[Remote] Director of Science, California Water Program

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. The Nature Conservancy is a leading environmental organization focused on conservation efforts. They are seeking a Science Director for the California Water Program to provide strategic and scientific leadership, manage a multidisciplinary team, and drive initiatives for surface water and groundwater conservation in California.ResponsibilitiesDevelop innovative scientific ideas and products to advance the Conservancy’s mission, including by leveraging the platform provided by TNC California’s network of land and water holdingsLead, manage and mentor science staff and have responsibility for performance management and professional developmentWork collaboratively, internally and externally, to develop conservation strategiesMaintain, strengthen, and leverage a network of external scientific collaborators in academia, government, for-profit and non-profit sectors to deliver the science needed to advance the Conservancy’s conservation strategiesFoster partnerships with a high degree of professionalism, interpersonal skills and awareness of partner differencesWork collaboratively within multi-disciplinary teams, and support program objectives by working in a matrixed organization environmentSupport development of clear strategic theories of change, and the internal systems to adaptively manage implementation and refinement of those plansPersuasively represent TNC externally as a freshwater science expertDeliver tools, biodiversity data, field services and training for staff and partnersProvide guidance and support for research, project development, and monitoring, including research conducted by partners, contractors, and granteesDesign and implement field surveys, experiments, and assessmentsDraft project reports, manuscripts for scientific publication, and other science products, and oversee product development for direct reportsDevelop and manage grants or contracts and write requests for proposalsCo-develop budgets and track spendingWork across geographic and ecosystem boundaries in California and collaborate with the science community to enhance the conservation practices of others to further TNC California’s reputation as a global leader in conservation sciencePersuasively convey verbally and in writing the mission of TNC to diverse groups including senior leaders, donors, board members, business leaders, and elected officialsAbility to travel up to 50% of the time, varying seasonally, in the US and/or internationally and may work in variable weather conditions at remote locations, hazardous terrain and/or under physically demanding circumstancesSkillsPh.D. in science related field and 8 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experienceSupervisory experience, including motivating, coaching, leading, setting objectives and managing performanceExperience conducting original research and publishing in peer reviewed scientific journalsExperience building relationships and collaborating successfully with a broad array of peopleExperience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposalsExperience designing, organizing and directing multiple complex projects of strategic importance and leading multi-disciplinary teamsExperience synthesizing and integrating research findings and lessons learned into conservation strategyExperience communicating and presenting effectively to senior managementExperience networking extensively in scientific communities and maintaining strong relationshipsExperience working on socio-ecological, political, and freshwater conservation issues in CaliforniaExperience with systematic conservation planning, monitoring, and evaluationExperience leading and participating in coalitions that have successfully led to multi-benefit outcomesDemonstrated leadership and visionary qualities and ability to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically-dispersed organizationThis position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety ProgramBenefitsHealth care benefitsFlexible spending accountsA 401(k) plan with an 8% employer matchParental leaveAccrued paid time offLife insuranceDisability coverageEmployee assistance programOther life and work well-being benefitsFlexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employCompany OverviewThe Nature Conservancy is a non-profit conservation organization that works to protect terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. It was founded in 1951, and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA, with a workforce of 5001-10000 employees. Its website is http://www.nature.org.Company H1B SponsorshipThe Nature Conservancy has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 2 in 2026, 26 in 2025, 21 in 2024, 13 in 2023, 18 in 2022, 13 in 2021, 12 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.