Overview
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global not-for-profit conservation organization working to create a world where people and nature thrive. Founded in 1951 in the U.S., TNC now operates in all 50 U.S. states and 75 countries around the world. TNC strives to be a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce by living our values. In recent years, we have begun a process to uncover and address systemic issues affecting this commitment and our core values of diversity and respect for people, communities and cultures. Notably, our Global Board unanimously passed our Human Rights Policy in February 2022.
We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We seek to integrate equity in TNC’s conservation approach, strategies and actions, including through authentic partnerships with Indigenous Peoples and local communities. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The North America Indigenous Right Relations (IRR) program supports TNC in equitably and effectively partnering with Indigenous Peoples in the North America region, which includes all 50 states and spans several countries. The program models and upholds the principles of right relations including respect, trust, and reciprocity to advance the conservation goals of both TNC and Indigenous Peoples. IRR guides TNC towards its commitments to Tribal sovereignty and human rights, forming true partnerships that uplift the self-determined conservation priorities of Indigenous Peoples, and honoring Indigenous voice, choice, and action.
The IRR Project Manager supports—and in some cases leads—the development and implementation of priority projects within the IRR program. They serve in key ongoing roles and manage projects to help the program achieve its vision of healthy, thriving Indigenous communities and its goal of Indigenous Peoples considering TNC a valued and trusted partner. The IRR Project Manager uses thoughtful and inclusive processes informed by a decolonized and Indigenous worldview and exceptional communication skills to build relationships and lead diverse, multi-disciplinary teams across the organization to help accelerate the implementation of right relations.
We’re Looking for You:
The IRR Project Manager is responsible for the coordination, oversight, and implementation of large and complex initiatives, processes, and projects. They have lived experience working in Indigenous communities or in close collaboration with Indigenous partners. They exercise independent judgment to identify, communicate, and solve problems and are comfortable making decisions and interacting with leadership across all levels of the organization. They develop project plans, establish team structures, facilitate meetings, manage timelines, clarify roles, and ensure accountability. The IRR Project Manager demonstrates sensitivity in handling confidential information and may engage in issue resolution and conflict management to collaboratively solve complex problems. They model the work of right relations, creating safe spaces for co-creation, learning, and change.
The IRR Project Manager engages in work across the program’s many priorities, including increasing Indigenous ownership, use, and access to lands and waters and supporting Indigenous-led conservation. Working closely with the IRR team, they navigate interdependencies and ensure alignment of activities across the program’s strategic pillars. They work across a highly matrixed and decentralized organization to foster and maintain collaboration and communication. To support effective project management, they develop expertise around right relations and the IRR program’s strategic focus areas. The IRR Project Manager’s work is diversified and may not always fall under established projects, processes, or systems.
The location for the Project Manager position is flexible in the U.S. This position is not eligible for relocation or immigration assistance. Requires willingness and ability to travel up to 25% both domestically and internationally.
What You’ll Bring:
– Associate’s degree and 6 years of related experience or equivalent combination, including lived and professional experiences in Indigenous studies, conservation practice, project management, and/or natural resource management
– Experience working with Indigenous Peoples or in other multicultural/multidisciplinary contexts
– Experience leading complex projects or strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment
– Experience researching, critically analyzing, and evaluating information from divergent sources and compiling it into cohesive reports and recommendations for strategy and action
– Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
– Familiarity and knowledge of the histories, cultures, rights, and policies related to the Indigenous Peoples of North America
– Experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion and its application to conservation design, implementation and outcomes
– Bachelor’s or Master’s degree
– Ability to develop and drive new ideas and approaches
What We Bring:
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.
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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
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.
