Tribal communities have cared for and managed healthy and abundant fisheries and salmon runs for thousands of years prior to colonial contact and now face significant political barriers to restore and protect this important cultural resource. Rooted in this understanding, our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations throughout the Columbia Basin and the surrounding region in alignment with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities. The Columbia Basin Program is a new priority and program for TNC. The Columbia Basin Program Director (Director) is a leadership position focused on developing the program while guiding TNC to become a trusted and value-added partner with the many rights holders and interested parties working on the indigenous-led efforts to recover salmon populations, improve river health, improve human well-being, and contribute to the successful clean energy transition across the Columbia Basin.
The Director will be the lead strategist for TNC working directly with, and supporting leadership of, the Columbia Basin Tribes and First Nations to achieve the outcomes described in the Tribal-led Resilient Columbia Restoration Initiative and similar Indigenous-led conservation and recovery efforts. The Director will cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous Nations, Tribal Governments, Native-specific organizations, community leaders, and partners to develop and advance initiatives and projects that reflect indigenous priorities in the Columbia Basin. They will utilize TNC’s collaborative, relationship-based approach, deep capacity, and willingness to listen and learn from all interested parties to play a convening and solution-finding role in supporting the Tribes, states and federal government in delivering solutions.
The Columbia Basin Program Director may supervise one or more staff. They may negotiate or develop complex and innovative agreements and partnerships. This position will report to the Oregon State Director with direction and support from a multi-state Steering Committee. The Director will work collaboratively with government relations, conservation, and other staff within TNC’s Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Montana chapters, Western US & Canada Division, North America Policy and Government Relations team, and Indigenous Right Relations team in order to lead the Columbia Basin Program for TNC.
Location and Schedule:
· The primary work location for this position is flexible within the Columbia River Basin (home office or existing TNC office location).
· The position requires travel throughout the Basin and occasionally to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation and salmon recovery? We’re looking for a skilled relationship-builder and excellent communicator who is grounded in cultural knowledge and capability gained through lived experience and motivated by working collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to challenges facing the Columbia Basin. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting Columbia Basin salmon recovery and healthy communities. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
ABOUT US
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.
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