The Manager of Domestic Conservation & Science (MDCS) leads the strategic planning and implementation of conservation programs and scientific research within the organization for the United States and Canada. This role involves overseeing and developing domestic field conservation projects, creating and managing domestic partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and helping secure funding through grants and donations. The MDCS, working with the Senior Director of Conservation & Science (SDCS), ensures that all conservation efforts align with the organization's mission and goals, integrating scientific research to inform and enhance program effectiveness.
The MDCS will be part of a team working to execute the day-to-day activities outlined below. Additionally, the MDCS will work, and integrate into, a multidisciplinary team of scientists, researchers, and conservationists across multiple domestic projects. They are responsible for developing research agendas, publishing findings in scientific journals, and representing the organization at conferences and public forums. By fostering a collaborative environment and leveraging their scientific expertise, this role drives innovative solutions to address conservation challenges and promotes sustainable practices both locally and globally.
Foundation Administration
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Aiding in ensuring, i) all necessary permits, authorizations, protections (e.g. land permissions, insurance, etc.) and all other operating considerations relevant to each jurisdiction are proactively identified, ii) the full scope of needs and costs are appropriately understood and defined upfront, iii) qualified field participants are vetted and contractually engaged, and iv) all such requirements are implemented, actively managed, and monitored.
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Understanding of local laws, regulations, and risks in each of the jurisdictions (Federal, State, County, etc.) where the TSA operates or is considering future potential projects.
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Working to continuously improve workflows, systems, reporting and operations to improve the rigor and effectiveness with which the TSA operates.
Mission Execution
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Overseeing domestic field conservation projects, developing and managing domestic partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations, and aiding in securing funding through grants and donations.
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Identifying and evaluating opportunities to expand TSA's domestic conservation footprint.
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Aiding in ensuring that all conservation efforts align with the organization's mission and goals.
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Integrating scientific research to inform and enhance program effectiveness.
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Working with the SDCS to produce quarterly and annual conservation impact reports
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Attending and representing the TSA at meetings, when requested.
Program Oversight & Management
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Overseeing all project managers and independent contractors working on domestic programs.
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Leading the assessment and onboarding of new field sites and target species, ensuring new programs are designed with rigor, scalability, and alignment to TSA's conservation priorities.
Governance & Board Support
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Disseminate best practices, provide training, and build strategic and technical capacity among field conservation programs and partnerships.
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Participate in coordinating meetings for the Field Conservation Committee, Country Program Leads, Project Managers, and individual PIs.
Requirements
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Minimum of a Master’s degree, plus 5+ years of demonstrated success in field-based conservation and research or project/program management.
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Excellent organizational skills, including the ability to manage complex projects, work both independently and with a team, complete detailed work with a high level of accuracy, and manage time effectively.
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Superb written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to resolve conflicts professionally and effectively.
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Proven track record of project design, management, and execution.
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History of publishing and presenting results in international journals/conferences.
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Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual technologies, including Google Calendar, Google Drive, and Asana or similar project management software.
Additional Information can be found HERE.
Benefits
Turtle Survival Alliance offers an individual retirement account with a 3% employee match, medical, dental, and vision insurance (up to $750 employer contribution per month), as well as employer-paid life insurance, paid time off, and sick leave. The Alliance also offers a remote-office stipend and ongoing professional development.
