Conservation and Science Director, Latin America Region

Location

Open to candidates based in any of the nine countries in Latin America where we operate, as well as the United States or Canada.

What We Can Achieve Together

The Conservation & Science Director leads and supports teams to define and implement science-based, systems-level conservation strategies across the Latin American Region (LAR), contributing to the ambitious goals TNC has set for itself by 2030. The multidisciplinary role provides strategic vision, conceptual leadership, and guidance for innovative conservation approaches, ensuring that science—both natural and social—underpins all regional priorities and programs. The Director fosters collaboration across geographies and organizational levels, facilitates change management based on both natural and social sciences, and provides hands‑on support as needed to ensure that all programs can deliver on our far-reaching 2030 goals.

We’re Looking for You

Responsibilities & Scope

• Shape and advance transformative, science-based conservation strategies across Latin America that deliver measurable outcomes aligned with TNC’s 2030 goals, ensuring scientific rigor underpins all programs across the region.
• Support the effective implementation of priority strategies and interventions across the region including monitoring and evaluation systems that track conservation impact, while catalyzing synergies and learning.
• Facilitate the deployment of global and regional resources and expertise, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams and functions, and supporting joint programming, fundraising, and applied science initiatives.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of conservation professionals across multiple countries, cultivating a culture of collaboration, inclusion, and innovation while supporting their growth and career development.
• Advance the regional research agenda through both internal collaboration with TNC global teams and partnerships with universities, institutions, and external stakeholders.
• Participate in the Latin America Region’s (LAR) leadership bodies and represent LAR on the global Science Advisory Committee as well as in relevant international fora.
• Oversee regional conservation budget development and financial stewardship, and collaborate with development teams to align transformative strategies with funding opportunities.

The Director maintains close relationships with TNC colleagues at regional and global levels to align with One Conservancy strategies, and will report to the Regional Managing Director and serve as a member of the regional leadership team.

What You’ll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD degree in a science-related field plus 10 years related experience in Conservation Science or an equivalent combination of education and experience, with a strong understanding of social sciences.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and working in a matrixed organization.
• Experience in applied science for the design and implementation of ambitious strategies and interventions.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with demonstrated ability to share and explain complex processes and ideas with diverse audiences including staff, donors, consultants, and external partners.
• Fluency in English and proficiency in either Spanish or Portuguese.
• Willingness to travel, as the role requires support across nine countries.

Job Family

Science

Salary Information

USA and Global: This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, subject to legal restrictions. For U.S. based applicants, the starting pay range is $148,000 – $183,000 for annual base salary, adjusted for location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. For applicants outside the U.S., pay ranges will be in local currency and determined by the local labor market.

Benefits and Perks

TNC offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other well‑being benefits.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.