Associate Director of Operations and Engagement

The Nature Conservancy•Minneapolis, MN

15d•$93,000 - $110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Director of Operations and Engagement for Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota provides overall direction and 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. The position integrates operations, workplace experience, employee engagement, and internal partnerships to solve problems, improve ways of working, implement change, and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment. It leads chapter operations and workplace planning; manages facilities, office services, systems, vendors, and operational processes; supports and develops direct reports and matrixed staff; and leads initiatives related to employee engagement, onboarding, recognition, and staff events. The role also partners with division and organization-wide business service teams, coordinates cross-functional projects and change initiatives, and helps employees and leaders navigate transitions. This is a hybrid position, combining remote work and in-person work two to three days per week, with a regular weekly presence expected in the Minneapolis office. The position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC's Auto Safety Program. Employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and six years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least two years of experience 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; completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement is required and may include a motor vehicle record review.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight for chapter operations, ensuring staff have the facilities, systems, resources, services, and operational support needed to advance chapter 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, providing coaching and feedback, fostering accountability, and supporting professional development.
Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, connection, and belonging.
Oversee onboarding, recognition, staff events, and other 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.
Partner with division HR, Finance, Contracts, IT, and other business services teams to champion chapter needs, escalate and resolve operational issues, improve processes, and strengthen service delivery.
Maintain relationships across the Great Plains Division to identify shared challenges, leverage resources, share best practices, and connect chapter 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 across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
Lead planning and implementation for office transitions, including employee engagement, workplace readiness, communications, and effective ways of working.
Support organizational change initiatives, operational improvements, and strategic projects through cross-functional planning, project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and transition support.
Support adoption of new processes, structures, technologies, and ways of working that improve organizational effectiveness.