Director, Conservation Technology

Defenders of Wildlife; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 143,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Defenders of Wildlife seeks a Director of Conservation Technology to lead the Center for Conservation Innovation. The role guides data science, geospatial analysis, AI, and environmental sensing to advance species recovery and conservation planning.

Reporting to the VP, Conservation Research and Innovation, you will manage a small team of scientists and developers, build partnerships, and translate technical insights into practical conservation solutions.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. masters) required; PhD preferred.
• At least 8 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years managing staff and leading complex interdisciplinary projects.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute.

Responsibilities

• Leads and develops a team of scientists and technologists.
• Guides data science and conservation technology program strategy and investments.
• Develops tools, dashboards, and decision-support resources for conservation outcomes.
• Builds partnerships with conservation organizations, agencies, Tribal partners, and technology companies.
• Translates complex findings for diverse audiences and stakeholders.

Skills

Data science

Geospatial analysis

Remote sensing

Artificial intelligence

Data visualization

Python

R

Cloud platforms

Project leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Advanced degree in a relevant field

PhD preferred

Tools

GIS

Python

R

Cloud platforms

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director, Conservation Technology

Regular Full-Time Washington, DC, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1032

Salary Range: $143,000.00 To $155,000.00 Annually

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Director, Conservation Technology

SALARY: $143,000 - $155,000

FLSA: Exempt

LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: VP, Conservation Research and Innovation

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 2

POSITION SUMMARY

Rapid advances in technology, from satellite remote sensing to artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, are transforming our ability to understand and protect wildlife. The Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) at Defenders of Wildlife is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Conservation Technology and help harness these advances to scale conservation impact.

Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation Research and Innovation, the Director is a leader within CCI responsible for guiding Defenders’ efforts to leverage data science, technology, and innovation to advance species recovery, conservation planning, conservation monitoring, and evaluation of conservation outcomes. They will lead, develop, and work alongside a small team of scientists and developers applying environmental data science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and other emerging technologies to strengthen wildlife conservation. This includes setting the team’s strategic direction and overseeing the development of innovative analytical approaches, decision-support tools, and technology-enabled conservation solutions.

Working closely with Defenders’ field, policy, and legal staff, as well as agency partners and other conservation practitioners, the Director will identify priority challenges and opportunities for innovation. Serving as a bridge between conservation practitioners and the research and technology communities, they will help identify, adapt, and deploy practical solutions that improve conservation outcomes and integrate them into Defenders’ legal, policy, and field-based efforts.

The ideal candidate is an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative leader driven by the opportunity to translate data and emerging technologies into real-world conservation solutions. They are a strategic thinker and effective communicator with experience leading interdisciplinary teams, building partnerships, and connecting conservation challenges with practical, high-impact technology solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads and develops a team of scientists and technologists:

• Oversees the planning, prioritization, and execution of the technology team’s portfolio of projects and initiatives.
• Supervises and mentors a small team of scientists, application developers, and occasional volunteers, providing guidance, professional development, and accountability for successful project delivery.
• Ensures direction from Defenders’ leadership, including the VP, is shared with and contextualized for supervisees.

Leads Defenders’ data science and conservation technology program:

• Guides Defenders' approach to data science and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities and helping prioritize investments and applications that advance conservation goals and align with organizational priorities.
• Serves as a bridge between conservation practitioners and the research and technology communities, connecting priority conservation challenges with innovative analytical and technology solutions.
• Advances organizational approaches, partnerships, and policies that support the responsible use and scaling of innovative conservation technologies.

Develops and delivers data-driven conservation solutions:

• Prototypes, develops, and deploys innovative tools, analyses, monitoring and evaluation systems, and decision-support resources that address wildlife conservation needs.
• Creates dashboards, visualizations, online applications, and other resources that communicate findings and support conservation practitioners.
• Translates technical concepts and findings for diverse audiences through communications, advocacy materials, media engagement, and public outreach.

Builds partnerships and advances collaboration:

• Cultivates partnerships with conservation organizations, government agencies, Tribal partners, technology companies, and other stakeholders to advance shared conservation goals.
• Represents Defenders at meetings, conferences, trainings, and other forums to share innovative approaches, strengthen partnerships, and facilitate adoption of CCI work products.

Travel Requirements: up to 5% of the time.

Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. masters) required; PhD preferred

Experience: At least 8 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years managing staff and leading complex interdisciplinary projects.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Director of Conservation Technology

Required skills :

• Demonstrated experience applying data science, geospatial analysis, computational methods, software development, or related disciplines to address conservation planning, recovery, or monitoring challenges.
• Ability to listen to conservation practitioners, identify opportunities for innovation, and connect real-world challenges with practical, scalable analytical and technology-enabled solutions.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams, including supervising staff and managing applied research, analytical, or technology programs.
• Technical expertise in GIS, R/Python, large and complex datasets, cloud-based platforms, remote sensing imagery, and data visualization tools. Experience evaluating and applying artificial intelligence is highly desirable.
• Experience building partnerships and collaborating effectively with conservation practitioners, agencies, Tribal partners, academic institutions, technology organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and other federal and state conservation policies relevant to species conservation, recovery, and management.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize opportunities, align technical work with organizational goals, and manage multiple initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts and analytical findings for decision-makers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Frequency

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Frequency

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Hazardous conditions.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 10 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is non-union eligible.