Southern Ohio Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Specialist

Overview

The Southern Ohio Partnerships and Engagement Specialist is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Strategic Partnership and Engagement Program. The role implements projects and programs in coordination with the Southern Ohio Program Manager and others to engage people with nature, build community relationships, and advance lasting conservation results. The position is based in Southern Ohio and will work at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve in West Union, Ohio.

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a culturally and locally relevant community engagement program in partnership with preserve staff, local partners, and community members.
• Build and strengthen relationships with local organizations—including churches, schools, elected officials, and community members—and act as the point of contact between these groups and The Nature Conservancy.
• Deepen the Conservancy’s understanding and communication with community stakeholders; develop and implement strategies that broaden support for conservation.
• Engage individuals who are interested in conservation but not yet familiar with the Conservancy and increase the organization’s visibility.
• Lead on-site community engagement opportunities such as volunteer events, youth‑centric activities, visitor hiking, stewardship field days, and other outreach programs on TNC preserves and partner lands.
• Serve as a liaison between the local community and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio; collaborate with the Southern Ohio Manager and teams to achieve engagement and stewardship action plans.
• Assist with aspects of the volunteer program (recruiting, orientation, communications, reporting, evaluation, training, recognition, enrichment).
• Develop and manage communications and educational materials for program initiatives, including direct support for community listening sessions.
• Attend regular meetings of local elected officials such as township trustees, county commissioners, and village councils.
• Coordinate multiple tasks or projects in a timely manner with attention to detail; assist with program reporting, compliance, budget preparation, and monitoring.
• Oversee and direct work of volunteers, trainees, and interns.
• Carry out day‑to‑day program implementation tasks under remote supervision and make day‑to‑day decisions as delegated.

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, environmental science, public relations, environmental education, or related field and a minimum of 3 years related experience (or equivalent combination).
• Experience in community relations or relationship building.
• Strong communication and public speaking skills.
• Experience working with youth and youth safety certifications.
• Writing and editing experience.
• Project Management and Marketing experience.
• Experience supervising and managing staff, volunteers, and/or teams.
• Must meet all TNC Youth Qualification requirements and pass required background checks.

• Multi‑cultural experience and/or multi‑lingual skills.
• Experience serving as a “brand ambassador” or Community Engagement Specialist for an organization.
• Proficiency in promoting events and communicating through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter.
• Experience developing, implementing, and measuring outreach plans and programs.
• Knowledge of current and evolving trends in marketing, conservation, and public relations.
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Volunteer management and training experience is a plus.

• Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; no driving of Conservancy‑owned/leased vehicles if considered a high‑risk driver.
• Work will involve variable weather conditions, remote locations, and physically demanding circumstances; some evenings and weekends are required monthly.
• Position is contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement and background screening.

The starting pay range for this position is generally between $55,000 and $57,000 for U.S. candidates. Actual salary will be based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. The successful applicant will meet all TNC background screening and EEO requirements.