Latin America Conservation Program Director

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Latin America Conservation Program Director advances Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s mission and goals by leading its field conservation program in Latin America. The role drives strategic conservation efforts with in-country partners to maximize impact and reach while aligning the program with DZCA’s mission and Field Conservation strategy. Program leadership includes developing productive partnerships, leading and collaborating on scientific research and conservation priorities, developing and stewarding program budgets, and coordinating across DZCA to integrate field work with organizational priorities and personnel. The Director leads the program’s strategy and creative vision to achieve conservation impact through Science, Community, and Action, with a focus on Peru and the broader Latin America region. The position manages conservation projects, research, monitoring and evaluation, data, budgets, and contracts; represents the program to internal and external audiences; supports fundraising; and ensures appropriate safety practices for international travel and fieldwork. This position is based on campus in Denver, with regular travel to Latin America for fieldwork. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional irregular hours, including international travel. The annual compensation range is $68,070 to $85,088.

Requirements

Graduate degree (MS/PhD) in a conservation-related discipline or related field, such as biology, ecology, natural resources, or wildlife management, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
At least 5 years of experience leading or supporting field conservation projects.
Expertise in international conservation project management, strategic planning, and achieving conservation success.
Expertise in scientific research methods and study design, with a record of scientific publication.
Strong organizational, written and oral communication, prioritization, and attention-to-detail skills in a dynamic environment.
Ability to communicate conservation goals to lay and expert audiences and represent DZCA in a culturally sensitive manner.
Ability to develop programs and collaborate with people from different cultures in direct and matrixed relationships to achieve strategic goals.
Expertise in teaching, public outreach, and leading groups and community members in the field.
Experience setting, managing, and adhering to budgets.
Experience with formal evaluation of conservation impacts, adaptive management, and project monitoring.
Ability to conduct fieldwork in remote locations and work irregular hours under physically demanding conditions.
Commitment to forward-thinking justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts.
Excellent negotiation skills and ability to handle sensitive information with diplomacy.
Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in Latin America is preferred.
Experience with zoo-based conservation organizations and local conservation organizations is strongly preferred, or an equivalent combination of experience, lived experience, and/or special skills.
Wilderness First Responder or Wilderness First Aid certification is preferred; applicants should be willing to obtain Wilderness First Responder training.
A history of fundraising success through grants and/or individual donors is preferred.
Spanish fluency is preferred.

Responsibilities

Direct the Latin America Field Conservation Program and lead its creative vision and strategy to achieve conservation impact through Science, Community, and Action.
Align program goals with DZCA Field Conservation strategy, particularly in Peru and the broader Latin America region.
Lead partnership efforts with the Peru-based in-country contractor team and develop and maintain productive Latin America-based partnerships and regional networks.
Ensure projects align with partner goals and conservation best practices.
Develop, track, and manage program budgets and contracts.
Lead DZCA conservation projects in Latin America in alignment with DZCA strategy, priority species, and landscapes.
Develop and implement internationally appropriate research initiatives that maintain scientific integrity and follow best practices.
Establish monitoring and evaluation protocols, oversee data management, and ensure timely, rigorous analysis.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including those for international travel, in collaboration with Human Resources and the Director of Occupational Health and Safety.
Serve as the program’s primary point of contact for internal and external partners and audiences.
Share program progress, results, and developments through DZCA communication channels, conferences, and publications.
Collaborate with the DZCA Philanthropy team to support fundraising by securing grants and engaging donors.
Integrate Latin America program work with DZCA programs, personnel, and exhibits.
Participate in relevant Latin America conservation organizations and initiatives, and provide subject matter expertise as appropriate.
Participate in zoo-wide committees, task forces, and initiatives.
Perform other duties assigned by the manager to support department and organizational goals, and act as a good steward of DZCA resources.
Safeguard confidential and proprietary DZCA information.