Associate Director of Operations and Engagement

The Nature Conservancy•Minneapolis, MN

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Operations and Engagement for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota (MNDK) provides leadership for chapter operations, including procurement, facilities, information systems, office management, and safety. The role ensures employees and leaders have the operational support, workplace resources, and organizational connections needed to advance chapter priorities, and serves on the MNDK Senior Leadership Team. The position integrates operations, workplace experience, employee engagement, and internal partnerships to solve problems, improve work practices, implement change, and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment. It leads chapter operations and workplace services; supports and develops direct reports and matrixed staff; oversees initiatives such as onboarding, recognition, staff events, and employee engagement; and partners with division and organizational service teams to resolve issues and improve processes. The role leads workplace planning and facilities activities across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota, including space planning, technology acquisition and management, workplace policies, vendor relationships, and facilities services. It also supports organizational change and strategic projects through cross-functional planning, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and adoption of new processes, structures, technologies, and ways of working. This is a hybrid position, with remote and in-person work 2–3 days per week and a regular weekly presence in the Minneapolis office. A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program are required. Employment is contingent on completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 6 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 2 years managing operations functions.
Experience leading and implementing multiple projects.
Experience working with teams across an organization.
Supervisory experience, including setting objectives, managing performance, and resolving conflicts.
Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes.
Experience working in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Successful completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement; this may include review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.
Must meet The Nature Conservancy’s background screening requirements.

Nice To Haves

Strong experience leading a diverse, multidisciplinary team.
Exceptional critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships across teams.
Experience leading, planning, organizing, and executing multiple projects in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for MNDK chapter operations, ensuring staff have the facilities, systems, resources, services, and operational support needed to advance priorities.
Coordinate office operations, workplace services, safety, vendor relationships, and operational processes.
Lead and support direct reports and matrixed staff by setting priorities, aligning work, coaching, providing feedback, fostering accountability, and supporting professional development.
Promote collaboration, strong communication, and continuous improvement.
Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, connection, and belonging.
Oversee onboarding, recognition, staff events, and activities that support employee connection to the chapter’s mission and culture.
Serve as the chapter’s employee engagement survey champion and partner with leaders to cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, high-performing workplace.
Champion chapter needs in partnership with division HR, Finance, Contracts, IT, and other business services teams.
Escalate and help resolve operational issues, improve processes, and strengthen service delivery.
Build relationships across the Great Plains Division to identify shared challenges, leverage resources, share best practices, and connect staff with expertise and support.
Lead workplace planning and facilities-related activities, including space planning, technology acquisition and management, workplace policies, vendor relationships, and facilities services.
Coordinate office operations across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Lead planning and implementation for office transitions, including employee engagement, workplace readiness, communication, and effective ways of working.
Support organizational change initiatives, operational improvements, and strategic projects.
Coordinate cross-functional planning, manage project activities, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and help staff and leaders navigate transitions.
Support adoption of new processes, structures, technologies, and ways of working.