Bristol Bay Sustainable Fisheries Lead

Founded in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science and collaboration, we develop practical solutions that address climate change, protect lands, waters, and oceans, advance sustainable food and water systems, and support thriving communities. TNC is committed to building an inclusive, and culturally competent workforce.

Working in more than 70 countries and all 50 United States, we partner with communities, governments, Indigenous peoples, businesses, scientists, and other organizations to achieve lasting conservation outcomes. To learn more, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

The Nature Conservancy in Alaska seeks a Sustainable Fisheries Lead for its Bristol Bay Program. This position will advance community-based approaches to sustainable resource management in one of the world’s most important ecological and cultural landscapes. Bristol Bay supports the world’s largest remaining wild salmon fisheries, extraordinary freshwater ecosystems, and vibrant and various communities and cultures. TNC’s Alaska Program works with local and regional partners to conserve these resources through science, community engagement, land and water stewardship, sustainable economic development, and participation in public planning and policy.

The Bristol Bay Sustainable Fisheries Lead provides strategic leadership for the Bristol Bay Program’s sustainable fisheries portfolio. Reporting to the Bristol Bay Program Director, the Lead develops and coordinates strategies that sustain fisheries, protect the habitats on which they depend, and strengthen the communities, cultures, and economies connected to them. The position takes an integrated approach to fisheries that encompasses habitat protection, Indigenous stewardship, subsistence and commercial fishing, local access and ownership, collaborative science, climate resilience, public policy, and sustainable economic opportunity.

The Lead also contributes to related land conservation and community development initiatives that advance ecological, economic, cultural, and social objectives.

The Lead is a relationship-builder and strategic integrator who works with Tribal governments, Alaska Native organizations and corporations, fishing interests, communities, agencies, scientists, conservation organizations, landowners, businesses, and funders. They connect Bristol Bay’s place-based priorities with expertise and resources across TNC’s Alaska Program, Western and Canada Division, and broader organization.

This is not primarily a fisheries biologist position. Success requires systems thinking, cultural humility, sound judgment, collaborative leadership, and the ability to translate complex priorities into coordinated action and durable outcomes.

The Sustainable Fisheries Lead develops and implements the Bristol Bay Program’s sustainable fisheries strategy in coordination with the Bristol Bay Program Director, program staff, partners, and advisors. They establish priorities, define measurable outcomes, and manage an integrated portfolio connecting sustainable fisheries with salmon and freshwater and marine habitat protection, Indigenous stewardship, subsistence and commercial fishing, equitable access, collaborative science, climate resilience, public policy, economic opportunity, and community well-being.

The Lead builds respectful and accountable partnerships, convenes organizations with differing authorities and perspectives, and aligns financial, technical, and organizational resources around shared values and priorities. They coordinate research and monitoring partnerships, integrate…