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Director Conservation Operations Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Director is particularly responsible for all Finance and Accounting activities as well as ... Work with the Operations Team as well as the Conservation Operations team to ensure day to day ...

... program Director. The Coordinator will work closely with CI teams, field offices, and external ... RESPONSIBILITIES Project Coordination and Operations * Track project timelines, milestones, and ...

Conservationist 2

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$5.4K - $6.7K/mo

The California Conservation Corps (CCC) is offering an exceptional opportunity to join the founding ... operational logistics and crisis management, capable of directing 24/7 facility coverage and ...

Showing results 21-40

Director Conservation Operations information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do director conservation operations jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for director conservation operations in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of conservation operations do?

A Director of Conservation Operations oversees the planning, implementation, and management of conservation programs and initiatives within an organization. They are responsible for developing strategies to protect natural resources, managing teams of conservation professionals, coordinating with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations. Their work often includes budgeting, fundraising, and reporting on project outcomes to senior leadership and external partners. This role is crucial for achieving the organization’s conservation goals and ensuring the effective stewardship of natural habitats.

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

To thrive as a Director of Conservation Operations, you need expertise in conservation management, project leadership, and a relevant degree such as environmental science or natural resources. Familiarity with GIS software, conservation planning tools, and experience with regulatory compliance or grant management are typically required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and stakeholder engagement abilities set outstanding leaders apart in this role. These skills ensure effective stewardship of natural resources, successful project delivery, and strong collaboration with diverse partners.

What are some common challenges faced by a director of conservation operations and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Conservation Operations often encounters challenges such as balancing limited resources with ambitious conservation goals, coordinating efforts across diverse teams, and adapting strategies to evolving environmental regulations and stakeholder interests. Effective communication, strategic planning, and fostering strong partnerships with both internal staff and external organizations are crucial for overcoming these hurdles. Regularly monitoring project outcomes and staying informed about best practices in conservation management also help ensure operational success and continuous improvement.

What is the difference between Director Conservation Operations vs Conservation Program Manager?

AspectDirector Conservation OperationsConservation Program Manager
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's in environmental science, ecology, or related fields; certifications like PMP or project management are commonUsually holds a bachelor's or master's in environmental science, conservation, or related areas; certifications like PMP may be preferred
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages teams, and collaborates with senior leadership in conservation organizations or agenciesManages specific conservation projects, coordinates with teams, and reports to senior staff within conservation programs
Employer & Industry UsageFound in government agencies, NGOs, and large environmental organizationsCommon in NGOs, government agencies, and conservation-focused companies

The main difference is that the Director Conservation Operations oversees the overall strategic and operational aspects of conservation efforts, managing multiple projects and teams, while the Conservation Program Manager focuses on executing specific projects within the broader conservation initiatives.

What are popular job titles related to Director Conservation Operations jobs?

For Director Conservation Operations jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Director Conservation Operations job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Michigan Director of Finance

Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 hours ago


Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Director of Finance provides overall direction and leadership for finance within the Michigan Business Unit (BU) and assists with special projects within the Midwest Division and the Midwest Division Finance Cabinet while proactively offering perspective, advice and collaboration. The Director is particularly responsible for all Finance and Accounting activities as well as proactively providing strategic and tactical support for the staff and operational functions of the Michigan Chapter and other program(s) as agreed upon by the Director and their supervisor. They report to the Director of Operations currently. The Midwest Division will be implementing a new finance structure with a Division Finance Director (DFD) over the next 8-10 months for more financial strategic collaboration across the division. The Director of Finance will report to the DFD, assigned to the financial responsibility of the Michigan BU.

The Director of Finance contributes to achieving the Michigan Chapter's strategic priorities through effective management, maintenance and reporting of financial data. The Director is the subject matter expert on the Michigan Chapter's and related program(s) fiscal positions, long-term sustainability, and communicates this information effectively to Chapter and program leaders as well as to the Board of Trustees to facilitate good management decisions. They monitor use of management controls and processes to ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, relevant legal and regulatory frameworks, GAAP, and financial/management best practice. They provide specialized services in one or more of the following functions: financial analysis and reporting; forecasting; manage multi-year funding streams; financial management; accounting; cash receipting, auditing; execute fiscal year-end processes; grants administration, spend rate analysis; private award management; contract review and approval, management controls and reporting.

Grand Rapids, Lansing, Ann Arbor, or Detroit surrounding areas preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

  • Works toward meeting the strategic priorities of the program by developing and coordinating tactics for approved plans, completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks.

  • They communicate information effectively to the BU and program leaders as well as to the Board of Trustees (BOT) to facilitate good management decisions and recommendations to action.

  • An essential role as a member of the Management Team, and advisor to the State Director, BOT, and Development team in collaborating on budgeting, gift allocation, tracking fundraising as compared to budget, assist in ensuring financial controls to reflect donor intent, and overall financial health of the BU.

  • Manage private funding lifecycles with grants management specialists: collaborate with Development and Conservation to construct budgets, complete timely and accurate reports for funders, and ensure tasks related to privately funded awards are completed in the appropriate management software.

  • Implements and manages new initiatives and multiple projects.

  • Ensures the programmatic work is collaborative and well-integrated across organization.

  • Develops the annual collaborative $10M budget process with budget managers.

  • Work with the Operations Team as well as the Conservation Operations team to ensure day to day financial activities such as purchasing, processing invoices, negotiating and contracting with vendors are managed for compliance.

  • May supervise one or more administrative or professional staff.

  • Engage in considerable collaboration with Midwest finance professionals in the Midwest Division.

  • This individual will also serve on the Midwest Finance Cabinet where it may include special finance projects for the division.

  • May negotiate complex agreements and contracting with vendors and partners.

  • Ensures programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.

  • Reinforces consistency in the organization's policies and procedures and provides support related to relevant field.

  • Reports to leadership on financial activities, forecasts, and long-term sustainability.

  • Travel and work long or flexible hours as needed.

We're Looking for You:

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We're looking for someone with strong experience in leading a varied, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience in management of data and personnel. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

What You'll Bring:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business Administration and 5 years' related experience or equivalent combination.

  • Experience with accounting principles, practices, and regulations.

  • Experience with GAAP.

  • Technical experience with grants award accounting issues.

  • Experience using accounting and financial reporting systems.

  • Experience, coursework or other training with U.S. Federal Uniform Guidance, state and local regulations, multilateral and international regulations, and standard contract clauses, as applicable.

Desired Qualifications:
  • Multi-lingual skills and/or multi-cultural experience appreciated.

  • Technical expert on complex accounting/financial issues. Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel.

  • Experience monitoring for and ensuring compliance with organizational policy, applicable law and regulation, and finance/accounting/management best practice.

  • Experience analyzing a regulatory framework and applying it to the situation at hand.

  • Expert knowledge of GAAP and/or relevant regulatory framework.

  • Experience evaluating the adequacy and effectiveness of management controls; interpreting guidelines and analyzing factual information to adapt or modify processes as needed.

  • Ability to resolve complex issues independently within program area.

  • Experience acting as a resource to others to solve problems.

  • MBA, CPA or CIA may be preferred.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $100,000-$105,000. 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.

Who We Are:

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."

What We Bring:


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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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.