Director, Conservation Technology

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Regular Full-Time Washington, DC, US

2 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $ To $ Annually

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Director, Conservation Technology

SALARY: $143,000 - $155,000

FLSA:
Exempt

LOCATION:

Headquarters, Washington, DC

REPORTS TO:

VP, Conservation Research and Innovation

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 2

POSITION SUMMARY

Rapid advances in technology, from satellite remote sensing to artificial intelligence and predictive analytics, are transforming our ability to understand and protect wildlife. The Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI) at Defenders of Wildlife is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as Director of Conservation Technology and help harness these advances to scale conservation impact.

Reporting to the Vice President of Conservation Research and Innovation, the Director is a leader within CCI responsible for guiding Defenders’ efforts to leverage data science, technology, and innovation to advance species recovery, conservation planning, conservation monitoring, and evaluation of conservation outcomes. They will lead, develop, and work alongside a small team of scientists and developers applying environmental data science, artificial intelligence, remote sensing, and other emerging technologies to strengthen wildlife conservation.

This includes setting the team’s strategic direction and overseeing the development of innovative analytical approaches, decision-support tools, and technology-enabled conservation solutions.

Working closely with Defenders’ field, policy, and legal staff, as well as agency partners and other conservation practitioners, the Director will identify priority challenges and opportunities for innovation. Serving as a bridge between conservation practitioners and the research and technology communities, they will help identify, adapt, and deploy practical solutions that improve conservation outcomes and integrate them into Defenders’ legal, policy, and field-based efforts.

The ideal candidate is an ambitious, entrepreneurial, and creative leader driven by the opportunity to translate data and emerging technologies into real-world conservation solutions. They are a strategic thinker and effective communicator with experience leading interdisciplinary teams, building partnerships, and connecting conservation challenges with practical, high-impact technology solutions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Leads and develops a team of scientists and technologists:

• 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 supervises.

Leads Defenders’ data science and conservation technology program:

• 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.

Develops and…