Dec 06, 2019
The Nature Conservancy
OFFICE LOCATION Arlington, Virginia, USA. AA100 A LITTLE ABOUT US The Nature Conservancy ('TNC') is a global environmental nonprofit working to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends. Founded as a land conservation organization in the United States in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the largest conservation organizations in the world, with an expanded mission encompassing global conservation strategies. Empowered by the dedicated efforts of its diverse team--nearly 4,000 strong,including more than 400 scientists--all of whom impact conservation in 72 countries across six continents, the organization works with many partners, including governments, academics, local nonprofits, local communities and indigenous peoples, corporations and, most importantly, a corps of 1,500 volunteer leaders (trustees) and a membership of more than one million people. TNC employs a non-confrontational and collaborative approach and is focused on solving problems. TNC's core values drive everything it does: integrity beyond reproach; respect for people, communities, and cultures; commitment to diversity; acting as One Conservancy; and tangible, lasting results. The Nature Conservancy's vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives. TNC's science shows us that this is possible. TNC works to put the planet on the path to sustainability, by bringing together people and organizations across borders, across sectors and across political aisles, with the goal of making significant progress in the next 10 years. TNC has developed a plan-the Shared Conservation Agenda -- for how it can help to make that happen, organized around four priorities: TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE: Implement and increase emphasis on readily available, cost-effective natural climate solutions, such as reforestation, and drive policy changes to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future. PROTECT LAND AND WATER: Complete large protection projects using innovative finance; share smart infrastructure siting principles to encourage sustainable development; partner with governments; and partner with indigenous people to strengthen their rights as environmental stewards. PROVIDE FOOD AND WATER SUSTAINABLY: Work with farmers, ranchers, fishers and water managers to create sustainable supplies of food and water, reduce negative environmental impacts and promote economic growth. BUILD HEALTHY CITIES: Demonstrate how green infrastructure and climate smart planning, such as planting trees, can address urban challenges, including stormwater run-off, air pollution and heat islands. The team and supporters of The Nature Conservancy believe that the problems our world faces are solvable. If we can make significant changes in the way we manage our lands and waters and use of resources-we can create a world where people and nature thrive. The Conservancy has net assets exceeding $6.7 billion and an annual operating budget exceeding $740 million. The organization is in the final stages of its historic $7 billion Our World Campaign, which aims to build unprecedented support for efforts to protect lands and waters, tackle climate change, provide food and water sustainably, and build healthy cities. YOUR POSITION WITH TNC The Nature Conservancy seeks a CEO with a global perspective and deeply felt passion for the environment to lead the organization at this critical time for the planet. Time is of the essence. With climate change dramatically affecting the planet, it is critical to bring the strength and trust of TNC as a data-driven convener to play an even more central role in global climate solutions. With its ambitious mission - to conserve the land and water on which all life depends - and its science driven approach, TNC needs a CEO who will chart the course needed to achieve the global Shared Conservation Agenda by supporting and leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit of TNC employees and partners, and who will continue to build the organization's capacities to support its solution driven goals. The next CEO will inspire a talented team, build trust across the organization, expand and deepen TNC's collaborative partnerships. TNC seeks an experienced leader who is energized by the opportunity to steward a complex, global organization focused on impacting the critical issues facing the environment. The next CEO will need to collaborate with the team and trustees across the globe in charting a dynamic future, and will need the ability to lead, the desire and humility to seek input and listen carefully, and the judgment and experience to be decisive in managing a decentralized and matrixed organization. TNC's next CEO will bring personal passion for the issues, mature global leadership experiences, strategic thinking, and the personal humility to lift-up the strength of TNC: its people. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Reports to Global Board of Directors Direct reports Chief Conservation Officer (interim) Chief Development Officer Chief External Affairs Officer Chief Financial Officer Chief of Staff Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel Chief People Officer Chief Scientist Senior Advisor to the CEO Other key relationships The Executive Council Global Board Members Chapter Trustees International Advisory ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IDEAL EXPERIENCE Significant Leadership Experience A proven track record as a CEO or president, or equivalent, of a complex, decentralized organization, and deeply held, authentic passion for environmental and conservation issues. Management in a Complex Environment Tested and superb strategic and organizational skills, and a manager in an environment of complexity and scale. A person who honors data, independent thought, and collaborative decision-making. Experience embracing shared leadership. Team-Building and Recruiting A team-builder and decision-maker who has experience identifying, attracting, retaining, and holding accountable top talent and empowering these individuals to act in the organization's best interests. Demonstrated Aptitude in Fundraising and Building Partnerships Proven