




Florida, USA
This is a remote role open to all locations within the State of Florida.
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
As the Water Strategy Director, you'll lead the charge in protecting and restoring Florida's most vital and vulnerable freshwater, coastal, and marine ecosystems-from inland watersheds to our iconic shorelines. You will provide visionary leadership for comprehensive conservation strategies that support The Nature Conservancy's global 2030 Goals, with a strong focus on addressing the state's biggest threats: development impacts, declining water quality, and climate change.
In this role, you'll design and oversee cutting-edge conservation initiatives that are grounded in science and built for long-term impact. You'll guide a high-performing team across programs and geographies, cultivating an inclusive, collaborative environment that drives results. As a key leader in Florida and the Southern Division, you'll work across The Nature Conservancy's matrix to influence policy, forge strategic partnerships, and secure vital resources through fundraising activities. You'll be the Conservancy's principal voice for coastal and freshwater priorities in Florida, playing a leading role in shaping how we conserve and protect these essential systems for future generations.
This is a dynamic role that requires flexibility and resilience-you may find yourself working in remote locations, unpredictable weather, or physically demanding conditions. Travel, including evenings and weekends, may be frequent as you collaborate with partners, communities, and colleagues across the region and beyond.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you passionate about creating lasting solutions for Florida's waters? Are you a strategic leader who thrives in complex, cross-functional environments and is driven by big, bold goals? Join us.
The Nature Conservancy is committed to preserving the natural beauty and ecological integrity of Florida-from its crystal-clear springs to its sprawling mangroves and vibrant estuaries. This is a rare opportunity for a proven conservation leader to make a tangible impact on one of the most ecologically diverse states in the country. As our Water Strategy Director, you will bring deep experience in water, coastal, or marine systems, a talent for managing high-performing teams, and a passion for building partnerships that drive meaningful change.
If you're ready to lead a statewide strategy that connects science, people, and policy-if you're motivated to innovate, collaborate, and accelerate progress for nature and communities-this is the role for you. Join us in shaping the future of Florida's waters.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- BA/BS degree and 10 years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience directing a major program or project of strategic importance, including management/supervision of multi-disciplinary teams and meeting deadlines.
- Experience working with current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and geographic regions.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
- Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
- Experience negotiating
- Experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans at the state or country level.
- Experience with financial management of a large program.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi- lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- 12+ years' experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Knowledge and experience developing, prioritizing and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Experience in freshwater, water quality or coastal systems.
- Experience developing creative approaches to solve complex challenges.
- Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
- Politically savvy.
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 $104,000 - $130,000 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 56599, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on April 30, 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.