Tribal & Indigenous Engagement Program Manager

OFFICE LOCATION

Colorado, 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

At The Nature Conservancy, our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations in Colorado and the surrounding region to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities. The Tribal and Indigenous Engagement Program Manager will lead this initiative, with a focus on guiding TNC Colorado in becoming a trusted and value-added partner working in support of Indigenous conservation priorities and advocating for Indigenous-led conservation overall.

The Program Manger will serve as a liaison with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations and help to foster effective relationships. They will work internally to build cultural competency and capacity for appropriate partnership and to support co-creation of mutually beneficial conservation projects. As a member of the TNC Colorado Conservation Management Team, the Program Manger will be an advisor, thought partner, and expert resource on Indigenous engagement for colleagues leading programs focused on land and water conservation, forest and fire management, urban conservation, climate mitigation and resilience, and/or conservation science and planning.

The Program Manager may define priorities, develop strategies, manage projects, and build scientific and/or technical capacity to support implementation of the Tribal and Indigenous Engagement Initiative. The Program Manager will be a key point of contact with a wide range of public and private organizations and engage in support of public policy and outreach that supports the voice, choice, and action of Indigenous people.

The Program Manager may supervise one or more staff and lead and manage the work of other professionals and partners. They may negotiate complex and innovative solutions, agreements and/or partnerships and will play a role in public and private fundraising. This position reports to the TNC Colorado Deputy State Director and works collaboratively with TNC programs at the multi-state, national and global levels, including TNC’s North America Indigenous Lands and Communities Program and Colorado River Program.

The Program Manager’s primary office may be located anywhere within Colorado, but they must be able to travel periodically within the state and work occasional nights and weekends in support of position duties.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you passionate about elevating the voice, choice, and action of Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation? Are you looking for a career that helps people and nature to thrive together? We’re looking for a skilled relationship-builder and excellent communicator who is grounded in cultural competency gained through lived experience and motivated by working collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to challenges facing both people and the planet. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions that accelerate Indigenous-led conservation and increase Indigenous rights to land, waters, and resources.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in conservation, Indigenous studies, public policy or related field and 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience building relationships and working with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Experience working collaboratively with diverse public and private entities, including government agencies, local communities, non-profit organizations, and/or academic institutions.
• Experience with program and/or project management, including setting goals, managing budgets and resources, maintaining accountability for deliverables, and facilitating clear communication.
• Experience negotiating solutions, agreements, and partnerships.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• This section includes skills that a candidate may or may not come in with. They are not required and candidates who do not possess these skills yet, should still consider applying.
• Cultural competency gained through lived experience.
• More than 5 years of experience in a relevant field, which may include working in Tribal government and/or Indigenous led organizations.
• Established relationships with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations in Colorado and the Intermountain West.
• Experience communicating the priorities and interests of Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations to a variety of audiences, including decision-makers.
• Knowledge of relevant laws, treaties, and policies that affect Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations in Colorado and/or the Western U.S.
• Demonstrated understanding of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), Tribal data sovereignty, and associated protocols for engagement.
• Experience identifying, developing, and delivering trainings and/or resources that build cultural competency for effective partnership with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations.
• Knowledge of conservation and natural resource management issues in Colorado and Western U.S.
• Experience developing and/or influencing public policies, plans and projects.
• Experience leading and managing complex and/or multiple projects with attention to budget, accountability, and timely outcomes.
• Experience with public or private fundraising
• Ability to communicate clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means

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!

At TNC’s Colorado Business Unit, we are working toward a vision for the future where all Coloradans benefit from clean air and water, Colorado is a leader in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and at least 10 million acres of Colorado’s most critical lands and waters are connected, protected, and managed to sustain nature in the face of climate change. Across our work, we are striving to create more diverse and inclusive communities that drive transformational and equitable conservation change across our state.

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!

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs 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/a... 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 salary range is $72,000 - $93,000. The starting salary offered will be dependent on qualifications, experience, and location.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID# 53591 , submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 7/14/2023 . 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.