grande Water Fund Director
Job ID:
43294
Location:
New Mexico
Full/Part Time:
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary:
Regular
OFFICE LOCATION
Santa Fe, New Mexico (NM)
WORK WITH US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact
around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951,
the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends.
Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible
employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also
provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a
culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the
workplace and beyond.
POSITION SUMMARY
Securing water supply for nature and people is central to The Nature Conservancy’s near and long-term
goals. Towards that end, the Conservancy is helping to create and scale-up Water Funds around the
world. Water Funds are governance and financial mechanisms organized around the central principle of
watershed conservation. For the promise of a continuous supply of clean water, downstream users
(e.g., municipalities, utilities, companies) direct payments to upstream communities (e.g., farmers,
ranchers) and land preservation organizations, to finance long-term ecological restoration and
protection efforts within their source watersheds.
The Rio Grande Water Fund was established in 2014 to help restore forested watersheds that are
important water sources for New Mexico, including downstream cities and farms. The Nature
Conservancy is seeking a Rio Grande Water Fund Director to implement the program’s Comprehensive
Plan and lead and sustain program implementation, which includes overseeing all aspects of protection,
science, stewardship and community relations for the Rio Grande Water Fund. The ideal candidate will
combine expertise in project management, conservation strategy development, financial and economic
analysis and/or wood biomass utilization; and be able to negotiate meaningful partnerships with external
partners and investors, including impact capital, provide staff team leadership, and oversee and
communicate accountability measures.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Rio Grande Water Fund Director will bring sophisticated project management, financial, and
economic analysis experience and expertise to the final design, implementation and management of the
Rio Grande Water Fund. The program director will work with partners to attract or develop new business
to utilize the wood biomass by-products of forest thinning treatments; collaborate with stakeholder
agencies, organizations and investors to develop sustainable financing for the Rio Grande Water Fund;
maintain strong partnerships with diverse external collaborators and multi-cultural, multi-sector
stakeholders; provide leadership for the Rio Grande Water Fund staff team of scientists, program
managers, philanthropy and marketers; provide program oversight, management, and accountability for
results to donors and investors; and work with other TNC staff units and their partners to export the
lessons learned.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
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Directs, implements, manages and expands the cross-sectoral, multi-jurisdictional, complex
Rio Grande Water Fund initiative, including implementation of the Rio Grande Water Fund
Comprehensive Plan.
Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget and provides
accountability to Rio Grande Water Fund investors.
Writes proposals for grant/contract funding or responds to requests for proposals (RFP) for the
program.
Frequently makes independent, evidence-based strategic decisions to achieve near and longterm milestones.
Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.
Ensures the programmatic work is collaborative and well-integrated across the field office and
with the broad array of partners, stakeholders and signatories to the Rio Grande Water Fund.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT
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Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous
terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of
education and experience.
Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and
coordinating the work of other professionals, partners, and internal and external stakeholders.
Experience developing partnerships (partners, community,
government).
Exceptional negotiation and communication skills.
Experience in at least one of the following: forest management, water management, or
conservation finance in either the private sector or a leading conservation organization or
government entity.
Education, training, and/or experience with freshwater and forest conservation issues.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice, forest management, water management, or
conservation finance, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Track-record of taking initiative, growing programs, and a desire to take on increasing
independence and responsibility.
Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and
plans.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in forest products or water utility management, and
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with water funds or payment for ecosystem services.
Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for
conservation purposes.
Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
Experience leading teams or supervising staff, including motivating, leading, setting objectives
and managing team or individual performance.
Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities.
Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English. Fluency desirable.
Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community,
government).
Track record of collaboration within a matrixed organization.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the
Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
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.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply to position number 43294, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications
must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 26, 2105.
Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future
submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required
fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.
If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact
applyhelp@tnc.org.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by
the leadership and contributions of men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture.
Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.