Chief Conservation & Biodiversity Steward

Cleveland Museum of Natural History; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Director of Conservation at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio leads the Natural Areas program, guiding conservation science, land protection, stewardship, and community engagement across 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.

This senior role integrates conservation with research, education, and public programming, oversees a small team, builds partnerships with universities and conservation groups, and drives strategic initiatives to advance biodiversity and

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.
• Significant experience in conservation, ecological research, or environmental stewardship in Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex environmental programs.
• Fundraising and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience implementing strategic initiatives or leading program development.
• Strong communication skills translating scientific work for public audiences.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, researchers, and conservation stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the museum’s conservation and natural areas programs.
• Guide development and execution of long-term stewardship plans across ~12,500 acres of land.
• Integrate conservation with research, education, and public engagement.
• Lead and supervise the Natural Areas Department and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strengthen connections between conservation work and scientific research initiatives.
• Represent the museum publicly in partnerships, fundraising, and community outreach.
• Assess staffing, program development, and resource needs for conservation initiatives.
• Oversee conservation programs (fieldwork, biodiversity initiatives, climate science as needed).

Job description

The Director of Conservation at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in Cleveland, Ohio leads the Natural Areas program, guiding conservation science, land protection, stewardship, and community engagement across 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.

This senior role integrates conservation with research, education, and public programming, oversees a small team, builds partnerships with universities and conservation groups, and drives strategic initiatives to advance biodiversity and