Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner

What We Can Achieve Together

The Michigan Executive Director and Midwest Partner functions as a leader and conservation strategist for a large, complex business unit in a global organization that plays an integral leadership role in TNC’s Midwest Division. The Midwest Division encompasses Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin—a region of Great Lakes, great rivers and immense global importance for conserving biodiversity, tackling climate change, and protecting lands and waters as outlined in TNC’s 2030 goals.

In addition to representing Michigan and the Midwest, this position must also be versed in national and global TNC priorities. This position will be a key leader in a global fundraising campaign and is responsible for producing measurable conservation results, while leading a large, multidisciplinary team of professionals across the state.

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for TNC in Michigan to internal and external audiences, including public and private donors, media, the business community, the Michigan Board of Trustees, community leaders and other partners, government agencies and officials and staff.
• Cultivate and solicit high‑level donors (private and public) to meet fundraising goals and manage the performance of a large, collaborative team focused on strategy development, fundraising, and board management.
• Support conservation programs and initiatives, organization visibility, policy and government relations, staff management, and financial health of the business unit.
• Collaborate with peer Midwest Executive Directors and the Midwest Division Director (the Midwest Board of Partners) to shape strategy, development, and execution of cross‑boundary efforts within the Midwest and globally.
• Lead the Midwest 2030 conservation goals, sponsor one or more conservation strategy and functional area teams at the regional level, and align the team’s work to secure and deploy sufficient resources and capacity for the Midwest’s contribution to TNC’s 2030 goals.
• Create a healthy work environment for all TNC staff in the state and support coordinated staff development across the region.
• Report to the Midwest Division Director and work in partnership with the Midwest Board of Partners and the Michigan Board of Trustees.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 7 years of leadership experience in the conservation arena, non‑profit sector, advocacy, or related for‑profit area.
• Extensive management experience, including the ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage the performance of a large multidisciplinary team.
• Proven experience in cultivating and soliciting high‑level donors to reach fundraising goals.
• Written and verbal fluency in English; effective presentation and communication skills for diverse audiences, including high‑level donors, the media, the business community, board members, and partners.
• Experience with strategic fiscal management, including long‑term sustainability.

• Seven to 10 years of proven leadership in the conservation arena, nonprofit sector, advocacy, or related for‑profit area, with a demonstrated record of producing results and meeting organizational goals.
• Experience working in the U.S. and globally preferred; demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy.
• Outstanding leadership skills, including thought‑leadership, visionary qualities, and the ability to inspire others in a decentralized, geographically dispersed, and highly matrixed organization.
• Knowledge of conservation and conservation practices.
• High energy, forward‑thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards.
• Proven strategic thinking skills, creative problem‑solving, adept decision‑making, adaptability, and ability to collaborate and influence.
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking on behalf of a global organization with the capability to present on a wide range of science‑based and conservation topics.
• Strong network of local, regional and national contacts that include leaders from philanthropic, business and community stakeholders relevant to conservation work.
• Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto…