Operations Program Specialist

USA The Nature Conservancy; Virginia (IL); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is seeking an Operations Program Specialist to join the Legal Corporate Services team. This role provides high-level administrative and project management support, coordinating calendars, meetings, travel, and events while assisting with budget tracking, vendor management, and internal controls.

A strong communicator with organizational prowess will thrive in a dynamic nonprofit setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with MS Office 365 (Word, Excel), Workday, CoPilot, and/or SharePoint.
• Experience coordinating administrative processes.
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement.
• Organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage executive calendars, coordinate recurring meetings, travel, and internal/external events.
• Prepare correspondence, presentations, reports, and briefing materials; support meeting logistics and follow-up.
• Assist with budget development, financial monitoring and reconciliation, purchasing, and invoice processing.
• Vendor management and operational planning; maintain tracking systems and active work portfolios.
• Support onboarding/offboarding of staff; ensure compliance with organizational policies and external requirements.

Skills

Communication

Cross-functional teamwork

Time management

Technical writing

Editing & proofreading

Data interpretation

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 2 years experience or equivalent

Tools

MS Office 365 (Word, Excel)

Workday

CoPilot

SharePoint

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together: The Operations Program Specialist will work as part of the Legal Corporate Services team, and/or others as assigned, performing administrative tasks and coordinating special projects. This position may report to multiple attorneys on the assigned team(s). The Operations Program Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the Corporate Services team by implementing tactics for approved plans and completing day-to-day tasks and activities. They may be responsible for a variety of operational, administrative, and legal support. This includes maintaining, tracking, and reporting on key data related to the scope and priorities of the teams, setting realistic deadlines and managing the timeline. They will be well versed in the systems and resources utilized by the team to execute assigned tasks. They will adapt processes and implement recommended practices to improve effectiveness. The Operations Program Specialist may take on additional duties to enhance the work of the teams, including, but not limited to, annual budget preparation, organizing team meetings and events, supporting onboarding/offboarding of staff members, maintaining calendars of AGC(s), managing expense reporting and other operational work. The Operations Program Specialist will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy and various stakeholders. They will effectively collaborate with the Corporate Services and other legal teams, Senior leaders, and peers using their high attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. They will perform diverse and sensitive administrative functions in support of the Corporate Services Associate General Counsel and other legal leaders as assigned. The Specialist will provide guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of policies and procedures. They will communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. The Operations Program Specialist provides high-level operational, administrative, and project management support to the Associate General Counsel(s) while advancing the strategic goals and priorities of the business unit. This role manages multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously, establishing realistic timelines, tracking progress, and ensuring accountability for deliverables. The Specialist conducts non-routine research, analysis, and follow-through on complex assignments, handles sensitive and confidential information with discretion, and contributes to the continuous improvement of programs, processes, and workflows. Key responsibilities include managing executive calendars; coordinating recurring meetings, travel, and internal and external events; preparing correspondence, presentations, reports, and briefing materials; and supporting meeting logistics, documentation, and follow-up activities. The role also assists with budget development, financial monitoring and reconciliation, purchasing, invoice processing, vendor management, and operational planning. Working independently and exercising sound judgment, the Operations Program Specialist supports team deliverables, maintains tracking systems and active work portfolios, ensures compliance with organizational policies and external requirements, and serves as a trusted partner in prioritizing work, solving problems, and achieving organizational objectives. The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic environment where responsibilities may extend beyond established practices and guidelines, including occasional travel and variable work hours as needed.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC, we strive to embody a philosophy of Work You Can Believe In, where your contributions help make a meaningful difference every day. We are seeking a highly organized, proactive, and resourceful professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment supporting senior leaders and complex business operations. The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator with strong project management, administrative, and operational coordination skills, capable of managing competing priorities with discretion and sound judgment. Success in this role requires the ability to anticipate needs, solve problems independently, manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism, and build strong collaborative relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. If you enjoy creating efficient processes, coordinating high-impact initiatives, and serving as a trusted partner to executive leadership, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to TNC's mission while supporting a dynamic and strategic legal team.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience with MS Office 365 (Word, Excel), Workday, CoPilot, and/or SharePoint.
• Experience coordinating administrative processes;
• Experience generating reports and interpreting data;
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading;
• Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines;
• and Experience working with cross-functional teams and communicating with a wide range of people;
• Experience with business process analysis and/or improvement;
• Organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated;
• Ability to work a flexible and/or shifted schedule to accommodate differing time zones.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $50,000.00 – $79,000.00. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC.

Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

Benefits:

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted.

Equal Opportunity & Background Screening:

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process. Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings! TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [e-mail] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.