ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Conservation Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SFZOO

Field Conservation Manager

San Francisco, CA

$71K/yr

Under the direction of the Director of Field Conservation, the Field Conservation Manager oversees the daily operations of the Zoo's Field Conservation head-start programs. The position serves as the ...

Hispanic Access Foundation

Conservation Director

The Director leads a geographically distributed team, develops program strategies, strengthens ... Conservation Strategy & Program Management * Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of ...

Hispanic Access Foundation

Conservation Director

$100K - $110K/yr

The Director leads a geographically distributed team, develops program strategies, strengthens ... Conservation Strategy & Program Management * Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of ...

Teton County

Director of Conservation

Jackson, WY · On-site

$149K - $173K/yr

The Director of Conservation provides strategic leadership, organizational coordination, and program oversight for Teton County's ecosystem stewardship and natural resource initiatives. The position ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsScience JobsEarth Science JobsConservationist JobsDirector Conservation Program Jobs

Director Conservation Program information

See salary details

$29.5K

$78.2K

$137K

How much do director conservation program jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for director conservation program in the United States is $78,196.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,000.00 and $92,500.00 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.

More about Director Conservation Program jobs

What cities are hiring for Director Conservation Program jobs?

Cities with the most Director Conservation Program job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Conservation Program jobs?

The most popular types of Conservation Program jobs are:

What states have the most Director Conservation Program jobs?

States with the most job openings for Director Conservation Program jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Director Conservation Program jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Conservation Program jobs are:

Director Conservation Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Conservation Program job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,196 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Director of Conservation

People Architects

Cleveland, OH • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 19 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.

Apply