Nature Conservancy Seeks Director of Human Dimensions Science
Posted on June 1, 2023
Position Title:
Director of Human Dimensions Science
Position Overview:
The Director of Human Dimensions Science develops and leads research priorities and strategies in social and behavioral research that support the One Conservancy Science plan and helps achieve the Conservancy's 2030 goals.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Director of Human Dimensions Science position is a great opportunity to build out a new line in the Social and Behavioral Sciences at the Conservancy. As a member of the Global Science Team, the Director will lead a team of Human Dimensions scientists and will serve as a core support and resource to scientists across the Conservancy. The Global Science team is expanding and evolving its ‘One Conservancy Science’ services to serve TNC’s 1,000+ Science staff. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Scientist and working collaboratively with other scientists and staff across TNC, the Director of Human Dimensions Science will be a key part of the Global Science team, investing in co-developing, implementing and monitoring a vision and program that helps assess strategic social and behavioral science activities to drive change on a global scale.
The ideal candidate for this role will have a strong background in social sciences, and experience working internationally. Together, the Director of Human Dimensions Science and the Conservancy will be able to develop and implement effective programs, communicate findings to and with key stakeholders, and create lasting positive change.
The Director of Human Dimensions Science develops and leads research priorities and strategies in social and behavioral research that support the One Conservancy Science plan and helps achieve the Conservancy's 2030 goals. This includes conducting research on societal, cultural, and psychological factors that affect people's perceptions and actions towards climate change, biodiversity loss and other conservation topics. Additionally, the Director collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to develop and implement strategies and programs that integrate social dimensions of TNC science with on-the-ground efforts, as well as communicates and engages with both internal and external audiences. Other duties include providing guidance and support in human dimension science, working and navigating across internal boundaries, building and managing a diverse team, and collaborating with philanthropy staff and leadership to persuasively convey the science-based mission of TNC.
We’re Looking for You:
The ideal candidate for the Director of Social Dimensions Science position is a leader and an innovator with a passion for making a difference in the world of conservation. They must be able to work effectively with staff, partners, donors, and other stakeholders and be comfortable in a highly decentralized and matrixed organization. They should have strong collaborative science and co-design skills, experience leading interdisciplinary teams, and the ability to translate research findings into policy-relevant information. In addition, they should have the capacity to distil complex needs into actionable projects and ideas, the skill to engage and inspire staff and stakeholders, and the knowledge to advance the evidence base for existing and emerging strategies. For those looking to make a positive impact on the world, this is an exciting opportunity to join an organization dedicated to making a lasting difference.
The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy has an established office. Salary is based on physical working location.
What You’ll Bring:
- PhD in psychology, human geography, sociology, anthropology, or inter-disciplinary social sciences, with an emphasis on climate, biodiversity, water, agriculture, conservation, environment or a related field plus 8 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Supervisory experience, including motivating, coaching, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
- Multi-language skills and/or multi-country or cross-cultural experience.
- Experience building relationships.
- Experience conducting original research and publishing in peer reviewed scientific journals.
- Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.
- Experience designing, organizing, and directing complex social science projects of strategic importance and leading a multi-disciplinary team.
- Experience synthesizing and integrating research findings and lessons learned.
- Experience communicating and presenting next steps and strategy to senior management.
What We Bring:
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!
How to Apply:
Please apply to Job #53442 at www.nature.org/careers, or apply directly HERE. Submit required cover letter and resume separately using the upload buttons.
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This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.