Job: Georgia State Director

Location: Atlanta, GA, United States 
Deadline: Monday, 30 September 2013 

Description

OFFICE LOCATION

Atlanta, Georgia (GA)

ABOUT US

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more. TNC

POSITION SUMMARY

The Nature Conservancy's work in Georgia began with the purchase of two barrier islands in 1969, and a formal chapter was founded in 1988. In more than four decades, the Conservancy has worked with a wide range of partners and about 16,000 current members to protect almost 300,000 acres across Georgia including 15 nature preserves. This work is made possible by a volunteer Board of Trustees, a staff of 36, and an operating budget of $5 million. From the rivers of north Georgia to forests and farmland, all the way to the majestic coast, The Nature Conservancy in Georgia plays a critical role in ensuring the sustainability of natural resources and Georgia's way of life.

The Georgia chapter will continue its strong foundation of donor support to grow revenues, both to underpin vigorous and worthwhile programs in the state, as well as to enhance support for significant and valuable projects in Georgia and globally. The Georgia Chapter is committed to supporting conservation around the world by raising funds, and providing staff and trustee expertise, for the Conservancy's global priorities.

Current whole system conservation priorities for the Georgia chapter include the Longleaf Pine and the South Atlantic Seascape. The State Director serves on the management teams for these whole systems, along with several other state directors. Each of these whole systems is an Eastern US Division priority project that aligns with the organization's Global Challenges/Global Solutions conservation framework. Increasing the impact and scope of this work will require an increased emphasis on developing new and existing donors, partnerships, and a broader constituency for conservation across the state. It will require leadership in conservation at a scale that will make a difference and embracing and leading staff and trustees into newer and broader strategies for people and nature. TNC

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The State Director functions as manager and conservation strategist for The Nature Conservancy's operations in Georgia, which is headquartered in Atlanta. S/he is accountable for the OU's success in implementing TNC's conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. S/he ensures outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit's responsibilities, and contributes intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. S/he acts to secure, coordinate, and configure resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies both in Georgia and beyond her/his span of authority. The State Director oversees fundraising, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals. S/he supports philanthropy, resources, and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet those fundraising goals. S/he serves as the primary spokesperson for the chapter to internal and external audiences including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners. The State Director cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC's mission and vision.

The State Director is responsible for day-to-day management of his/her seven direct reports as well as the overall management of 36 staff in nine locations: Atlanta, Athens, Baxley, Cairo, Columbus, Darien, Fort Benning, Rome, and Savannah. S/he reports to the Managing Director of the Eastern US Conservation Division and works closely with the Lead Director of the 5-state Southeast Conservation Council, and a statewide voluntary Board of Trustees. The State Director is engaged as a global team member with colleagues from around the world, sharing the lessons learned from the Georgia experience, gathering ideas from others and actively contributing to the Conservancy's strategies and solutions around the globe.

The State Director should ideally embody the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:

Professional Qualifications

• A deep commitment to the mission of TNC as the world leader in science-based conservation.

• A skillful spokesperson with the ability to frame and articulate a powerful program vision with the leadership qualities to inspire implementation by staff, board, and partners.

• Demonstrated experience to mobilize and motivate a volunteer advisory Board of Trustees in achieving philanthropic, program and operational goals.

• A proven track record of success and accomplishment as an inspirational leader.

• Demonstrated success as a manager who has considerable experience attracting, developing and retaining a decentralized professional staff.

• Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, performance management and professional development.

• Considerable and demonstrated success in leading fundraising efforts including experience cultivating and soliciting major donors, foundation and private corporations in support of program and operational activities.

• Demonstrated experience and understanding in the role science plays in policy development and conservation of natural resources.

• Experience with relevant conservation practices and natural resource management issues.

Personal Attributes

• Articulate, with proven experience to write effectively and speak persuasively.

• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas -- a sense of inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity.

• High energy level, personable, trustworthy, diplomatic, and in possession of impeccable integrity; and exceptional analytical, strategic, and tactical ability.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.

• Management experience including leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary team.

• Written and verbal fluency in English

• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.

• Experience in fundraising and budget management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and minimum of 7-10 years experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.

• Superb communication and presentation skills required.

• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy a must.

• Extensive management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.

• Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.

• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.

• Proven technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Demonstrated operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective.

• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.

• Successful experience in marketing or fund raising desired.

• Fluency in the predominant language of the operating unit strongly desired. Written and verbal fluency in English required.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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.' Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

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. TNC

BENEFITS

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, 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. TNC

TO APPLY

To apply to position number 41351, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 30, 2013.

Failure to complete all of the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

You must click submit' to apply for the position. You may select save for later' if you prefer to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited.

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user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. LI-MS1

EOE STATEMENT

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process

More Info and Application