NM Indigenous Partnerships Program Director

Company: The Nature Conservancy
Location: Santa Fe
Posted on: April 2, 2021

Job Description:

Press Control+M to start dragging object Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.-- We're rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we'll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it's career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there's lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. YOUR POSITION WITH TNC The New Mexico Indigenous Partnerships Program Director (IP Director) will initiate a program that includes the development of a comprehensive strategy for the New Mexico Chapter to design and implement conservation programs, policies, and projects that are culturally appropriate and meet mutual conservation goals of the New Mexico Field Office (NMFO) and Tribal Nations. Working primarily in New Mexico, the IP Director will build on existing partnerships and projects in a team setting with other Nature Conservancy (TNC) team members leading forest and fire management, water conservation and management, conservation lands, and climate change mitigation and adaption programs. The IP Director will serve as TNC's primary liaison to tribes in New Mexico and serve as part of an extended team working in North America to implement the Conservancy's Indigenous Landscapes and Communities (ILC) Strategy. This position is being offered as a part-time (28 hours per week-schedule tbd), salaried and benefits eligible, two-year term position. If a platform and enabling conditions allow, a full-time position may be considered at the end of the term.-- ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Expands TNC's role as a trusted conservation partner with New Mexico's Tribal Nations.--
• Assists TNC's team in--developing a comprehensive NMFO strategy to ensure all programs include--goals to support Indigenous people's rights, leadership, and cultural priorities.
• Advises New Mexico TNC's team in setting priorities for collaborative conservation work and partnership development.
• Works collaboratively with the Stewardship, Forest, Freshwater and Climate Programs, and other NMFO staff to identify--and develop multiple conservation outcomes that benefit Tribal communities.
• Works with TNC's External Affairs staff on the development of state and federal policies that benefit Tribal Nations.
• Stewards crucial partnerships to effectively implement key strategies and communicate success among multiple audiences while practicing free, prior, and informed consent and protecting the intellectual property rights of Tribal Nations.
• Provides thought leadership and visibility for TNC's strategies and actions with external audiences, partners, and agencies.--
• Represents NMFO in TNC's work with Tribal Nations, along with regional and global TNC networks like the Indigenous Peoples Burning Network, Colorado River Program's Tribal Water Initiative, North American Forest Network, and the North--America ILC Community of Practice.
• Assists with the development of collateral materials, social media and reviewing donor communications with ILC program messaging.
• Understands and applies current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.
• Enables TNC's North American ILC goals to: 1) build competency and capacity to partner with Indigenous people; 2) support Indigenous people's authority; 3) improve relationships with Conservancy and public land managers, and--Indigenous access to lands and waters; 4) transforms conservation practices by including Indigenous knowledge and world views. RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
  • Geographic scope is primarily the state of New Mexico and the Tribal Nations located in the state, but work will also include collaboration with neighboring state's--Tribal Nations, other North American and possibly International partners.
  • Works and communicates with diverse groups of people, including government officials, advisory and other Board of Directors, partner organizations, the public, program leadership, and all other TNC staff.
  • Assists NMFO in developing and implementing the ILC portion of the chapter's Conservation Strategic Plan, building on an existing body of work from other core programs.--
  • Coordinates multiple projects with several variables; sets and meets deadlines and timelines.--
  • Resolves routine problems independently; consults with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of unusual or complex problems.
  • Establishes and maintains optimal standards of performance for the program while controlling costs and administering budgets.
  • Works with philanthropy staff to ensure that public and private funds are raised to meet programmatic needs. Writes--requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for the program, negotiates complex agreements, leads, and manages grants, contracts, and requests for proposals. Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.--
  • Builds cooperation from outside parties to accomplish program goals. Creates, builds, and maintains effective partnerships with tribal, governments, Tribal natural resource practitioners, and relevant state and federal agencies.
  • At times may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, and on difficult and hazardous terrain.--
  • Supervises no staff at this time, but may plan and direct the work of contractors, volunteers and/or interns.
  • Frequently makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment even when context or information is ambiguous.
  • May require some travel domestically and/or internationally, and evening and weekend hours.-- MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
    • BA/BS degree and five (5) years' experience in tribally focused planning, project implementation and relationship development.
    • In-depth understanding of tribal governance, culture, and concerns in New Mexico.
    • Experience working with tribal natural resource agencies.--
    • Experience working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, US Forest Service, State Government, Tribal Governments.
    • Experience managing complex or multiple projects, shifting priorities, workloads, and finances under deadlines.
    • Experience developing partnerships with diverse groups, including but not limited to tribes, other conservation organizations, government entities, corporations and foundations, local communities.--
    • Experience communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English.
    • Experience with Microsoft Office suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.--
    • Experience building collaborative projects which lead to tangible results.
    • Valid driver's license required. DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
      • Experience in natural resource management, with experience in fire management and/or water management preferred.
      • Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
      • Experience in writing and/or managing government grants to support programs and projects.--
      • Experience in building cross-cultural partnerships, including participants who speak different languages and have different world views.
      • Experience in furthering organizational change, either internally or externally among partner organizations. ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION The Nature Conservancy as an organization is rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. It is The Nature Conservancy's vision that through strengthened Voice, Choice, and Action, Indigenous people and local communities are managing lands and waters in ways that improve lives and drive conservation. When invited to collaborate, TNC works in partnership with Indigenous people and local communities to strengthen their role in stewarding the lands and waters upon which all life depends.-- 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. HOW TO APPLY To apply to position number 49547, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 pm Eastern time on April 22nd, 2021. Click "submit" to apply for the position or "save for later" to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. 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.

Keywords: The Nature Conservancy, Santa Fe , NM Indigenous Partnerships Program Director, Executive , Santa Fe, New Mexico