The Southern Ohio Partnerships and Engagement Specialist is part of TNC’s Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program and implements projects and programs in coordination with the Southern Ohio Program Manager and others to engage people with nature. They will become part of a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, celebrates innovation, values collaborative approaches, and seeks lasting conservation results. The Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program focuses on engaging communities in conservation through outreach, shared conservation priorities, education, youth specific programming, volunteerism, and other nature-based community programs. The Strategic Partnership and Engagement Specialist will develop and grow a community engagement program and activities at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in partnership with adjacent communities, both geographical and cultural, within Adams County.
The Southern Ohio Partnerships & Engagement Specialist brings enthusiasm to assist Program staff on a variety of projects and tasks, including relationship management, event organizing, and volunteer program administration duties involving youth engagement and safety, leading stewardship events, expanding community engagement, and working with indigenous and tribal communities throughout Southern Ohio.
As the Strategic Partnerships & Engagement specialist, efforts will be directed to developing projects that TNC and the community can do together. In order to communicate TNC’s work, they will occasionally assist preserve staff with conservation and stewardship field projects, will work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances. Working some evenings and weekends is required monthly. This position must be based in Southern Ohio; working location at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in West Union, Ohio.
The Partnerships and Engagement Specialist will be responsible for improving and expanding community engagement and partnership initiatives in stewardship, communications, science, development, administration, and other program areas at the Edge of Appalachia Preserve and across southern Ohio to inspire people to be advocates for the environment. They will coordinate with staff, program partners and volunteers, improve the volunteer and community experience, and show leadership in promoting local programming. They will collaboratively develop promotional materials for the program and be responsible for communicating them externally to communities and partners. They will help lead programs and supervise special events run by staff and volunteers, including youth focused engagements, preserve work projects and public outreach.
The Specialist will provide guidance and direction to community engagement initiatives and will work cooperatively with Conservancy staff and members, as well as partner organizations, agencies, local elected officials and businesses. They will help raise the organization’s profile through select representation at strategic venues and cultivation of partnerships and serve as “brand ambassador” for the Conservancy’s mission, inspiring people to want to learn more and engage with the organization in meaningful ways.
The Southern Ohio Strategic Partnership & Engagement Specialist is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a strategic, culturally, and locally relevant community engagement program in partnership with preserve staff, local partners, and community members aimed at:
Building and strengthening relationships and acting as point of contact between local organizations including but not limited to Churches, local elected officials, local educational institutions and individual community members and The Nature Conservancy, with a focus on local communities surrounding TNC’s land holdings.
Deepening the Conservancy’s understanding and communication with local communities.
Developing and implementing strategies that broaden constituency in support of conservation.
Engaging those who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy.
Increasing The Nature Conservancy’s visibility.
Supporting conservation goals, while meeting health, well-being, and quality of life priorities of community stakeholders.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
Community Engagement (90%)
Lead on-site community engagement opportunities such as volunteer events, youth centric activities, visitor hiking, stewardship field days, recreational use, and other outreach programs on TNC preserves and partner lands.
Serve as a liaison between the local community and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio.
Collaborate with the SOH Manager and teams to achieve engagement and stewardship action plans; participating in conservation stewardship field days to further experience and education around conservation action within the community.
Strong commitment to intentional listening and learning.
In partnership with local community, develop and implement strategies and programs to meet common TNC and community priorities.
Assist with aspects of the volunteer program including recruiting, orienting, communications, reporting, evaluation, training, recognition and enrichment opportunities and other duties as assigned.
Implements programs that adapt through time centered by community values.
Provide support for Programs and Outreach at the Eulett Center in collaboration with conservation partners.
Cultivate and manage relationships with focal communities, organizations that increase trust and rapport, aim to increase access, decrease barriers and empower communities.
Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives including direct support for community-based listening sessions. Maintain and administer sensitive program paperwork and confidential program information including youth safety SOP compliance.
Attend regular meetings of local elected officials such as township trustees, county commissioners and village councils.
General & Administrative Duties (10%)
Coordinate multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner and with attention to detail.
Attend programmatic and business unit meetings.
Oversee and direct work of volunteers, trainees and interns.
Assist with program reporting, compliance, budget preparation and monitoring.
Performs daily program implementation under the guidance of supervisor who is remote.
Makes day to day decisions as delegated by the supervisor.
Bachelor’s degree in conservation, environmental science, public relations, environmental education or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
Experienced in community relations or relationship building.
Communication and public speaking experience.
Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and background checks.
Experience working with youth.
Writing and editing experience.
Project Management and Marketing experience.
Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers and/or teams.
Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-lingual skills appreciated.
Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for a company or organization.
Ability to promote events and communicate with individuals and communities through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
Experienced in developing, implementing, and measuring outreach plans and programs.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation, and public relations.
Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
Volunteer management and training experience a plus.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $55,000 - $57,000 This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor
One 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. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
TNC offers a competitive, 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, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
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 culture. 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.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
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.
Air, water, food, shelter, income: nature sustains every aspect of our lives. That's why protecting and conserving nature isn't just a matter of common sense. It's the smartest investment we can make.
Since our founding in 1951, The Nature Conservancy has harnessed the power of nature to help solve our planet’s most challenging problems. And while the stakes are high, so is our resolve: to create a world where everyone thrives alongside nature for generations to come.
We do this by working hand in hand with communities around the world. By committing to a science-based, non-partisan approach that’s stood the test of time. And by bringing people together, from all walks of life, to find common ground in nature.
