Chicago Region Program Director

Description:

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage priorities and resources focused on outcomes. Guide a cross-disciplinary team to execute strategic goals by setting priorities and meeting deadlines while cultivating a collaborative dynamic of learning, innovation, and transparency.
• Provide strategic leadership for the team and the Center, leading the development and integration of existing programs and new, inclusive initiatives.
• Design and implement tracking to manage progress on goals and budgets, updating and redesigning priorities where needed. Lead regular communications regarding progress and shifts to internal and external entities.
• Collaborate with Center Director and Institutional Advancement to build necessary funding support for program development, and associated reporting.
• Develop and cultivate collaborations with key actors and funders in the Chicago region, supporting the Action Center team to work effectively in partnership for durable conservation and community wellbeing outcomes at local and regional scales.
• Promote and communicate the Chicago Region Program to internal and external audiences, serving as a crucial liaison with partners, funders, and trustees.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree, or equivalent experience, and 10 years experience in conservation and community wellbeing in urban centers, with an understanding of the political landscape and conservation realities in Chicago, the Great Lakes, and/or Upper Midwest regions.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, tribal representatives, and/or government agencies, in collaborations that address environmental justice and equity.
• Successful experience directly managing an interdisciplinary team with diverse members, including mentoring, motivating, cultivating respect, setting objectives, building capacity, deepening collaborations, and managing performance.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating biological and social aspects of conservation with advanced technologies for research and decision-making (for example eDNA, remote data collection, GIS, database systems), as well as experience in the interface between research and conservation action.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including budget management and fundraising.