A LITTLE ABOUT US

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable.  One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Environmental Education Program Manager will lead TNC’s efforts to cultivate the next generation of leaders needed to help solve the world’s increasingly complex environmental challenges.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Building on early planning efforts, the Program Manager will co-develop and implement a partner-based, scalable model for transformative educational experiences for youth from diverse backgrounds that will be hosted on TNC’s preserves in California and beyond. This position will start by developing a pilot program at the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve in Santa Barbara County and focus on engaging with students who live near the coastal wilderness surrounding Point Conception. Works closely with the Dangermond team and visitation manager to ensure integration with wider community outreach efforts. The Program Manager will identify the target student population, including schools and grade level, develop teacher and school district relationships, and serve as the face of the education initiative to the community. They will also work closely with partners to develop engaging curriculum and content for students that connects to innovative scientific research conducted at the Preserve. Additionally, the curriculum will capitalize on the Preserve’s unique wildness, and the powerful sense of connection to nature it provides, to inspire lifelong interest in conservation and preservation. The Program Manager will coordinate across TNC to expand the impact of this initiative beyond the Preserve, evaluating other TNC properties within California to expand the pilot. They may help to raise funds for expanding the education program by providing input for proposal writing and solicitations as needed. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
• Drives education program design and delivery, ensuring TNC meets targets for students and minimizes ecological impact. 
• Applies creativity, entrepreneurship and effective collaboration facilitation to develop and test new approaches in using scientific information streams and storytelling to advance conservation leadership development goals. 
• Works with local communities to identify key leaders in education. 
• Understands the scope of the opportunity for education at the Preserve and develops a plan for ongoing education program design and resource needs.                                          
• Works with leaders in science and education to develop curriculum specific to the Preserve. 
• Works in partnership with environmental education delivery organizations in a collaborative and leadership capacity.
• They may help to raise funds for the education program by providing input for proposal writing and solicitations as needed.       
• May supervise volunteers, interns/fellows or temporary staff.
• Requires travel to preserves, including overnight stays at times, and flexible work hours, including weekends and evenings, as needed for field trips.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.                                            

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in related field and 4 years of experience in education, environmental or outdoor education, community outreach, youth programs, or equivalent combination of education and related experience. 
• Fluency in English. 
• Communications experience including presenting to community leaders and working in partnership with other organizations.
• Experience with MS Office, Word, Excel and Database management.
 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated. 
• Excellent communications in English and Spanish.
• Working knowledge of current trends in environmental education, citizen science, Next Generation Science Standards.
• Demonstrated commitment to cultural competency and social-emotional learning.
• Familiarity with Santa Barbara County. 
• Demonstrated experience in MS Office, Word and Excel. May require database management skills with ability to produce reports.  
• Ability to manipulate, analyze and interpret data.
 

AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy'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." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
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.