Alaska State Director

The Nature Conservancy • Anchorage, AK

4d

About The Position

Alaska is one of the most ecologically intact regions on Earth and a bellwether for climate change. From the ancient forests of the Tongass to the salmon-rich waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska is a global conservation priority. TNC in Alaska works in deep partnership with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, government agencies, and local communities to advance conservation work centered primarily in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay, where we work on issues like climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, forest stewardship and thriving communities. Our work is rooted in science, equity and collaboration, and respect for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty. The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Alaska State Director to lead the Alaska Business Unit and serve as a partner with colleagues in TNC’s Western US and Canada Division as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. With a team of approximately 20 staff across Alaska and the Lower 48, a $6 million operating budget, a 16-member advisory Board of Trustees, and deep collaboration with colleagues across TNC, the Alaska Business Unit (BU) is at the forefront of climate resilience, Indigenous-led conservation and ecosystem protection. Alaska’s vast intact landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage are the context in which we work to advance TNC’s 2030 global goals , and provide a particularly powerful opportunity to work through TNC’s identified “ transformational practices ,” which include science, public policy and Indigenous Right Relations. The State Director will lead implementation of strategic priorities including climate mitigation and adaptation, Indigenous-led and community-based stewardship, healthy forests and salmon habitats, and sustainable economies. As the principal ambassador for TNC in Alaska, the state director builds trust-based relationships with internal and external audiences — including staff, trustees, donors, government agencies, Tribal and Indigenous partners, and community leaders — to elevate TNC’s mission and visibility. They ensure the BU delivers measurable conservation outcomes, upholds TNC’s core values and contributes meaningfully to global goals. The Alaska State Director also serves on the Western U.S. and Canada Division Leadership Team, helping shape and implement cross-boundary initiatives in Indigenous-led conservation, climate action, forest and river restoration and federal policy. They align Alaska’s work with divisional strategies, deploy staff and resources, and play a leadership role in regional and global fundraising efforts. The Alaska State Director reports to the Western U.S. and Canada Division Director and works closely with the Alaska Board of Trustees. The Alaska State Director oversees the leaders of policy/government relations, fundraising, conservation, and finance for the BU and partners with division-level leaders of marketing/communications, finance, conservation and HR to execute on the Alaska BU’s strategic plan. This leadership role includes approving budgets; helping set priorities that drive private and public fundraising goals; supporting philanthropy staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors; serving as a spokesperson for the Alaska BU’s work; supervising the staff; facilitating periodic strategic and conservation planning; engaging in advocacy on behalf of the BU’s public-policy objectives; and representing the Alaska BU and team within the organization.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of management experience or equivalent relevant combination.
• A track record of fundraising success or a closely related skill set developed in sales or other outreach and influence roles.
• Experience leading and managing a large, multi-disciplinary team with the strong ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
• Knowledge of and direct experience working and operating in Alaska.
• Experience in natural resources and/or the environment more broadly.
• Strategic planning and systems thinking for large, complex initiatives.
• Financial experience managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to different types of audiences, including donors, board members, employees and outside partners.
• Experience working with Indigenous Tribes and sovereign nations.
• Fluency in English; excellent written and oral communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• 7-10 years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
• General knowledge of the natural resources of Alaska and the Western U.S., their conservation challenges and current management approaches.
• Experience in fundraising and commitment to increase program fundraising success in support of the TNC’s global, regional and local priorities, especially through innovative forms of fundraising, cultivating major donors and forging relationships and results.
• Experience building partnerships or multi-lateral agreements across business and/or government.
• Experience creating and fostering an environment that allows staff to feel empowered and creating a culture of trust, fairness and growth.
• Experience cultivating strong interpersonal engagement and relationships in a global, multicultural context and developing relationships to drive organizational outcomes.
• Proven skills in board development and recruitment for fundraising and influencing results.
• Exposure to policy influence and development.
• Navigating and leading within a global, matrixed organization.
• Political savvy.

Responsibilities

• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Build trust-based relationships with internal and external audiences
• Ensure the BU delivers measurable conservation outcomes, upholds TNC’s core values and contributes meaningfully to global goals
• Help shape and implement cross-boundary initiatives in Indigenous-led conservation, climate action, forest and river restoration and federal policy
• Align Alaska’s work with divisional strategies, deploy staff and resources, and play a leadership role in regional and global fundraising efforts
• Oversee the leaders of policy/government relations, fundraising, conservation, and finance for the BU and partners with division-level leaders of marketing/communications, finance, conservation and HR to execute on the Alaska BU’s strategic plan
• Approve budgets
• Help set priorities that drive private and public fundraising goals
• Support philanthropy staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors
• Serve as a spokesperson for the Alaska BU’s work
• Supervise the staff
• Facilitate periodic strategic and conservation planning
• Engage in advocacy on behalf of the BU’s public-policy objectives
• Represent the Alaska BU and team within the organization

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director