relationship-builder with experience fundraising, investing, and/or allocating organizational resources. Experience working with diverse donors, investors, and/or partners including corporations, foundations, and from moderate to high net worth individuals. Also, experience establishing complex partnerships. Demonstrated Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion A demonstrated contribution to fostering a diverse and engaged community, based on the values of equity and inclusion. Global Mindset Demonstrable understanding of dynamic global shifts with the ability to work diplomatically and inclusively with constituents across borders to achieve shared goals. Communication A track record of effective communication at the highest level, able to connect and influence a variety of stakeholders across the globe. As comfortable on the world stage as in everyday engagement with staff. Policy Experience participating in policy forums in the multilateral, national and/or global policy arenas with governments, civil society, financial entities and/or multilateral agencies such as the UN, World Bank, etc. CRITICAL LEADERSHIP CAPABILITIES Inclusive Collaborative Leadership In a global, complex, decentralized organization where employees are deeply passionate about the mission, the next CEO will be a collaborative, results-driven leader, ready to listen and also prepared to make decisions. The next CEO will: Embrace the opportunity to collaborate across the organization, inviting discussion and debate, and creating an environment where all voices are invited and heard. Set clear expectations about decision-making and beprepared to own challenging decisions with confidence and humility. Attract, mentor, delegate to, and empower a strong collaborative team. Encourage an environment that values and expects exceptional management, supports professional development and growth and holds people accountable for results. Bring strategic, financial, and operational acumen to the role. Steward the organization's resources, balancing short-term needs and long-term responsibilities. Look downstream to anticipate consequences, be they financial, political, or human. Build a productive partnership with the Global Board of Trustees. Preserve the best of TNC's decentralized and autonomous operating units while focusing intently on solving the big problems that affect the global environment, conservation and welfare. Communicate widely, in a clear, compelling, and timely manner. Be an effective storyteller. Leading Change The next CEO will be tasked to execute the ambitious Shared Conservation Agenda by utilizing the full strength of TNC's team, science, partners, and trustees. The next CEO will: Develop, evaluate, and pursue strategies to incentivize the robust implementation of the Shared Conservation Agenda . Create/modify the existing infrastructure as necessary to execute the SCA successfully, build or modify the existing financial and fundraising incentives, and develop or enhance the existing policies to support this critical transition. Bring a global perspective, insatiable curiosity, eagerness for dialogue and debate, and a deep commitment to collaboration in working with the executive council to explore options and chart the path of TNC. Inspire a culture that values and nurtures science, entrepreneurship, and policy. Have the judgment necessary to understand and evaluate new initiatives and the credibility, courage and skills to gain support and implement change effectively. Understand and embrace the range of tools available to achieve the goals and use them strategically. Leverage the power of partnerships and pursue policies that will elevate the work in regions across the globe. Community Engagement & Building In an organization striving to "live its values" within a challenging, global environment, the next CEO will: Be a culturally competent leader and global citizen who has demonstrated experience fostering an inclusive community where all may thrive, contribute, and change the organization. Engage with all members of the organization and participate actively in the office and in the field when able. Develop strong, authentic relationships and look for opportunities large and small to make and deepen connections. Be an inspiring and trusted leader and convener with the ability to drive a sense of inclusion, equity and respect. Develop strong relationships with donors who share a commitment to TNC's values and work. Execute an ambitious fundraising program to support the organization. Appreciate and leverage the power of the role. Seek opportunities to speak publicly on matters of national and global issues. Look for opportunities to elevate the work of all "green group" organizations, being both a team player and a team leader. OTHER PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS A broadly engaged intellect; a deeply passionate environmentalist with good judgement and strong internalcompass; Warm and engaging; genuinely interested in the lives of team members. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills - thoughtful, inspiring and authentic; The confidence to invite dialogue, listen carefully, make decisions and to share credit; and, A sense of humor. HOW TO APPLY T he Nature Conservancy is being assisted in this recruitment by the international leadership advisory firm Spencer Stuart and welcomes nominations or expressions of interest. To submit comments, nominations, or expressions of interest, please send an e-mail with any supporting materials to the confidential address: TNCCEO@spencerstuart.com. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer The Nature Conservancy is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to attracting, retaining, developing and promoting the most qualified employees without regard to their race, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status, or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state or local law. We are dedicated to providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment, and where employees are treated with respect and dignity. The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Professional Diversity Network
Bethesda, MD, USA
Full-Time