Kauaʻi Marine Program Manager

Job Overview

The Kauaʻi Marine Program Manager (KMPM) is a new, two‑year term position focused on expanding marine conservation efforts on Kauaʻi. The role builds relationships with local communities and partners, scopes and develops marine conservation strategies, and supports community‑led management to reduce land‑based pollution, build reef restoration capacity, and improve science and understanding of marine and coastal environments and fisheries management.

• Develop and implement marine conservation strategies in collaboration with partners and in alignment with TNC’s goals.
• Build trust and relationships across community, government, and technical sectors.
• Advance community‑led management and capacity building for reef restoration and response.
• Coordinate cross‑sector and cross‑site projects, aligning efforts with the TNC Kauaʻi Terrestrial Team and other island teams.
• Secure public and private funding, develop proposals, and manage project budgets and timelines.
• Communicate progress and outcomes to stakeholders, media, NGOs, community groups, and academic audiences.
• Operate in variable weather, remote locations, and physically demanding conditions as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, engineering, policy, planning, law, or business and at least 3 years of experience in natural resource management, community organization, or a related field.
• Experience working with indigenous and local communities, government agencies, and agencies on ocean, aquatic, and coastal management in Hawaiʻi.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to negotiate complex agreements and meet deadlines independently and with a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and web browsers.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.

• Experience with Kauaʻi agencies and community groups.
• Track record of identifying grant opportunities and developing proposals.
• Multi‑lingual skills and cross‑cultural experience.
• Knowledge of land and ocean management conservation practice and conservation science.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non‑technical audiences.

• Health care benefits, flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Parental leave and accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program.
• Work‑life well‑being support.

Ranging from $66,000 to $68,300 annually, depending on qualifications and experience.

Position based on Kauaʻi. Requires travel throughout the island and occasional off‑site work in variable weather conditions.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and recognize that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, or other status protected by law.