Director of Lands & Conservation Strategy

The Nature Conservancy (All); Chester (NJ); On-site; USD 114,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care

Flexible spending

401(k) match

Parental leave

Paid time off

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Employee assistance

Well-being benefits

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey seeks a Director of Lands to provide strategic leadership, drive land conservation and stewardship, and build strong partnerships with public and private partners to advance the chapter’s 2030 goals.

You will direct planning, partnerships, policy, on‑the‑ground work, and community relations while fostering a collaborative, results‑driven culture and ensuring equitable access to lands and preserves across the region.

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Experience overseeing multiple complex projects with budgets.
• Supervisory experience with performance management.
• Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships.
• Strong negotiation and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead NJ’s contributions to Appalachian land protection and regional lands initiatives.
• Scale land conservation, stewardship and accessibility efforts in NJ.
• Lead work with Indigenous Peoples and equitable land management strategy.
• Direct lands policy efforts with Government Relations.
• Develop, implement and evaluate strategy; manage a project portfolio; report results.
• Develop and direct multi-disciplinary teams; performance and career development.
• Manage budgets, contracting and fundraising targets.
• Travel frequently, sometimes on short notice.

Skills

BA/BS degree

Conservation experience

Project management

Supervisory experience

Partnership development

Negotiation

Education

BA/BS degree

Job description

The Nature Conservancy in New Jersey seeks a Director of Lands to provide strategic leadership, drive land conservation and stewardship, and build strong partnerships with public and private partners to advance the chapter’s 2030 goals.

You will direct planning, partnerships, policy, on‑the‑ground work, and community relations while fostering a collaborative, results‑driven culture and ensuring equitable access to lands and preserves across the region.