Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. As a global, science-based and non-partisan organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to some of our 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 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 The Nature Conservancy? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or 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 know 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 team members, “You’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

Position Overview:

The State Director in Virginia leads in the creation of a shared strategic vision and an inspiring, trusting and values-based culture to have a significant conservation impact in Virginia, regionally and beyond. They lead in a transparent and equitable way that ensures alignment around that vision. They support alignment of the team’s work and the board members’ and partners’ support by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to achieve Virginia’s maximum contribution to the Conservancy’s 2030 conservation goals. Increasingly and fundamentally, the State Director collaborates with others across the Southern Division and beyond to build partnerships and support the most critical organization-wide impacts, strategies and projects.  They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within The Nature Conservancy in Virginia’s responsibilities, and play a key leadership role in providing intellectual, financial, and human resources to the formulation and execution of cross-boundary efforts, including the Appalachians, one of the Conservancy’s four global focal priority areas.

They serve as the primary spokesperson for The Nature Conservancy in Virginia to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Virginia Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivate those audiences and partnerships to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The State Director oversees fundraising and marketing in Virginia, including approving and setting priorities which determine private and public fundraising goals. They support Philanthropy, External Affairs and other staff, and are directly engaged and participate in the cultivation and solicitation of donors to meet fundraising goals. The State Director also works in collaboration with the neighboring Maryland/DC Director and team in the DC Metro Area in implementing its strategic fundraising and marketing plans

The staff structure in Virginia may be structured as needed, including flexibly sharing resources and collaborating with other business units as efficiency, expertise and needs dictate and when opportunities arise.  The State Director reports to the Southern Division Director and works closely with the local trustees/advisory board. The position may be based anywhere within Virginia.

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” where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate will have exceptional communication, listening and collaboration skills, while also being able to make hard, transparent decisions in a matrixed and sometimes ambiguous environment.  The ideal candidate will also have the emotional intelligence and disposition to build trust and lead the organization forward in ways that are equitable, fair and inclusive, while also being willing/able to navigate difficult or potentially contentious conversations.  Additionally, the ideal candidate will be a big picture thinker who can articulate and align Virginia’s strategies, programs and projects with the larger TNC organization. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

What You’ll Bring:

• 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.
• Extensive and proven management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Written and verbal fluency in English is required.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, government officials, etc.
• Experience in marketing, fundraising and budget management.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• 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.
• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy a must.
• 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.
• Ability to lead with empathy while creating a culture of accountability.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Successful experience in marketing and fund raising strongly desired.

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 a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!