Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Project Director - The Nature Conservancy

Durham, North Carolina, USA
NE033

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Project (CPRG) Director provides strategic management and oversight of the deliverables associated with the five-year $200 million CPRG grant from the EPA to TNC in 2024.  The CPRG Director will lead the program across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland. Utilizing formal project management approaches (e.g., Highly Effective Teams), they will coordinate teams of colleagues and partners across the four states and other TNC functional areas to deploy and scale natural climate solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Projects will occur in peatlands of northeastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia; forests in South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland; and tidal wetlands in Virginia. Working closely with the CPRG Project Steering Committee, and staff in the states, they will be responsible for building strong internal and external partnerships in order to ensure the timely execution of the projects across multiple programs and business units, and address any unforeseen risks.

The Project Director will work with project teams to establish objectives and key results to track progress and make sure the project is on track to meet key deliverables. In addition, they will be responsible for managing the overall grant within TNC and with the State of North Carolina, ensuring timely and appropriate reporting to the agency. They will also work with state agencies and academic partners in the tracking and accounting of project results, including GHG benefits, acres protected, benefits to people, co-benefits, and others as appropriate.

The CPRG Director will work with the TNC Division Marketing Directors to develop communication resources that showcase results from the five-year project. The CPRG Project Director may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. May require frequent travel domestically and evening and weekend hours.  

Want to help save the planet? The Nature Conservancy has received a $200 million grant that will support implementation of nature-based solutions across four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland.  Projects will focus on improved forest management, peatland restoration and tidal wetland enhancements.  This grant is part of a historic $421 million award from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program that will fund both state-led projects and TNC-led projects.  North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and TNC Chapters within those states joined together in forming the Atlantic Conservation Coalition to implement this program. 

TNC seeks to protect 67,650 acres across the Appalachians and 25,450 acres of bottomland hardwoods, restore 33,000 acres of peatlands and protect an additional 10,500 acres, and restore 150 acres of tidal wetlands.  When complete, these efforts will result in sequestering the equivalent of between 200,054 and 507,871 metric tons of carbon dioxide annually through 2050.  At a minimum that is the equivalent of taking more than 120,874 gas-powered vehicles off the road each year. 

• BA/BS degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
• Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and geographic regions.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance. 
• Experience in orchestrating the work of individuals, leaders, managers as well as cross functional and strategy teams in a collaborative and influential manner.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or   government agencies.                                        
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience managing risk and project-based adaptive management. 
• Experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level. 
• Experience with financial management of a large program.
   

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 10-12 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Familiarity with natural climate solutions strategies, methodologies, and accounting in forests, peatlands and wetlands.  
• Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives and experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Familiarity with communications and philanthropic engagement strategies. 
• Politically savvy.

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world! 

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. 

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $125,000 – $140,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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.

To apply for job ID 55743, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.