Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The five states in the Midwest (IL, IN, MI, OH, WI) lie at the freshwater heart of North America and with industrial roots they are a key influencer in global climate solutions. The Great Lakes and Mississippi River systems are globally significant freshwater resources, and some 90 percent of the fresh surface water in North America flows through this region. At the same time, freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened on Earth. One-third of all freshwater species are in danger of extinction, while access to clean water is an increasing concern for communities around the world. We are collaborating with farmers to support productive agricultural lands and protect clean water in a time of increasing global need and climate change pressures. Half of all land in the Midwest is farmland. Threats to this region’s abundant freshwater, forests and farmland are also threats to our way of life.
We are also advancing smart renewable energy and nature-based solutions that benefit wildlife habitat and local communities, and help the Midwest adapt to a changing climate. Across the Midwest, TNC currently stewards more than 223,000 protected acres, and works with partners to conserve many more. Through strategic interventions ranging from direct action to policy advocacy, we aim to sustain the Midwest’s natural diversity while also protecting important ecosystem services that support both people and nature.
The Director of Marketing and Communications, Midwest provides direction and leadership to a multidisciplinary marketing and communications team serving the Midwest Division business units and whole system programs. They manage staff (directly and indirectly) and partner with leaders across the Division and The Nature Conservancy to implement program/project strategies that deliver against Divisional / Business Unit / North America Region / and TNC organizational goals.
They manage staff and teams who develop and implement integrated and effective marketing and communications plans to help drive organizational strategy. They also partner closely with other leaders across the Division (Business Unit and program leads, Development staff, Conservation staff, Government Relations staff, etc.) to create, manage, and implement key marketing and communications initiatives / programs designed to advance strategies that build awareness and engagement, influence conservation/policy action, and achieve revenue goals. They work closely with other marketing leaders across TNC and key internal and external stakeholders, including senior management / trustees, to ensure delivery of programs. They align staff efforts to match priorities set by Division Leadership Team, direct diverse activities, develop complex practices and processes, and initiate change.
The position is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Marketing and Communications Team (reporting to the Director of North America Region Marketing). The position has a strong dotted line to the Midwest Division Director and a responsibility to focus/deliver on Divisional priorities. Occasional travel required.
As the Director of Marketing and Communications, Midwest, you will:
- Design, direct, and manage multiple complex and diverse programs / projects. Coordinate the work of other professionals, manage budget, and ensure program accountability.
- Have broad management responsibility for administrative and professional staff that are responsible for key initiatives or programs.
- Work with the Midwest Division Director, Business Unit and program leaders to establish staffing structures, associated budget and strategies that deliver results.
- Serves as part of the North America Marketing Leadership Team (NAMLT) to ensure access to organizational resources, coordination on priority opportunities, and sharing successes.
- Maintain close relationships with Business Unit leaders inside and outside the Division.
- Collaborate and partner closely with internal teams in the Marketing and Communications Division (MAC).
- Be accountable for establishing and meeting strategic goals and objectives.
- Have financial responsibility including developing and managing project and team budget objectives, evaluating results, and developing corrective strategies as needed. Provide input to departmental budget process.
- Act independently within broad program goals. Work checked through consultation and agreement with stakeholders rather than by directives of superiors.
- Decisions can commit the resources in a way that affects public image and have program-wide impact.
We’re Looking for You:
If you’re looking for a career where you can find meaning and purpose, come join us as the Director of Marketing and Communications, Midwest! Not only will you fulfill conservation objectives in the region, but you’ll contribute to conservation goals through many networks.
The ideal candidate will have all or some of the following qualifications. If you don’t have all of them, apply anyways and tell us about your skills and experience:
- Multi-lingual skills appreciated.
- Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience preferred.
- Master’s degree or extensive professional experience.
- Management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, manage performance, and help with conflict resolution on a multi- disciplinary team.
- Senior level experience in marketing field.
- Excellent communications and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors, board members and the public.
- Proven success in communicating with diverse audiences.
- Experience developing, implementing, and measuring multifaceted strategic marketing and communications initiatives, plans and programs.
- Proven ability in managing the fiduciary aspects of planning and delivery of annual budgets.
- Excellent mediation and negotiation skills.
- Proven success in building and maintaining productive long-term relationships with partners, vendors, board members, and senior leaders both internal and external.
- Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in marketing and communications.
- Cross disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives.
What You’ll Bring:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in related field and minimum 10 years related work experience or an equivalent combination, including at least 3 years’ experience at a senior management level.
- Experience leading and managing a large multi-disciplinary team or complex program.
- Experience cultivating and managing relationships with senior level executives, Board of Trustees, Board of Directors and/or external marketing contacts.
- Experience fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.
- Experience in program management, including broad financial responsibility and measuring results of strategic plans and programs.
Desired Qualifications:
- Multi-lingual skills and/or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree or extensive professional experience.
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!
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!
This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
Salary:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $113,000-$163,000 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.
How to Apply:
Please apply to Job 54649 at www.nature.org/careers. Submit the required cover letter and resume separately using the upload buttons. The position will remain open until filled and applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.
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 the required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration. If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide 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 cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
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.