Utah Water and Agriculture Strategy Director at The Nature Conservancy in Salt Lake City, Utah

Posted in Government 2 days ago.

Type: Full Time





Job Description:

OFFICE LOCATION

Salt Lake City, Utah, USA



WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."



WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

This position is a critical leader in TNC-Utah's matrixed cross-functional team and will develop credible and compelling strategies to deliver transformative, systemic change to water use and management systems in Utah and lead the development and implementation of Utah's sustainable agriculture strategies. The Strategy Director works collaboratively across the Division and Region and externally with key partners in a challenging political context.

The Utah Water and Agriculture Strategy Director establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner within the areas of water conservation and management and sustainable agriculture in Utah. The Strategy Director develops long-term strategies suited to TNC's unique role as a non-confrontational, solutions-oriented driver of transformational change. The Director defines priorities and implements or directs implementation of action plans; develops key partnerships with diverse public and private organizations to develop solutions related to water scarcity, water quality and sustainable agriculture topics; and widely communicates solutions and best practices. They support development of innovative methodologies, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs, and they engage community support for water conservation and sustainable agriculture efforts. They negotiate complex and innovative solutions with government agencies, water managers and users, agriculture producers, landowners, municipalities, industry, and other interested parties to accelerate TNC's policies and programs related to natural waterways and waterbodies with an emphasis on the Great Salt Lake watershed and Colorado River Basin, and to advance sustainable agricultural practices within Utah and in alignment with TNC's Division, Region and global priorities.

Working closely with Utah external affairs, science and conservation teams, the Director serves as the principle contact to relevant government agencies, other NGOs, and the academic community within the area of responsibility. They may play a leading role in donor identification, cultivation and stewardship.

The following skill sets will be critical for this position:

Strategic and Complex Thinking - Synthesizes multiple sources of information to develop strategic initiatives across systems to support sustainable food production and water management, long-term ecological resilience and local livelihoods.

Credible Leadership - Initiates and advances state-wide approaches to improve overall water conservation for the benefit of both nature and people while deepening TNC's engagement with agricultural and other interested communities using experience and non-confrontational, open-minded communication.

Building Partnerships - Establishes and maintains key partnerships with non-government organizations, Tribal communities, academic institutions, local, state and federal agencies, land and water managers, relevant industry and supply-chain drivers and others to help Utah and the region find innovative solutions to meet growing food and water needs for both nature and people.



WHAT YOU'LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
* BA/BS degree and 10 years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
* Experience with Western water policy and law, sustainable agriculture practices and/or soil health practices.
* Experience in partnership development with water users, water managers, agriculture producers, non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
* Experience negotiating complex agreements.
* Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation-related policies.
* Experience with developing and managing a program-level budget.
* Experience communicating professionally via written and spoken means in English.
* Experience presenting to government officials, executives, and others.
* Experience obtaining and managing public funding.
* Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
* Advanced degree in natural resources, science, conservation, business, law, or policy.
* Experience with Utah water policy and law, natural resources, and Utah-based agricultural communities.
* Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance and driving for results in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
* Demonstrated political awareness, understanding the range of implications involved in decisions and the importance of messaging in an appropriate way to leaders at various levels.
* Experience working with Tribal communities.
* Capable of communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
* Able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
* Experience with environmental water markets.
* Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
* Private fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.



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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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



AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC'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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.



SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $113,840 - $121,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.



APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56458, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on April 10, 2025. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC's value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we're registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we're unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.



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