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Conservation Director Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Senior Manager, Nature Markets Project Development Conservation International protects nature for ... Reporting to the Managing Director, Nature Markets, the role will support the technical assessment ...

International Compensation Manager Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of ... This role reports to the Senior Director, of Total Rewards, based in Arlington, Virginia.

The Director of Facilities Operations provides support to the Senior Director, Facilities ... Directs energy conservation initiatives through implementation of new programs. Leads ...

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Conservation Director information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservation director?

To thrive as a Conservation Director, you need expertise in environmental science, natural resource management, and policy, typically supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, project management tools, and regulatory compliance systems is commonly required. Leadership, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are vital for effectively leading conservation initiatives, securing funding, and building partnerships that drive impactful environmental outcomes.

What is the difference between Conservation Director vs Conservation Coordinator?

AspectConservation DirectorConservation Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Environmental Science, Ecology, or related field; experience in conservation projectsSimilar educational background; entry to mid-level experience in conservation efforts
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, overseeing programs, managing teams, liaising with stakeholdersImplementing projects, coordinating activities, supporting fieldwork
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, environmental organizationsNonprofits, community groups, government agencies

The Conservation Director focuses on strategic leadership, program development, and managing teams, while the Conservation Coordinator handles on-the-ground project implementation and coordination. Both roles require relevant environmental credentials and work within similar organizations, but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are some of the common challenges conservation directors face when balancing ecological goals with organizational priorities?

Conservation Directors often need to navigate competing interests between ecological preservation, budget constraints, and organizational objectives. Balancing long-term conservation goals with the immediate needs of stakeholders—such as donors, board members, and community partners—can be challenging. Success in this role relies on strong communication, negotiation, and strategic planning skills to align diverse interests while advancing conservation outcomes. Collaboration with scientists, policy-makers, and local communities is also key to developing effective, sustainable strategies.

What does a conservation director do?

A Conservation Director is responsible for overseeing and managing conservation programs, projects, and policies to protect natural resources and biodiversity. They develop and implement strategies to conserve land, water, wildlife, or habitats, often working for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or environmental groups. Their duties typically include supervising staff, collaborating with stakeholders, securing funding, and advocating for conservation initiatives. Conservation Directors also monitor the effectiveness of programs and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Conservation jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Conservation Director jobs in Ohio? For Conservation Director jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Conservation Director jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Conservation Director jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Conservation Director jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Conservation Director job openings:
Infographic showing various Conservation Director job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Director of Conservation

People Architects

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

People Architects is excited to recruit for a Director of Conservation for our client. This position is responsible for developing a long-term strategy for conservation science, land protection, stewardship, science communication, and community engagement in alignment with the Cleveland Museum of Natural History's mission.


The Director of Conservation provides strategic leadership for the museum's Natural Areas program and conservation initiatives across approximately 12,500 acres of protected land. This role is responsible for developing a long-term strategy for conservation science, land protection, stewardship, science communication, and community engagement in alignment with the Museum's mission.The position will also develop and lead programs focused on environmental communication, sustainability, and biodiversity in alignment with the Museum's and program's strategic plans.


The Director of Conservation will oversee land management and stewardship programs while strengthening the integration of conservation science with the museum's research, education, and public programming. The role serves as a prominent conservation leader for the museum, building partnerships across the conservation community and positioning the museum as a hub for scientific collaboration and environmental stewardship in the Great Lakes region.The director's work will align with the environmental research efforts of the museum.


This position supervises the Natural Areas team and works cross-functionally with museum leadership, curators, and educators to ensure conservation work supports the museum's broader mission.


KeyResponsibilities:


Strategy&Vision

  • Providestrategicleadershipforthemuseum'sconservationandnaturalareasprograms.
  • Implementandadvanceconservationprioritiesoutlinedinthemuseum'sanddepartmentsstrategicplans.
  • Integrateconservationwithresearch,education,andpublicengagement.
  • Guide the development and execution of long-term stewardship plans across approximately 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.
  • Monitor,evaluate,andreportonconservationoutcomesandstewardshipinitiatives.


Fundraising&ExternalRelations

  • Workscloselywiththephilanthropyteamtosecuremajorgiftandgrants.
  • Represents the museum publicly in friend raising, fundraising, and in governmental and community partnerships.
  • Buildsrelationshipswithfoundationsandconservationentities.


NaturalAreasProgramOversight

  • LeadandsupporttheNaturalAreasDepartment,includinglandstewardshipandlandmanagementprograms.
  • Supervise three direct reports and provide leadership to a broader team of approximately eight staff members.
  • Ensureconservationworkalignswithbestpracticesinecologicalmanagement,restoration,andbiodiversityprotection.


Research&Science

  • Strengthenconnectionsbetweenthemuseum'sconservationworkanditsscientificresearchinitiatives.
  • Positionthemuseum'snaturalareasasalivinglaboratoryforresearch,education,andpublicengagement.
  • Facilitateopportunitiesforscientists,researchers,andacademicpartnerstoconductresearchonmuseum-managedlands.
  • Supportsresearchinareassuchasecologyandbiodiversity.


CommunityEngagement&Partnerships

  • Serve as a public-facing conservation leader representing the museum within the regional conservation community.
  • Utilizecurrentanddeveloppartnershipswithuniversities,conservationorganizations,governmentagencies,andcommunitystakeholders.
  • Promote the museum's conservation initiatives through presentations, collaborations, and community outreach.


Cross-DepartmentCollaboration

  • Work closely with museum leadership, curators, and educators to integrate conservation work into programming, research, and public engagement.
  • Support initiatives that connect conservation science with museum exhibitions, educational programs, and public communication.


ProgramLeadership

  • Assessandrecommendstaffing,programdevelopment,andresourceneedsforconservationinitiatives.
  • Oversees conservation programs (fieldwork, collections care, biodiversity initiatives, climate science as needed)
  • Assurescientificrigorandmeasurableimpact.
  • Manageopportunitieswithotherorganizationpartnerships.


Administration

  • Overseesbudgets,staffing,andregulatorycompliance.
  • Ensuresadherencetobestpracticesandlegalframeworks.


Qualifications

Required

  • Anadvanceddegreeinarelatedfieldorequivalentyearsofexperience.
  • Significant experience working in conservation, ecological research, or environmental stewardship and familiarity with conservation issues affecting the Great Lakes region.
  • Demonstratedleadershipexperiencemanagingteamsandcomplexenvironmentalprograms.
  • Fundraisingandstakeholderengagementskills.
  • Experienceimplementingstrategicinitiativesorleadingprogramdevelopment.
  • Strongcommunicationskillswiththeabilitytotranslatescientificworkforpublicaudiences.
  • Experience building partnerships with community organizations, researchers, and conservation stakeholders.


Please provide a cover letter and resume.