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Director Of Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Director of Conservation

Jackson, WY · On-site

$149K - $173K/yr

Director of Conservation DEPARTMENT: Conservation Department SUMMARY: The Director of Conservation provides strategic leadership, organizational coordination, and program oversight for Teton County ...

The Director of Conservation Programs disseminates best practices, provides training and analyses to best implement organizational measures of success, and develop key partnerships with public ...

The Director of Conservation Programs disseminates best practices, provides training and analyses to best implement organizational measures of success, and develop key partnerships with public ...

The Conservation Director oversees the day-to-day management of the Conservation portfolio, ensuring programs are executed effectively, grants are successfully managed, budgets remain on track, and ...

Conservation Director

$100K - $110K/yr

The Conservation Director oversees the day-to-day management of the Conservation portfolio, ensuring programs are executed effectively, grants are successfully managed, budgets remain on track, and ...

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Director Of Conservation information

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$23.5K

$79.7K

$161K

How much do director of conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of conservation in the United States is $79,672.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,000.00 and $89,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Director of Conservation, you typically need a background in environmental science, ecology, or a related field, often with an advanced degree and substantial management experience. Familiarity with GIS software, conservation planning tools, grant writing, and regulatory compliance is crucial. Outstanding leadership, strategic communication, and stakeholder engagement skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are vital for developing effective conservation strategies, securing funding, and building partnerships that drive organizational impact.

What are the common challenges faced by a director of conservation when managing multiple projects across different ecosystems?

A Director of Conservation often manages projects that span diverse ecosystems, each with unique environmental and stakeholder needs. Balancing limited resources, setting priorities, and ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams can be challenging. Additionally, aligning project goals with broader organizational strategies and adapting to changing regulations or funding landscapes requires flexibility and strong leadership. Building effective partnerships with local communities and policymakers is also essential to overcome obstacles and achieve long-term conservation outcomes.

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

AspectDirector Of ConservationConservation Program Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall conservation strategies, policy development, and organizational goalsManages specific conservation projects, coordinates teams, and implements programs
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's or master's degree in environmental science, ecology, or related field; often includes certifications in conservation or environmental managementUsually requires a bachelor's degree in environmental science or related field; certifications may be beneficial
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level setting, often in nonprofit or governmental organizationsOperational setting, working directly on projects within conservation organizations or agencies

The Director Of Conservation focuses on strategic leadership and organizational oversight, while the Conservation Program Manager handles day-to-day project management. Both roles require relevant environmental credentials, but the director's role is broader and more strategic.

What does a director of conservation do?

A director of conservation oversees programs and strategies to protect natural resources, wildlife, and ecosystems. They develop policies, manage teams, secure funding, and collaborate with stakeholders to ensure environmental sustainability and compliance with regulations.
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What states have the most Director Of Conservation jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Director Of Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,672 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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.