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Director Conservation Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Openlands

Vice President of External Affairs

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure ... program outcomes into compelling public stories and visuals. Partner with the Board of Directors ...

The Scion Group

Director, Capital Projects

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... programs including but not limited to providing training, demand side energy conservation support ... Direct Reports: Project Managers Your Benefits * Discretionary annual bonus * Paid Time Off

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsConservation Program JobsDirector Conservation Program JobsDirector Conservation Program Jobs in Chicago, IL

Director Conservation Program information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$30.4K

$80.6K

$141.1K

How much do director conservation program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for director conservation program in Chicago, IL is $80,553.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,600.00 and $95,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of conservation program do?

A Director of Conservation Program oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of conservation initiatives within an organization. They are responsible for developing strategies to protect natural resources, managing teams and budgets, collaborating with stakeholders, and ensuring projects align with the organization’s mission. This role often involves fundraising, public outreach, and representing the organization in policy discussions or partnerships to advance conservation goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of conservation program, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Conservation Program, you need expertise in natural resource management, conservation science, and program leadership, typically supported by an advanced degree in environmental science or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, data analysis tools, grant management systems, and relevant certifications (such as PMP or CSM) is often expected. Exceptional communication, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial to effectively lead conservation initiatives, secure funding, and foster partnerships that drive program success.

How does a director of conservation program typically collaborate with other organizations and stakeholders?

Directors of Conservation Programs frequently work in partnership with government agencies, non-profit organizations, community groups, and sometimes private sector stakeholders. Collaboration often involves coordinating joint initiatives, aligning conservation goals, and securing funding or resources for shared projects. Successful directors excel at building relationships, facilitating stakeholder meetings, and navigating diverse perspectives to achieve conservation outcomes. These collaborations are essential for expanding program impact and ensuring long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.

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

AspectDirector Conservation ProgramConservation Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple projects, strategic planning, and high-level program developmentManages specific projects, implements strategies, and supervises staff
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in environmental science, conservation, or related field; extensive experienceBachelor's degree; experience in conservation or environmental management
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles in NGOs, government agencies, or conservation organizationsFieldwork, project sites, and office settings within similar organizations

The Director Conservation Program typically holds a higher strategic and leadership role, overseeing multiple projects and setting organizational goals. In contrast, the Conservation Manager focuses on executing specific projects and managing teams. Both roles require relevant environmental credentials and experience, but the director's scope is broader and more strategic.

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Director Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Conservation Program jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Director Conservation Program jobs near you

Vice President of External Affairs

Openlands

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

The Vice President of External Affairs is a member of Openlands' Senior Leadership Team, responsible for integrating and leading the organization's development and communications strategies. This role ensures that fundraising, messaging, and public engagement consistently advance Openlands' mission: conserving vital landscapes, connecting people with nature, and rooting land at the heart of our region's identity and resilience.

Reporting to the President and CEO, the VP builds and stewards relationships with donors, partners, media, and the public, and works closely with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure that storytelling and fundraising are fully integrated across the land conservation lifecycle — from policy and acquisition through community-driven restoration and long-term stewardship.

The VP directly supervises the Communications team and the Development team. Given the Director of Development's fundraising responsibilities, that role also maintains a dotted-line relationship to the President and CEO.

Essential Job Functions

Leadership and Strategy

Serve on the Senior Leadership Team, shaping Openlands' strategic direction, priorities, and cross-functional collaboration.

Act as strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on all external affairs matters.

Develop and execute an integrated external affairs strategy that aligns development, communications, and brand.

Build, manage, and mentor high-performing Development and Communications teams.

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to ensure fundraising and communications reflect accurate, compelling impact data.

Collaborate with Finance leadership at the beginning of each fiscal year to ensure fiscal alignment.

Communications and Branding

Direct strategic communications, public relations, media engagement, and digital presence.

Ensure consistent, compelling brand messaging across all channels; serve as steward of brand voice and visual identity.

Lead crisis communications response.

Partner with fellow VPs to translate program outcomes into compelling public stories and visuals.

Partner with the Board of Directors and Communications Committee to advance strategic communications and brand objectives.

Development and Fundraising

Lead the organization's fundraising strategy — major gifts, annual giving, grants, corporate sponsorships, and planned giving — in partnership with the President and CEO.

Directly manage the Director of Development, coordinating closely with the CEO given the role's dotted-line reporting.

Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors and institutional funders.

Partner with the Board of Directors and Development Committee to advance fundraising goals.

Build the systems, processes, and staff capacity needed to support donor growth and retention.

Data, Evaluation and Impact

Partner with the Vice Presidents of Policy and Land Conservation and Land Management to build shared systems for collecting, evaluating, and reporting data across land-based programs.

Define success metrics and track progress toward organization-wide goals alongside fellow VPs.

Use data and evaluation results to shape fundraising and communications narratives.

Ensure public materials accurately reflect shared outcomes and organizational success measures.

Partnerships and Public Engagement

Build relationships with government agencies, community partners, peer organizations, and media.

Develop strategies to raise visibility and public awareness of Openlands' mission and programs.

Represent Openlands at key events, conferences, and donor meetings.

Education, Skills and Abilities

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public relations, environmental studies, or a related field preferred; Master's degree a plus.

Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in fundraising, communications, or external affairs; nonprofit and/or environmental sector experience strongly preferred.

Proven success leading integrated development and communications teams, with a track record of effective impact storytelling.

Demonstrated ability to build donor and media relationships that advance mission and funding.

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Strong strategic thinking, planning, and organizational development skills.

Commitment to conservation as a tool for equity, climate resilience, biodiversity, and public good.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with Salesforce a plus.

Willingness to travel regionally for meetings, site visits, and public events.

Apply