Latin America Conservation Programs Director

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance•Denver, CO

2d•$68,070 - $85,088•Onsite

About The Position

The Latin America Conservation Program Director advances Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance’s mission by leading its field conservation program in Latin America. The role directs 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 program strategy and conservation projects in Latin America, particularly in Peru and across the region; establishes partnerships and regional networks; develops research initiatives and monitoring and evaluation protocols; oversees data management and analysis; and ensures fiscal responsibility and compliance with safety protocols. The position is the primary program contact for internal and external partners, communicates results through organizational channels, conferences, and publications, and collaborates with Philanthropy on fundraising. It also integrates field program work with DZCA programs, personnel, and exhibits, provides subject matter expertise, participates in relevant professional organizations and zoo-wide initiatives, and performs other duties as assigned. The position is based on campus in Denver and includes regular Latin America field travel. The schedule is Monday through Friday, with occasional irregular hours, including during international travel. The role requires the ability to work in remote locations under physically demanding conditions and lift up to 50 pounds. Candidates must be at least 21 and have a valid driver’s license and clean driving record, and must pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.

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, critical-thinking, and attention-to-detail skills.
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 conservation-impact evaluation, such as Conservation Standards or similar planning tools, 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 diplomatically.
Ability to pass a physical examination, background check, and pre-employment drug and alcohol screen.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
At least 21 years of age, with a valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Nice To Haves

Preference for candidates with experience working in Latin America.
Experience within zoo-based conservation organizations and with local conservation organizations is strongly preferred, or equivalent 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 certification.
History of fundraising success through grants and/or individual donors is preferred.
Spanish language 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 the DZCA Field Conservation team’s strategic vision, 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 organizational strategy, priority species, and landscapes.
Develop and implement internationally appropriate research initiatives that uphold scientific integrity and best practices.
Establish monitoring and evaluation protocols to assess project success.
Oversee data management and ensure timely, rigorous analysis.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols, including international travel, in collaboration with Human Resources and the Director of Occupational Health and Safety.
Serve as the primary program contact for internal and external partners and audiences.
Communicate program progress, results, and developments through DZCA communication channels, professional conferences, and/or publications.
Collaborate with the DZCA Philanthropy team on fundraising, including securing grants and engaging donors.
Integrate Latin America program work with DZCA programs, personnel, and exhibits.
Participate in relevant Latin America-aligned conservation organizations and initiatives, as appropriate.
Provide subject matter expertise on Latin America Field Conservation topics, as appropriate.
Participate in zoo-wide committees, task forces, and initiatives.
Provide other assistance as designated by the manager to support department and organizational goals.
Act as a steward of DZCA resources and safeguard confidential and proprietary information.