Project Director, California Desert Conservation and Renewable Energy Initiative- Sacramento or Los Angeles CA
Organization: The Nature Conservancy
Title: Project Director, California Desert Conservation and Renewable Energy Initiative
Location: Sacramento or Los Angeles CA
Hours and Compensation: full time, competitive compensation
Application Deadline: Nov. 15, 2011
Posted On: Oct 12, 2011
Overview
The Nature Conservancy is the world’s leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.
Description
This position serves as primary support to the Director of the California Renewable Energy Initiative and will be required to coordinate and execute activities with the renewable energy team, internal TNC partners, and external partners, to help drive the biodiversity conservation and renewable energy initiative. Specific functions include:
* Support the Director in planning projects and developing strategies to support the Biodiversity Conservation & Renewable Energy initiative.
* Lead the development and execution of a strategy for influencing transmission planning as an incentive for renewable energy development in places of least impact.
* Coordinate, plan and help facilitate renewable energy team initiative meetings
* Participate and help prepare materials and coordinate team analyses in preparation for meetings with various external partner groups
* Support Director in helping team members set objectives and monitoring their progress.
* Support Director in participating in the California Desert Renewable Energy Conservation Plan.
* Assess and provide recommendations on new strategies for advancing biodiversity conservation related to renewable energy development.
* Working with the Director and External Affairs department, build coalitions to advance key legislation or policy initiatives.
* Conduct outreach to utilities, developers and public entities.
* Provide contract management and administration for work done with consultants or contractors.
* Draft position papers relevant to renewable energy issues and projects
* Perform other duties and special projects, as assigned, in support of the Director.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
* BA/BS degree in natural science, biological science, political science, public administration or a related field, and 7 years experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience in partnership development (partners, community, government, etc.). Minimum of 7 years experience working with groups such as the following: government agency officials, public utilities, renewable energy developers, scientists, environmental organizations, to develop solutions to complex problems.
* 5 years experience in coordinating activities with others and managing projects to fruition. Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
* BA/BS degree and 7-10 years experience in conservation practice 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
* Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes
* Motivating team members, setting goals, and leading efforts
* Knowledge of politics and society with respect to environmental affairs
* Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
* Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages
* Demonstrated experience in fundraising
* Successful experience in developing, directing and managing multiple projects.
* Demonstrated success as an inspirational manager who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence.
* Demonstrated leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
* Successful experience in partnership development (partners, community, government, etc) including extensive networking with high-level conservation contacts; political savvy.
* Proven interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL EFFORT:
The Program Director II may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions may:
* require occasional physical exertion and/or muscular strain
* present occasional possibility of injury
* require long hours in isolated settings
This position may also
* require frequent travel domestically and/or internationally
* require evening and weekend hours
BENEFITS
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
How To Apply
Apply to position 39449 here. Please submit cover letter and resume as one document.
