Director Of Technology Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. masters) required; PhD preferred
• At least 8 years of relevant experience, including at least 3 years managing staff and leading complex interdisciplinary projects.
• Demonstrated experience applying data science, geospatial analysis, computational methods, software development, or related disciplines to address conservation planning, recovery, or monitoring challenges.
• Ability to listen to conservation practitioners, identify opportunities for innovation, and connect real-world challenges with practical, scalable analytical and technology-enabled solutions.
• Experience leading and developing technical teams, including supervising staff and managing applied research, analytical, or technology programs.
• Technical expertise in GIS, R/Python, large and complex datasets, cloud-based platforms, remote sensing imagery, and data visualization tools.
• Experience building partnerships and collaborating effectively with conservation practitioners, agencies, Tribal partners, academic institutions, technology organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and other federal and state conservation policies relevant to species conservation, recovery, and management.
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize opportunities, align technical work with organizational goals, and manage multiple initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex technical concepts and analytical findings for decision-makers, practitioners, policymakers, and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Experience evaluating and applying artificial intelligence is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the planning, prioritization, and execution of the technology team’s portfolio of projects and initiatives.
• Supervises and mentors a small team of scientists, application developers, and occasional volunteers, providing guidance, professional development, and accountability for successful project delivery.
• Ensures direction from Defenders’ leadership, including the VP, is shared with and contextualized for supervisees.
• Guides Defenders' approach to data science and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities and helping prioritize investments and applications that advance conservation goals and align with organizational priorities.
• Serves as a bridge between conservation practitioners and the research and technology communities, connecting priority conservation challenges with innovative analytical and technology solutions.
• Advances organizational approaches, partnerships, and policies that support the responsible use and scaling of innovative conservation technologies.
• Prototypes, develops, and deploys innovative tools, analyses, monitoring and evaluation systems, and decision-support resources that address wildlife conservation needs.
• Creates dashboards, visualizations, online applications, and other resources that communicate findings and support conservation practitioners.
• Translates technical concepts and findings for diverse audiences through communications, advocacy materials, media engagement, and public outreach.
• Cultivates partnerships with conservation organizations, government agencies, Tribal partners, technology companies, and other stakeholders to advance shared conservation goals.
• Represents Defenders at meetings, conferences, trainings, and other forums to share innovative approaches, strengthen partnerships, and facilitate adoption of CCI work products.