Director of Conservation & Public Stewardship

Cleveland-Museum-of-Natural-Histor; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History seeks a Director of Conservation to provide strategic leadership for its Natural Areas program, overseeing 12,500 acres of museum-managed land and guiding conservation science, land protection, and community engagement.

The role coordinates with research, education, and public programming, builds partnerships with universities and conservation groups, and leads fundraising efforts to support environmental initiatives.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in conservation or related field.
• Significant conservation, ecological research, or environmental stewardship experience in Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership managing teams and complex programs.
• Fundraising and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience leading strategic initiatives or program development.
• Strong communication to translate science for the public.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations and researchers.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for conservation and natural areas programs.
• Implement conservation priorities outlined in strategic plans.
• Integrate conservation with research, education, and public engagement.
• Lead long-term stewardship across approximately 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report conservation outcomes.
• Secure major gifts and grants with philanthropy team.
• Represent the museum in partnerships and public fundraising.
• Oversee land management, staff, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with best practices and legal frameworks.
• Align conservation with exhibitions and educational programs.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic initiatives

Communication

Partnership building

Education

Advanced degree in conservation or related field

Job description

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History seeks a Director of Conservation to provide strategic leadership for its Natural Areas program, overseeing 12,500 acres of museum-managed land and guiding conservation science, land protection, and community engagement.

The role coordinates with research, education, and public programming, builds partnerships with universities and conservation groups, and leads fundraising efforts to support environmental initiatives.