Australia Data & Science Director - Maternity Leave

The Nature Conservancy; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 155,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy (Australia) seeks a Data and Science Director to provide senior scientific and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives and programs across TNC Australia.

You will lead the Data, Science and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) functions, manage a multidisciplinary team, and ensure decisions are underpinned by robust science, high‑quality data and credible impact evidence.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant science or technical discipline with 4 years of experience.
• Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
• Record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Significant experience leading science, data or MEL functions within complex organisations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Data, Science and MEL functions for TNC Australia, ensuring alignment with Conservation by Design, organisational priorities and global standards.
• Oversee governance of organisational science and data infrastructure, including quality, compliance and audit readiness.
• Lead high‑risk organisational deliverables such as global reporting and data quality initiatives, and oversee Fellows programs.
• Develop and mentor a multidisciplinary team, managing performance and capability development.

Skills

Science leadership

Data analysis

Team leadership

Grant writing

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant science or technical discipline

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Nature Conservancy (Australia) seeks a Data and Science Director to provide senior scientific and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives and programs across TNC Australia.

You will lead the Data, Science and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) functions, manage a multidisciplinary team, and ensure decisions are underpinned by robust science, high‑quality data and credible impact evidence.