Director/Senior Director, Nature-Based Solutions

Trellis Group; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy is seeking a Director for Nature-Based Solutions to guide investments in carbon projects. This role requires expertise in reforestation and ecosystem restoration projects, with a minimum of 5 years in the voluntary carbon market. The position involves managing external partnerships, conducting field diligence, and collaborating across teams in a hybrid working environment. Annual salary ranges from $130,000 to $180,000, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Experience in the voluntary carbon market for at least 5 years.
• Ability to perform technical analyses and communicate findings.
• Passion for climate change, sustainability, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-investment diligence on nature-based projects.
• Manage external partners and provide technical advice.
• Perform field due diligence including site visits.

Skills

Experience diligencing reforestation or ecosystem restoration projects for investment

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Deep understanding of nature-based carbon crediting mechanics

Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally

Education

Master’s or PhD in relevant field (forestry, ecology, etc.)

Job description

Position Overview

The Director, Nature-Based Solutions will report to the VP of Nature-Based Research and Monitoring, and will collaborate regularly across the entire organization, working particularly closely with our Capital, Commercial, and Strategy teams.

This individual is responsible for leading due diligence related to potential investments in and purchases from nature-based carbon projects across the globe, including scientific research, quantitative analytics, and communications. They will work within the Nature-Based Team, cross-functionally contributing to a program of diligence and monitoring to ensure that in‑development and operational carbon projects are delivering desired impact in terms of carbon emissions reduction and carbon storage, as well as social benefits and operations. The Director will build relationships and processes to improve engagement with third‑party consultancies, project developers, and customers. They will be responsible for working directly with developers to carry out derisking of early‑stage investment opportunities. International travel (up to 25%) is expected for this position.

This is a hybrid position - candidates must be based within one hour of our New York City, Los Angeles, or San Francisco office

Responsibilities

• Lead pre‑investment diligence on nature‑based projects and methodologies to inform opportunities being considered for investment or for sale to customers, including forests, agriculture, and blue carbon systems
• Manage external partners (consultants & project developers) to provide technical advice and to carry out diligence & research
• Perform field due diligence including site visits and meetings with project developers and partners. International travel (up to 25%) is expected for this position.
• Evaluate carbon credits and projects for quality and integrity to support company goals
• Design and carry out technical analyses to assess carbon project accounting and assumptions
• Maintain fluency in evolving market expectations and standards to guide internal strategy and external engagement
• Represent Rubicon Carbon as required in public forums, working groups, and sales events
• All other duties as assigned

Required skills and experience

• Experience diligencing reforestation or ecosystem restoration projects for investment
• Master’s or PhD in a relevant field, including but not limited to forestry, ecology, economics, agricultural science
• At least 5 years of work experience in, or adjacent to, the voluntary carbon market
• Deep understanding of the mechanics of nature‑based carbon crediting (methodologies, accounting, reporting)
• Demonstrated ability to perform technical analyses and communicate to non‑technical stakeholders
• Demonstrated knowledge of statistical techniques and methods
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross‑functionally in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for clear, concise storytelling
• Passion for climate change, sustainability, and innovation

Compensation

The approximate annual base compensation range for this position is $130,000 to $180,000. The actual offer, reflecting the total cash compensation package, long‑term incentives, and excellent benefits, will be determined by a number of factors including the applicant's experience, job‑related knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity among our team, among other factors.