Data and Science Director (Australia)

The Nature Conversancy; Sydney; Remote; AUD 155,000 - 173,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Flexible work environment

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in Australia is seeking a Data and Science Director to provide senior scientific, technical and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives. You will lead Data, Science and MEL, manage a multidisciplinary team, and ensure decisions are grounded in robust science and credible impact evidence.

This enterprise role supports conservation teams and leadership, overseeing data governance, research translation to policy, and funding initiatives across Australia.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a relevant science or technical discipline.
• 4+ years manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
• Record of peer reviewed publications.
• Experience fundraising or writing grants.
• Experience communicating with diverse stakeholders.
• Significant leadership of science, data or MEL functions in complex organisations.
• People management and capability development experience.
• Experience managing multi-stakeholder programs and deliverables.
• Strong track record applying science to conservation outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Data, Science and MEL functions for TNC Australia; align with strategic priorities.
• Manage governance of science and data infrastructure, including governance and reporting.
• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team; workforce planning and recruitment.
• Advise leadership on scientific quality and policy translation; represent in external forums.
• Support funding proposals and internal funding mechanisms; manage risks and complex partnerships.
• Work in variable conditions, including remote locations and challenging environments.

Skills

Statistical data analysis

Environmental data interpretation

Wide range communication

Leadership experience

Science to policy translation

Education

Master’s degree in science/technical discipline

PhD in scientific discipline (or equivalent)

Tools

R

Python

Job description

This position is for a fixed-term (14 month) maternity leave replacement. It is part of the TNC Australia Business Unit, headquartered in Melbourne, but with geographically dispersed team who primarily work from home. Therefore, this role can be based anywhere in Australia, with occasional travel required. A part-time position may be negotiated for the right candidate.

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on‑ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling the twin crises facing our planet – climate change and biodiversity loss.

One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 80 countries, including all 50 states of USA, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more about our global organisation, visit www.nature.org.

The Nature Conservancy first commenced operations in Australia in 2002. Since that time TNC Australia has grown significantly and now conducts projects in all Australian states and territories. To learn more about our work in Australia visit www.natureaustralia.org.au.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Data and Science Director (Australia) provides senior scientific, technical and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives and programs across TNC Australia. The role leads the Data, Science and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) functions, manages and develops a multidisciplinary team, and ensures that conservation strategies are underpinned by robust science, high‑quality data and credible evidence of impact. The position operates at an enterprise level, supporting conservation teams and organisational leadership through systems leadership, program oversight and organisational accountability.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Data and Science Director (Australia) oversees the strategic governance, collection and management of data supporting conservation strategies and programs across TNC Australia and is accountable for the quality, integrity and currency of data submitted to TNC’s global reporting platforms, including The Hub. The role leads the classification of targets, assessment of data and evidence, and application of science to prioritise conservation interventions at scale. The position provides senior oversight of scientific research, analysis and reporting, and leads the development of science‑based proposals and programs that strengthen organisational decision‑making, accountability and impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Leads the Data, Science and MEL functions for TNC Australia, ensuring alignment with Conservation by Design, organisational priorities and global standards. Contributes to enterprise decision‑making through senior leadership forums including the Conservation Management Team and the Australia Operations Team, and leads organisation‑wide initiatives across culture, systems and governance. Identifies and addresses strategic risks and opportunities related to science, data quality and evidence of impact.
• Owns and manages a portfolio of complex programs spanning science, data systems, MEL and performance reporting, and oversees governance of organisational science and data infrastructure, including quality, compliance and audit readiness. Leads high‑risk organisational deliverables such as global reporting and data quality initiatives, and holds program‑level responsibility for the Barbara Thomas Fellowship and related initiatives, including programme design, partnerships, selection processes and oversight of Fellows.
• Leads and develops a multidisciplinary team, setting priorities, managing performance and building capability across the Business Unit. Oversees workforce planning, recruitment, role design and succession, and provides leadership for funded, fellowship‑supported and project‑embedded roles.
• Acts as a senior scientific authority, advising leadership and teams on scientific quality and application, representing TNC Australia in external scientific, academic and government forums, and overseeing applied research outputs and translation of science into policy and practice.
• Provides scientific leadership for funding proposals and internal funding mechanisms, secures and stewards funding through robust science and defensible impact claims, manages organisational and reputational risk associated with scientific outputs and public claims, and oversees complex vendor, partner and grant arrangements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, in hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant science or technical discipline and 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data.
• Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals.
• 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.
• Demonstrated people management experience, including team leadership and capability development.
• Experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder programs and organisational deliverables.
• Strong record of applying science to conservation outcomes and organisational decision‑making.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent depth of experience.
• Applied experience supporting conservation outcomes in one or more of TNC Australia’s strategy areas.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesise, interpret and communicate complex scientific information for diverse audiences.
• Experience working across matrixed, multidisciplinary or multinational environments.
• Applied experience in quantitative or analytical methods relevant to conservation, data or MEL, including proficiency in tools such as R, Python or similar.
• Experience contributing to funding strategy, proposal development, fellowship or catalytic science programs.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail, sound judgment and professional integrity.

ORGANIZATIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Builds Relationships: Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
• Communicates Authentically: Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
• Develops Others: Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviours, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
• Drives for Results: Sets challenging goals and objectives based on a strong sense of purpose and high-performance standards and steadfastly pushes self and others for tangible results, while ensuring work‑life balance.
• Leverages Difference: Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self‑awareness and behaviours to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholders. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.
• Systems Leadership: Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long‑term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large‑scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behaviour may be limiting change.

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 people of all genders with 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, colours, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.

This position is for a fixed-term (14 month) maternity leave replacement. It is part of the TNC Australia Business Unit, headquartered in Melbourne, but with geographically dispersed team who primarily work from home. Therefore, this role can be based anywhere in Australia, with occasional travel required. A part‑time position may be negotiated for the right candidate.

Salary Range: $155,000 - $173,000 per annum plus superannuation.

Who We Are:

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.

What We Bring:

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‑ranging 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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well‑being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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.

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 [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.