ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2012 to advance the restoration and conservation of natural areas for a resilient and healthy New York City. Working in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), we seek to ensure the high-quality management of NYC’s 20,000 acres of forests and wetlands. Our work includes conducting scientific research, restoring natural habitats, developing tools to inform data-driven management, and increasing awareness and opportunities for the public to experience NYC’s abundant nature and diverse ecology. We are poised to increase our scope and impact as a leading urban conservation organization. More information about our work is at naturalareasnyc.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Natural Areas Conservancy is seeking a Director of Conservation Programs to lead the

organization’s conservation programs including:

• Provide leadership and vision for the NAC’s urban conservation programs and initiatives, including advancing our applied science programs, web-based tools, and restoration and park improvement projects.

• Supervise research and restoration staff.

• Develop metrics for success and adaptive management.

• Increase promotion and scope of the NAC and urban conservation.

• Serve as a member of the NAC executive team and develop and execute strategic organizational goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Advance existing high-level programs such as our Forest Management Framework, wetland management plan, watershed plans, forest and wetland restoration, and fellowships and internships.

• Manage projects and staff, including supervising research and monitoring, GIS/Data management, and natural area and park improvement programs.

• Develop and implement performance metrics framework, and work with NYC Parks to integrate this framework into adaptive management.

• Develop internal and external communication documents and reports.

• Work closely with NYC Parks’ division of Forestry, Horticulture and Natural Resources and the NYC Urban Field Station on land management, monitoring, and applied research programs.

• Collaborate with researchers and outside institutions, including but not limited to academic, non-profit, city, state, and federal agencies, on research projects and data dissemination/coordination.

• Represent the organization, NYC Parks, and City as appropriate.

• Manage and oversee budget, procurement, and administrative reporting, database management and tracking, and training.

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise in a scientific field related to natural areas management, conservation, restoration ecology, conservation biology, water resource management, botany, landscape ecology, etc.

• Prior experience working in an urban area preferred.

• Minimum of five years of professional experience in managing projects.

• Proven track record of goals-based accomplishments.

• Personal connections within the NYC/Northeast scientific community.

• Experience communicating technical information for a diverse audience.

• Bachelor’s degree is required; Master’s Degree is preferred.

• Excellent writing, communications, management, administrative, and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent computer skills including Excel and PowerPoint. Familiarity with GIS and database

management a plus.

• Knowledge of organizational development and/or government operations.

• Valid New York State driver license.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume with the position title to:

jobs@naturalareasnyc.org