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Conservation and Science Director, Latin America Region

USA The Nature Conservancy
Richmond, VA
Location:

Open to candidates based in any of the nine countries in Latin America where we operate, as well as the United States or Canada.

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Conservation & Science Director leads and supports teams to define and implement science-based, systems-level conservation strategies across the Latin American Region (LAR), contributing to the ambitious goals TNC has set for itself by 2030 . TNC 2030 Goals I The Nature Conservancy This multidisciplinary role provides strategic vision, conceptual leadership, and guidance for innovative conservation approaches, ensuring that science -both natural and social - underpins all regional priorities and programs. The Director fosters collaboration across geographies and organizational levels, facilitates change management based on both natural and social sciences, and provides hands-on support as needed to ensure that all programs can deliver on our far-reaching 2030 goals.

We're Looking for You:

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

  • Shape and advance transformative, science-based conservation strategies across Latin America that deliver measurable outcomes aligned with TNC's 2030 goals, ensuring scientific rigor underpins all programs across the region
  • Support the effective implementation of priority strategies and interventions across the region including monitoring and evaluation systems that track conservation impact, while catalyzing synergies and learnings
  • Facilitate the deployment of global and regional resources and expertise, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams and functions, and supporting joint programming, fundraising, and applied science initiatives
  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of conservation professionals across multiple countries, cultivating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation while supporting their growth and career development
  • Advance the regional research agenda through both internal collaboration with TNC global teams and partnerships with universities, institutions, and external stakeholders
  • Participate in the Latin America Region's (LAR) leadership bodies and represent LAR on the global Science Advisory Committee as well as in relevant international fora
  • Oversee regional conservation budget development and financial stewardship, and collaborate with development teams to align transformative strategies with funding opportunities
The Director maintains close relationships with TNC colleagues at regional and global levels to align with One Conservancy strategies. They maintain productive connections with regional leadership, Global Science, External Affairs, global thematic teams, and TNC's Europe team, among others.

The Director reports to the Regional Managing Director and is a member of the regional leadership team.

What You'll Bring:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • PhD degree in science related field plus 10 years related experience in Conservation Science or equivalent combination of education and experience with strong understanding of social sciences
  • Proven experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and working with or in a matrixed organization.
  • Experience in applied science for the design and implementation of ambitious strategies and interventions.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to share and explain complex processes and ideas with a variety of audiences including staff, donors, consultants, and external partners.
  • Fluency in English and proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese.
  • Willingness to travel given that they will support teams across nine countries.
Job Family: Science

Job Code: 150067

Grade: 11

Salary Information

USA and Global

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $148,000 - $183,000 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate's qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
Posted 2026-07-05

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