United States Connectivity Conservation Program Director

Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt 

Work Location: Bozeman, MT preferred; Remote considered 

Work Arrangement: In-person or Hybrid preferred; Remote considered  

Compensation: $87,000-$100,000 annually, DOE 

Benefits: 100% employer-paid medical, dental & vision insurance, up to a 5% match on 401k contributions, generous PTO, and flexible scheduling   

Reports to: Senior Conservation Director 

Application Deadline: November 11, 2024 

Preferred start date: Jan 7, 2025 

About the Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC / the Center) 

The Center for Large Landscape Conservation (CLLC) is a nonprofit organization based in Bozeman, Montana. We bring science, policy, and proven solutions directly to communities working to protect and restore the health and climate integrity of the planet through large-scale conservation measures. The Center is a leader in the fast-growing global movement to reverse landscape fragmentation, restore nature’s resilience to climate change, and support community-led action.   

The Center offers a supportive, flexible, and dynamic work environment. We place a high degree of emphasis on hiring staff who bring diverse skills, backgrounds, and life experience, consistent enthusiasm and energy, and a collaborative mindset to the Center. We work to actively cultivate an inclusive workplace and people of color, LGBTQ+ persons, and people from other historically marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Position Overview  

The Center for Large Landscape Conservation is seeking a dedicated and visionary senior-level manager with enthusiasm for landscape-scale and connectivity conservation to shape, lead, and sustain our US Program. The US Program Director will have a strong background in US landscape conservation policy, planning, and science, with a solid understanding of connectivity conservation. This essential role requires a motivated leader who will guide and mentor a dynamic team, foster strategic partnerships and initiatives, act on opportunities, and implement impactful projects. By setting priorities that align with CLLC’s mission and goals, they will facilitate ecological resilience to climate change across the United States.  

The ideal candidate will have the ability to interpret and integrate conservation science into planning, policy development, and practice, for both publicly and privately funded conservation efforts. They will guide and provide expertise on federal, and state policies related to landscape-scale conservation, connectivity, and wildlife crossings; while managing multiple projects and initiatives at varying scales across the US. 

Responsibilities & Duties  

Program Leadership & Advancement 

Integrate CLLC’s main focal areas - policy and planning, science and best practices, strategic collaborations and partnerships, across all US Program initiatives; tracking success to achieve maximum impact 

Maintain the US Program’s reputation as a key player in connectivity conservation and nurture relationships with decision-makers and partner communities/community members 

Develop, leverage, and maintain strategic partnerships with other NGOs, scientists, policymakers, government officials, and local and Indigenous partners 

Educate congressional and administration leaders on CLLC priorities and promote a national commitment to, and implementation of, ecological connectivity 

In conjunction with the development staff, contribute to US Program fundraising efforts and build relationships with donors and foundations. Steward the fiscal sustainability of the US Program and identify funding opportunities, draft concept notes, proposals, and grant reports as needed 

Work with Leadership Team members to oversee the development of the US Program plan, an annual program budget, and monitor program success against established benchmarks 

Represent CLLC and serve as a spokesperson on US Program issues with external audiences, including media, program partners, policymakers, and the public 

Project & Team Management 

Manage the US Program’s portfolio of projects including partners, personnel, and proposed objectives; provide ultimate accountability for project deliverables 

Develop detailed project timelines and milestones and adhere to established deadlines; regularly review project progress against agreed upon targets and make adjustments to ensure timely completion 

Manage project and program expenses to meet budget objectives 

Ensure key project outcomes are evaluated, leveraged, and communicated for maximum impact. Liaise with the Communications team to ensure timely, strategic production of media and educational materials 

Support and empower the US Program staff and consultants to ensure the successful delivery of program goals 

Lead in the recruitment, management, and mentorship of US Program staff, including assigning and directing work, performing evaluations, and delivering timely and constructive feedback 

Draft and manage deliverables and work plans for consultants and program staff 

Participate in CLLC meetings and retreats; ensure there is a strong alignment between the US program and CLLC’s other program areas 

Qualifications & Expectations     

Preferred Qualifications 

10+ years of directly relevant professional experience, with a demonstrated record of excellence and accomplishments  

Experience in a leadership role in ecology, conservation biology, climate science, natural resource management, or environmental policy 

Graduate degree in a relevant field preferred 

Staff supervision and team leadership experience, including the ability to lead a team together with partners to achieve conservation goals  

Able to research, integrate, and apply scientific literature and policy to write reports and papers. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to project manage/prioritize to successfully meet deadlines 

Proven experience facilitating meetings and creating engaging presentations and webinars 

Ability to translate complex issues into simple and persuasive ideas and have a learning stance. 

Ability to work with diverse constituencies, including tribes, researchers, conservation practitioners, agency personnel, landowners, and advocates; create a collaborative decision-making environment 

Exceptional written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills, including persuasive writing and public speaking skills 

Excellent computer skills (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) 

Essential Qualifications: 

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States 

Ability to work effectively and respectfully across cultures  

Willingness to travel within North America multiple times a year 

Flexibility to work with people across all U.S. time zones 

General Expectations: 

Support the Center’s internal policies and processes, and help to advance our organizational effectiveness and culture 

Bring integrity, genuineness, and curiosity to your daily work 

Provide leadership in decision making and problem solving in your program area 

Commit to mentorship; invest time to support, coach, and empower your team 

Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to give, receive, and process information in a professional manner 

Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive information 

Promote and strive for the long-term sustainability of the US Program and CLLC overall 

Positively represent the Center in both public and private settings 

Maintain relevancy with best practices and advancements in conservation 

How to apply: 

Please follow the link to our Careers page on our website. You will be asked to include:  

A brief cover letter explaining how your goals, skills and background fit the responsibilities of this role 

A Resume  

Contact information for three professional references 

The Center for Large Landscape Conservation is committed to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive conservation movement where diverse perspectives are encouraged. We welcome a diverse applicant pool and highly encourage candidates from marginalized/under resourced communities or identities to apply for this position.  

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law.