Data & Science Director (Australia) - Flexible, Remote

The Nature Conservancy Limited (Australia); Melbourne; Remote; AUD 155,000 - 173,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy Limited (Australia) is seeking a Data and Science Director (Australia) for a fixed-term maternity leave replacement. The role leads data, science and MEL functions, guiding evidence-based conservation across Australia with a dispersed team and flexible location.

Based in Australia with home-based work and occasional travel; a PhD or equivalent depth plus strong leadership in complex organisations is preferred. Salary range reflects senior level.

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, analysing 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.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Data, Science and MEL functions for TNC Australia and ensure alignment with global standards.
• Lead governance of data infrastructure, including global reporting and data quality initiatives.
• Provide senior scientific leadership, advise on policy translation and external engagement.
• Develop science-based proposals and programs to strengthen organisational decision-making.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team and workforce planning across the unit.
• Secure and steward funding through grants and strategic partnerships.
• Represent TNC Australia in external scientific, academic and government forums.

Skills

Experience manipulating, analyzing and

Fundraising / grants

Communication with diverse audiences

Leadership in science/data/MEL

People management

Managing complex programs

Applying science to conservation

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant science/technical discipline

PhD in a relevant scientific discipline

Tools

R

Python

Job description

The Nature Conservancy Limited (Australia) is seeking a Data and Science Director (Australia) for a fixed-term maternity leave replacement. The role leads data, science and MEL functions, guiding evidence-based conservation across Australia with a dispersed team and flexible location.

Based in Australia with home-based work and occasional travel; a PhD or equivalent depth plus strong leadership in complex organisations is preferred. Salary range reflects senior level.