Strategic Kauai Terrestrial Program Director

Hawai’i Conservation Alliance & Foundation; Lihue (HI); On-site; USD 87,700 - 93,800; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health care benefits

Flexible spending accounts

401(k) plan with 8% employer match

Parental leave

Accrued paid time off

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks a Kauaʻi Terrestrial Program Director to oversee all aspects of conservation on the island. This role includes developing long-term strategies, managing projects, and building partnerships. Key requirements include a degree in relevant fields, significant experience in conservation practices, and strong leadership skills. The position is based in Lihue, Hawaii, offering a competitive salary and benefits. Join us to support nature and community in Kauaʻi.

Qualifications

• 7 years' experience in land or natural resource management.
• Supervisory experience in a complex project environment.
• Experience working with cultural practices related to land management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee protection, science, stewardship, and community relations for Kauaʻi.
• Develop conservation priorities and long-term strategies.
• Manage staff and partnerships to engage local community support.

Skills

Leadership

Conservation project management

Partnership development

Negotiation

Cultural awareness

Education

BA/BS in business, planning, science, or natural resource management

Job description

Show Director, Kauai Terrestrial Program

The Kauaʻi Terrestrial Program Director oversees all aspects and is responsible for protection, science, stewardship, and community relations for the island of Kauaʻi. The Program Director establishes the Conservancy as a respected conservation partner within the area of responsibility on Kauaʻi, defines conservation priorities and long-term conservation strategies in coordination and alignment with the statewide terrestrial objectives, the Conservancy’s Hawaii and Palmyra Chapter’s priorities, and the Conservancy’s 2030 goals. They build strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field, and develop key partnerships with local public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices. They work in collaboration with the statewide terrestrial program and other business unit conservation and science programs to develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools and frameworks to address natural system needs, engage local community support for local conservation efforts, and negotiate complex and innovative solutions with local government agencies and landowners to conserve and protect natural communities. The Kauaʻi Terrestrial Program Director provides technical and program support to Conservancy field operations, reports to the Statewide Terrestrial Director, works closely with other island Directors and is based on the island of Kauaʻi. This position requires a valid drivers' license and compliance with our auto safety program.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together.

We’re looking for a motivated problem-solver and leader with a passion for conservation. Our team on Kaua'i is dedicated to stewarding thousands of acres of critical watersheds and native habitats… Join us!

What You’ll Bring:

• BA/BS degree in business, planning, science or natural resource management and 7 years' experience in land or natural resource management, conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with natural systems and cultural practices in Hawai'i as they relate to land management.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing staff, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies
• Experience negotiating with multi-agency/organization partnerships on complex conservation projects.

Desired Qualifications

• 7-10 years’ experience in land use, planning, community engagement, natural resource management, conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Familiarity with cultural, social, economic, political conditions and issues on Kaua’i and in Hawaiʻi.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Fundraising experience, including donor identification, cultivation and stewardship.
• Proficiency with word processing, tabular, and presentation software platforms and demonstrated ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in
• English and other relevant languages.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising and government grant solicitation and reporting.
• Politically savvy.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $87,700-$93,800. 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. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. 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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. 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!

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. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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.