Strategy Lead, BC Improved Forest Management

The Nature Conservancy; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 126,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Nature United seeks a Strategy Lead for BC Improved Forest Management (IFM) to guide an overarching strategy transforming forest management in British Columbia. You will work with interdisciplinary teams and First Nations, governments, and the forest sector to advance Nature United’s 2030 conservation goals.

The role requires systems thinking, strong partnership skills, and experience shaping policy and financing solutions to enable conservation at scale.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation and/or resource management.
• Experience managing complex projects and coordinating work of partners.
• Experience in partnership development with First Nations, non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience in forest and natural resource management policy in BC.

Responsibilities

• Lead the IFM strategy to transform forest management in BC and advance Nature United’s 2030 goals.
• Define success indicators and track progress toward 2030 IFM goals.
• Collaborate with First Nations, governments, forest sector, and funders to align priorities.
• Coordinate with other Strategy Leads to ensure alignment, learning, and scale of conservation impact.
• Collaborate on budgeting, work planning, risk management, and adaptive management systems.

Skills

Systems thinking

Partnership development

Policy awareness

Strategic leadership

Education

BA/BS degree

7 years’ experience in conservation and/or resource management

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together

Flexible in British Columbia, Canada

Nature United is seeking a Strategy Lead, BC Improved Forest Management (IFM) who is a strategic, collaborative, and systems minded leader to guide our IFM Strategy in British Columbia. This role will drive efforts to transform forest management across the province to support a resilient forest-based economy while advancing Nature United’s 2030 improved forest management and conservation goals in BC. This includes work aimed at aligning conservation and forest management with the needs and interests of First Nations, strengthening resilient local economies, and prioritizing biodiversity and ecosystem health in land use and management decision making. The Strategy Lead, IFM will be responsible for leading the team advancing this work in British Columbia and working collaboratively with other Strategy Leads and interdisciplinary teams to ensure alignment and amplify impact.

There are two main components to the IFM strategy: 1) A portfolio of place-based projects where Nature United partners directly with First Nations to support conservation and improved forest management. These projects generate real world models, learning, and evidence about what works—and what does not—as well as create outcomes in place that benefit people and nature; 2) The strategy is complemented by work to strengthen the enabling conditions required for change at scale. This includes shaping supportive policy, advancing innovative financing solutions, and cultivating strong relationships with First Nations, government, the forest sector, NGOs, and other key partners.

This role is ideal for a systems thinker who understands both the technical and relational dimensions of conservation and forest management. The Strategy Lead, BC IFM will help chart a new path for BC’s forest-based economy and secure critical conservation outcomes towards Nature United’s 2030 goals.

Responsibilities And Scope

Strategy Leadership and Direction

• Reporting to the BC Program Director, this role will lead the Improved Forest Management (IFM) Strategy to transform forest management in British Columbia and advance Nature United’s 2030 goals.
• Provide overall strategic direction for IFM, including ownership and refinement of the IFM Theory of Change through periodic strategy reviews.

Performance and Adaptive Management

• Work with the metrics team to define success indicators and implement systems for tracking progress toward 2030 IFM goals.
• Identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities across conservation, forestry, climate, policy, and Indigenous rights, and adjust strategic direction accordingly.

Partnerships, Policy, and External Alignment

• Collaborate with Nature United’s strategic partnerships, philanthropy, and communications teams to align IFM strategy with priorities of First Nations, governments, the forest sector, and funders.
• Partner with the BC Policy Advisor to advance enabling policy conditions that support Indigenous-led conservation and improved forest management.
• Represent Nature United’s IFM Strategy internally and externally, building support among ENGOs, funders, governments, and industry partners.

Portfolio Integration and Cross-Team Coordination

• Work closely with the BC Conservation Portfolio Manager, Forest and Climate Strategist, and other Strategy Leads to ensure alignment, foster learning, and improve implementation.
• Foster integration across strategies and geographies, including collaboration with Emerald Edge and Columbia Basin programs, to strengthen organizational learning, align priorities, and scale conservation impact.

Finance and Operations

• Collaborate with the BC Program Project Manager on budgeting, work planning, risk management, and adaptive management systems.

Team Leadership and Culture

• Leads the IFM team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture that supports growth, creativity, and wellbeing.
• Travel (approximately 10-20%) and work flexible hours as required.

We’re Looking For You

Are you looking for work you can believe in? Nature United is a workplace where we care about each other and know that what we do matters, and that our work makes a difference. We’re looking for someone who can lead the implementation of our IFM strategy, and work closely with the existing team. This person will represent Nature United’s work for a variety of internal and external audiences critical to the success of this strategy. The ideal candidate would have demonstrated experience in conservation, forestry, and have experience working with and across: First Nations, governments, industry and the conservation sector. Lastly, we’re looking for someone who has an affinity for systems thinking and sees the opportunity for change.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by supporting the work of our team. Join us as we impact conservation across British Columbia, Canada and 80+ countries and territories around the globe!

What You’ll Bring

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in conservation and/or resource management 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
• Experience in partnership development with First Nations, non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience in forest and natural resource management policy in BC

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in systems thinking
• Familiarity with Indigenous rights context in BC and Canada
• Experience negotiating complex agreements with governments and the private sector
• Team leadership experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and supporting team performance and well-being.

Salary Information

This position is based in British Columbia, Canada. The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is within the range of $126,000 - $136,000 CAD for annual base salary. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate’s location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

Nature United’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

Nature United offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!