Deputy Chief Scientist and Lead Global Scientist (Location flexible globally) – The Nature Conservancy
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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there are lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube 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’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
We are looking for a Deputy Chief Scientist and Lead Global Scientist to report to and work closely with our Chief Scientist. They will represent our science across the organization and beyond, and serve as the lead scientist for the Global Science Business Unit.
As Deputy Chief Scientist, you will play a critical role in the dissemination of best scientific practices across the business unit and the organization; contribute to and participate in providing scientific training, mentorship, and professional education opportunities to TNC scientists as needed, from scientific writing workshops to topics related to their area of expertise; and coordinate and/or generate reviews or analyses of thematic science issues relevant to the organization as needed.
You will work closely with and support the Chief Scientist in the development and implementation of Global Science’s contribution to the One Conservancy Science Plan, and in monitoring, reporting, and communicating science outcomes in support of organizational-wide strategic planning and fundraising for science across The Nature Conservancy at the global scale. As needed, you will stand in for the Chief Scientist as a representative for One Conservancy science to our chapters and business units and the executive leadership team, as well as externally through engagements with donors, trustees, board members, collaborators, and external partners.
As the Lead Global Scientist within the Global Science Business Unit (BU), you will be responsible for supervising and mentoring the scientists in Global Science and for developing and building out new topical lines in Global Science in support of the One Conservancy Science Plan. Your direct reports will include the leads for each thematic science area in Global Science.
You will work closely with Global Science BU Directors and scientists to develop and implement the scientific strategy for the BU in pursuit of the organization’s greater goals and ensure that the latest methods, tools, learning and cutting-edge science techniques are coordinated and implemented through the BU’s work. You will be responsible for aligning Global Science’s science for impact, enabling Global Science and its scientists to build capacity to address broader science/evidence concerns through engagements throughout the Conservancy. You will also serve as a bridge between Global Science and other parts of the organization, integrating Global Science activities with organization-wide priorities and field programs.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in and where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.
As The Deputy Chief Scientist And Lead Global Scientist, You Will Advance TNC’s Mission Within The Global Science BU By
- Engaging in collaborative research on one or more of Global Science’s thematic topics (spatial science, economics, behavioral science, climate science, traditional ecological knowledge, or planetary & human health) as they apply to biodiversity, climate, and/or conservation and TNC’s 2030 goals
- Serving as the primary supervisor for the leads in each of Global Science’s thematic science lines
- Through regular engagement and leadership, serving as a mentor and support for all scientists in Global Science’s thematic science lines
- In close coordination with the One Conservancy Science Plan, leading in developing and building out new topical lines in Global Science (two per year)
- Collaboratively designing, implementing, and directing complex and diverse research projects focused on TNC’s 2030 goals
- Working closely with Global Science’s Director of Finance & Operations and the Director of Strategy & Culture to develop and implement the strategic focus and implementation of the BU, support the well-being of its employees, and align Global Science activities with organizational priorities
Between Global Science and the broader organization, you will be:
- Acting as a bridge and connector between Global Science scientists and science across the broader conservancy, connecting the right people to the right projects in the right places
- Responsible for the strategic integration of Global Science’s scientific expertise with organization-wide priorities and our 2030 goals
- Providing representation for Global Science to our chapters and BUs
- Providing thought leadership, guidance, and expertise to the broader organization as Deputy Chief Scientist, including leading and participating in analyses of key science topics as requested by the Chief Scientist
As Deputy Chief Scientist across the Conservancy and beyond, you will be:
- Working closely with the Chief Scientist to communicate and represent TNC One Conservancy science priorities and outcomes to TNC business units, regions, and the executive leadership team; trustees, supporters, and collaborators; and other interested and relevant entities
- Supporting the Chief Scientist in fundraising for TNC One Conservancy science and for Global Science programs; monitoring, reporting on, and communicating science outcomes; speaking and communicating on behalf of TNC science; and, as needed, serving in advisory capacities that advance the implementation of our science
Some of these responsibilities may require travel both domestically and internationally and occasional work in variable weather conditions at remote locations, hazardous terrain and/or under physically demanding circumstances.
Geographic location is flexible globally, with the requirement that core business hours for online availability include a four-hour window between 11am to 5pm Eastern Time (GMT -4). Relocation is not required but immigration sponsorship and/or relocation assistance to Arlington, VA will be considered if requested.
Candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply for this key leadership position within a global program.
Come join TNC and apply today!
What You’ll Bring
- PhD degree in a science-related field PLUS 10+ years in science or experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in a topical research field focused on one or more of Global Science’s thematic science areas: spatial science, economics, behavioral science, climate science, traditional ecological knowledge, or planetary & human health.
- Expert knowledge of current and evolving trends in relevant discipline.
- Active record of publication, research, and scientific mentorship.
- Experience with networking in the scientific community.
- Strong supervisory and management experience including motivating and leading team or lab members, setting objectives and reporting on outcomes, and managing complex projects and team or lab performance.
- Proven experience being well-organized, self-directed and a good relationship builder.
- Communication and presentation experience.
- Experience in interdisciplinary research, stakeholder engagement, and communicating science and conservation stories to a wide range of audiences.
- Interest in traveling to and representing science and the Conservancy at a variety of scientific and policy fora.
Desired Qualifications
- Ability to bring a science perspective that is typically underrepresented in North American science.
- Multi-cultural skills and/or multi-lingual experience appreciated.
- Experience in the development and implementation of long-term strategic plans for integration of science across a larger organization.
- Experience fundraising and communicating with diverse partners and private and public funders.
- Knowledge of fundraising techniques and ability to work with philanthropy staff to identify, cultivate and solicit major donors.
- Experience working in a matrix management organization, designing, implementing, and directing multiple projects with business unit and/or global scope.
- Ability to support and influence with consistent and clear message and information.
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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 51886, 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.
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.
Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.
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