The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is currently hiring for the position of Global Director of Biodiversity Science, a full-time remote leadership opportunity for experienced conservation scientists passionate about advancing biodiversity outcomes worldwide.
This exciting role offers the chance to shape biodiversity science strategy across one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, operating in more than 80 countries. If you have deep expertise in biodiversity science, global conservation leadership experience, and a passion for building science-driven solutions for nature and people, this could be your next major career move.
About the Role
The Global Director of Biodiversity Science will lead a newly established biodiversity science line within TNC’s Global Science team. This role will serve as a central scientific hub, supporting practitioners, scientists, and conservation partners across the organization while building a bold and future-focused biodiversity vision.
The successful candidate will oversee a small but highly impactful biodiversity science team and work closely with climate scientists, social scientists, Indigenous knowledge holders, and regional conservation teams across the globe.
The role combines scientific leadership, strategic planning, donor engagement, and international collaboration to strengthen biodiversity monitoring, improve conservation outcomes, and influence global biodiversity governance.
Key Responsibilities
The Director will focus on four major areas:
1. Biodiversity Monitoring and Assessment
Lead TNC’s approach to biodiversity indicators, monitoring systems, and scientific assessment tools to help regional teams design and demonstrate measurable conservation results.
2. Futures Thinking and Scenario Planning
Provide strategic thought leadership through forecasting, scenario planning, and biodiversity foresight to help TNC prepare for future environmental challenges.
3. Scientific Capacity Building
Support embedded scientific capacity across regions through advisory relationships, mentorship, and cross-regional collaboration.
4. Global Biodiversity Policy Engagement
Represent and strengthen TNC’s scientific voice in international biodiversity governance platforms such as:
- IPBES (Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services)
- CBD (Convention on Biological Diversity)
The Director will also help guide the responsible use of emerging biodiversity technologies, including AI-assisted tools and advanced monitoring systems.
Who TNC Is Looking For
TNC seeks a visionary leader who sees biodiversity science as central to achieving nature and people goals globally.
The ideal candidate should be:
- A strong scientific leader with global conservation expertise
- Skilled at cross-cultural collaboration and partnership building
- Experienced in interdisciplinary research and multi-region project leadership
- Comfortable working across science systems, including Indigenous science and social science
- Passionate about responsible innovation in biodiversity technologies
- Highly effective in communicating science to donors, leadership teams, and external partners
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- A PhD or equivalent advanced degree in biodiversity science or a related field
- At least 8 years of relevant experience, including supervisory responsibilities
- Experience managing teams, setting objectives, and performance coaching
- Strong grant writing and donor proposal development experience
- A proven record of leading complex, multidisciplinary research projects
- Peer-reviewed publication experience
- International work experience (strongly preferred)
- Experience with scenario planning and biodiversity governance platforms
- Strong professional ties to the Global South and place-based conservation knowledge
Preferred Skills
TNC especially values candidates with:
- Experience working with Indigenous science and biocultural knowledge systems
- Familiarity with AI-assisted tools and agentic systems in biodiversity science
- Strong donor engagement and fundraising skills
- Strategic leadership maturity and intellectual humility
- A commitment to continuous learning and collaboration
Salary Information
For U.S.-Based Applicants
The starting annual salary range is:
$121,635 – $182,495 USD
Salary depends on:
- Location
- Qualifications
- Specific skills
- Relevant experience
For International Applicants
Compensation will be based on:
- Local labor market conditions
- Country of employment
- Local currency
- Experience and qualifications
Why Work at The Nature Conservancy?
Founded in 1951, TNC has grown into one of the world’s most impactful environmental organizations with:
- Over 1 million members
- More than 400 scientists
- Operations in over 80 countries
TNC offers:
- Flexible remote work environment
- Comprehensive health care benefits
- 401(k) with 8% employer match (for eligible employees)
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee assistance programs
- Career development opportunities
- Inclusive and diverse workplace culture
TNC is committed to equity, inclusion, and ensuring every team member feels a sense of belonging.
Application Process
TNC uses a rolling recruitment process, meaning applications are reviewed as they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role may be closed early.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. APPLY HERE
Current employees must apply through the internal Workday Jobs Hub.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
Accommodation support is available for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process.
The Global Director of Biodiversity Science role is a rare opportunity for senior conservation professionals to influence biodiversity science on a truly global scale.
If you are passionate about protecting ecosystems, advancing scientific innovation, and shaping the future of biodiversity conservation worldwide, this leadership role at TNC could be the perfect fit.
This is more than a job—it is an opportunity to help create a world where both people and nature thrive.
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