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Director Of Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADP, Inc.

Conservation Associate Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

The Conservation Associate Manager works directly with the Senior Manager of Conservation or the Associate Director of Conservation to design, implement and oversee program(s) in the local mountains ...

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Position Summary Reporting to the Deputy Director and Senior Vice President for Curatorial Affairs ... Builds the reputation of the Grainger Center for Conservation and Science, including public ...

National Audubon Society

$111K - $121K/yr

Center Director, Greenwich Audubon CenterSkip to main content**This website stores cookie on your ... The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of ...

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$23.5K

$79.7K

$161K

How much do director of conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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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Director Of Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Conservation job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,672 per year, or $38.3 per hour.

Managing Director, Conservation Nation

Rockville, MD • Hybrid

LeaderFit
Non-Profits • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about LeaderFitexternal

$125K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Conservation Nation
Managing Director
Comp: $125K - $135K
Location: Washington, DC region
Hybrid, in the Rockville office 2-3 times/week

 

About Conservation Nation
Conservation Nation is a nonprofit based in Washington D.C. dedicated to helping create a thriving planet for people and wildlife sustained by an inclusive and growing network of conservationists. We have a tight focus on diversifying the conservation movement by lifting longstanding systemic barriers. We do this two ways: 1) By giving an equitable leg up through funding and support to wildlife conservationists from underrepresented communities; 2) By educating and inspiring the next diverse generation of wildlife champions and leaders through our free in-school environmental education program.​

Conservation Nation was founded in 2021 by Lynn Mento, Tricia Reilly Koch and Doro Bush Koch. Conservation Nation has a $2M-$3M annual budget and there are two full time employees beyond Doro, Tricia, Lynn, and various consultant team members. Tricia Reilly is the CEO of Conservation Nation, and she works in very close partnership with Doro and Lynn, who are co-founders and strategic advisors.

Tricia, Doro and Lynn will be focused on building relationships and partnerships, strategic planning, and ideas for mission amplification.
 

About the Managing Director Position
Conservation Nation is seeking a Managing Director to oversee day-to-day operations, manage and support the staff, ensure successful program implementation, and work with Tricia, Doro, Lynn, and the team to build and execute successful and expanding education programs.. This new, full-time position is for hire immediately and reports into the CEO. Previous experience in conservation is not required as there is strong experience and expertise across the organization in this area. Conservation Nation is seeking a leader in education, including curriculum development and/or deployment of programs into schools, to help expand this portion of their work.
 

The ideal candidate:

  • Has experience in building and deploying education programs into middle schools and high schools
  • Has managed a team and led operations
  • Believes in the mission of Conservation Nation 
  • Understands the financial workings of a nonprofit organization
  • Is optimistic, enthusiastic, creative, open to suggestions and ideas
  • Is low on ego, loves to collaborate, believes in the power of partnerships, wants all boats to rise, believes in ego-less teamwork
  • Is local to or willing to relocate to the Washington D.C. area
 

Job Responsibilities: 
The Managing Director will be charged with ensuring the following responsibilities are met in collaboration with an experienced, creative, and supportive team. Candidates are encouraged to identify the areas where their expertise best aligns and where they may have room for growth.

 

Operations and Human Resources:

  • Manage day-to-day operations and serve as the key internal leader while Tricia, Lynn, and Doro spend time externally, Implement strategic and financial plans by working with senior stakeholders 
  • Organize, motivate, and mentor team leaders to strategically grow the organization’s impact and effectively fulfill its important mission 
  • Assure that the organization makes consistent and timely progress in achieving its mission, goals, and targeted programmatic impact 
  • Oversee HR processes such as hiring, separation, ongoing staff development, performance management, and compensation and benefits 
  • Identify and address organizational, operational problems and design solutions with guidance from the CEOs
  • Oversee the annual audit and 990, including preparation of schedules,  and compliance
 

Program oversight:

  • Help achieve our education goals of broad expansion and impact growth, with guidance on optimal resource allocations
  • Help achieve our conservationist support goals of optimal support at various stages of career paths, including the development of new programs, based on new funding 
 

Culture: 

  • Work with the CEOs to foster an enthusiastic, imaginative, collaborative working environment, encourage professional development, recognize positive contributions, promote the values of collaboration and partnership, and champion accountability amongst staff 
  • Provide thoughtful leadership that is inclusive, transparent, and empowering 
  • Model the organization’s commitment to valuing unique perspectives, identities, cultures, lived experiences, and expertise of all those in our global network, community partnerships, and team
 

Development and Organizational Growth: 

  • Work in  partnership with and support the CEO and the co-founders in various fundraising opportunities 
  • Collaborate with the CEO/Co-founders to engage the board and advisory council in fundraising  
  • Coordinate consultants, as needed   
  • Assist as needed in the preparation of grant and contract proposal submissions, budgets and reports 
 

Marketing/communications/storytelling:

  • Ensure strong marketing, communications and storytelling to support growth
  • Guide optimized use of our social media channels and our website to drive significant growth in interest and engagement
  • Encourage regular and frequent content development and distribution
  • Oversee creation of communication pieces for donor engagement, including brochures and the annual report
 

Qualifications
Please know that Conservation Nation recognizes that not every candidate will bring all of the knowledge, skills and experiences listed below, and welcomes candidates with a variety of experiences.

  • Passion for the mission of Conservation Nation
  • Experience in education, including curriculum development and/or deployment of programs into schools
  • Minimum five years of experience serving in a leadership position
  • Record of strong operational leadership and the ability to ensure effective and efficient policies and procedures across an organization
  • A record of leading trust-based relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders
  • Strong and transparent communication skills with the ability to connect with, engage, and build trust with a variety of individuals and organizations
 

Compensation and Benefits
The compensation band for this position is $125K - $135K with bonus potential and a generous benefits package.


How to Apply
Conservation Nation has retained the executive search firm LeaderFit to partner with them on this search.  Interested candidates should upload a resume and brief cover letter.
At LeaderFit, all candidate materials are reviewed by experienced humans, never by AI. We believe that evaluating leadership potential, lived experience, and alignment with mission and culture requires human judgment, insight, and care. We leverage AI in other ways to ensure efficiency, optimized research, and allowing LeaderFit staff to focus on what humans do best, which is connecting, engaging, and building community.