JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE
JOB FAMILY
JOB NUMBER
SALARY GRADE
STATUS
DATE
SUMMARY
North America Risk Reduction and Resilience Project Manager
Science or Conservation
42781
8
Salaried
January 16, 2015
Oversees and helps manage a multi-faceted program to build the case for use of natural infrastructure in flood and storm risk
management. The overall goal of this work is to help mainstream the use of natural infrastructure within flood and storm
management programs and policies. In collaboration with TNC staff and partners, synthesizes and develops case studies in the
use of natural infrastructure from across the country, including both TNC projects and projects of partners and communities.
Work includes a focus on use of natural infrastructure within urban areas and how such practices can benefit disadvantaged and
vulnerable sectors of society. Helps to coordinate this project with other activities across TNC and to support internal TNC
business planning and management activities.
This work includes developing information, stories and communications to communicate the value of natural infrastructure to
communities, decision-makers and key business sectors. The project will also include working to develop guidance for
communities on how to scope and site natural infrastructure projects. This position provides project management and support to
the Conservancy’s North America Risk Reduction and Resilience (RRR) Priority. This is a two-year position with the possibility
of extension, depending on funding availability.
ESSENTIAL
FUNCTIONS
This position will serve as both a project lead of TNC staff working on this project and a principle contact to leaders in business
and government, other non-governmental organizations, foundations and the academic community. The person will work in
conjunction with RRR program managers to partner with other organizations in order to identify the most powerful and
convincing case studies of how natural infrastructure can provide a broad range of benefits to communities, including reducing
the risk from storms and floods. This will require working across TNC and with partners to gather technical and economic
information, and narratives stories, to help build the case and communicate this information in ways that resonate with key
audiences. The work requires comfort with understanding and communicating technical issues and to diverse audiences. S/he
leads and manages a team, over whom there is no direct authority, to build support for use of natural infrastructure in coastal and
freshwater systems.
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RESPONSIBILITIES
& SCOPE
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MINIMUM
QUALIFICATIONS
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Helps coordinate and lead a team comprised of staff from different operating units to implement all aspects of this project,
including directly undertaking major elements of the work.
Compiles information, data, and narratives to build compelling stories that are strongly supported by data and information.
Coordinates multi-faceted project, developing workplans, setts realistic deadlines and managing timeframes.
Experience working in a matrix management work environment.
Gain cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish program goals.
Regularly communicates verbally and in writing to TNC management and other related programs informed of project
activities and needs and fulfill other organizational responsibilities.
Ability to work well with a wide variety of people, including community, business and governmental leaders.
Demonstrate advanced communication and presentation skills.
Works with others to develop strategic communications plan to reach key audiences as identified by the North America Risk
Reduction and Resilient team.
Cultivates and develops creative ideas to improve project outcomes.
Manages program to remain within budget and on time.
Adapt or modify plans and initiatives in response to changing circumstances.
Makes independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, ambiguous information, experience and judgment.
May require frequent travel domestically and evening and weekend hours.
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 and partners.
Team management experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance of large,
distributed, multi-disciplinary teams.
Experience developing partnerships (partners, community, government).
Negotiation skills.
Excellent communication skills via written, spoken and graphical means, including communicating technical and economic
information to non-technical audiences.
Experience collecting, manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting scientific data and preparing reports of findings.
Demonstrated experience communicating effectively with the public and/or media.
Experience to complete tasks independently, including managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while
delivering quality results.
PREFERRED
KNOWLEDGE,
SKILLS &
EXPERIENCE
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MA/MS or other advanced degree.
Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives.
Politically savvy and experienced in partnership development (partners, community, government).
Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical information for conservation purposes.
Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
Understanding of the benefits of natural infrastructure for risk reduction and resilience and other ecosystem services.
Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout
the organization.
Accountability for
Outcomes
Builds
Organizational
Capability
Collaboration &
Teamwork
ORGANIZATIONAL
COMPETENCIES
Communications
Courage &
Decisiveness
Flexibility &
Innovation
Influences for
Results
Open to Learning
Organizational
Awareness
Pushes for excellence. Establishes challenging goals for self and others to drive performance in support of
the Conservancy’s mission. Rewards behavior that achieves these standards and is aligned with the
organization’s mission/ values. Takes action to address performance problems in a timely and appropriate
manner.
Builds or adapts organizational structures to accomplish the mission and to improve performance. This
includes reorganizing organizational systems, structures, processes, procedures, communication channels
or reporting relationships. With the Conservancy’s strategic filter in mind, determines who can contribute,
gets the right people involved, and builds bench strength for the future.
Shows a willingness to put the needs and goals of a global organization before personal/local/departmental
needs. Works with others across organizational boundaries. Makes decisions, sets priorities, and allocates
resources to help the organization as a whole achieve results.
Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing. Actively listens to others. Fosters open exchange
of issues. Is timely with information.
Makes decisions and stands by them. Makes timely decisions even under pressure and when lacking
complete information. Has the courage to modify decisions and admit why and how they were wrong.
Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work. Takes calculated risks
and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Achieves results by persuading, convincing, or influencing others. Adapts approach to the individual or
group and knows how and when to use complex influence strategies. Uses success stories and passion for
the mission to generate enthusiasm and support.
Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement. Employs strengths effectively. Willingly shares
knowledge with others. Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement. Adjusts behavior/performance as
needed. Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Understands the basics of our business. Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to
the overall strategy. Knows how/why things work inside TNC. Easily moves through internal networks
and channels for success.
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.