Director, Great Plains Science

The Science Program Director will oversee the Science program whose purpose is to ensure WWF’s Great Plains (GP) Program is guided by robust science to 1) sustain and expand intact grasslands, 2) enhance the ecological function of prairie ecosystems, and 3) restore keystone and endangered wildlife, while ensuring WWF continues to be a leader in grassland conservation science. This work entails managing a staff of 2-4 science specialists and senior specialists; developing and maintaining key partnerships in the science community; engaging with public and private sector partners; prioritizing strategies to meet overall program objectives; measuring progress toward program goals; designing and implementing a variety of programs focused on improving grassland conservation; fundraising for program goals and objectives; and managing project workflows that involve numerous other internal WWF teams.

Responsibilities

Manage a high-performing team of 2-4 staff members; Develop and implement strategies, priorities, budgets, and timelines for the Science program; Develop, build, and maintain partnerships with leaders in the science community, government, non-profits, ranching community, Native Nations, and private sector; Coordinate with Great Plains team, WWF Policy & Government Affairs, and external partners to support science needs for policy advocacy; Serve as part of GP leadership team to drive program integration and resolve conservation challenges; Lead fundraising, proposal development, and reporting in coordination with WWF Development and GP team

Requirements

Leadership/Management; Research/Analytical Thinking/Intellectual Curiosity; Strategic Planning and Implementation; Partnership Development and Engagement; Detail-Oriented, Results-Oriented Project Management; Master's degree and minimum 10 years' experience in a related field required, PhD contributes towards experience; Knowledge of and experience working in the Great Plains ecoregion; Expert scientific knowledge of the drivers, threats, and opportunities in grassland conservation; Scientific leadership on grassland conversion, ecological and social indicators, climate mitigation and biodiversity accounting, and wildlife restoration; Deep familiarity with ecological/conservation principles including proven experience with monitoring ecological response of restoration and conservation efforts; Knowledge of community led conservation principles and understanding of social science applied to measure conservation outcomes; Deep familiarity with ecological/conservation principles at ecoregional scale, history, and trends; Excellent knowledge of national and regional conservation arena, key players, and policies; Ability to think strategically and incorporate input from stakeholders; Experience managing complex projects including staff, budgets, workplans, timelines, and tracking metrics; Strong fundraising skills including writing/editing proposals and reports, setting goals, developing budgets and timelines; Demonstrated success synthesizing and packaging ideas for donors, government grants, foundations, and corporate support; Experience supervising staff including developing work plans, providing feedback, managing performance, and leadership; Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with universities, non-profits, private entities, government agencies, tribal colleges, and funders; Excellent communication skills; Ability to take initiative, make decisions, facilitate and inspire others; Experience managing external consultants/contractors; Willingness to travel up to 5-10%; Willingness and ability to think outside the box and work with a wide range of conservation practitioners; Commitment to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion; Identification with WWF core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration

Nice to have

Knowledge and experience working with Native nations in the Northern Great Plains; Cross-cultural experience

Benefits

Domestic (United States) relocation