Director of Sustainability and Conservation

Director of Sustainability and Conservation

The Director of Sustainability and Conservation is a full-time, exempt position with Earth Corps. The primary responsibility of this role is to lead the development and execution of large-scale, science-based conservation initiatives and strategies, and guide the planning and implementation of projects that provide meaningful training, workforce development, and leadership opportunities for young adults. The Director works closely with the Executive Director, senior management, and external partners to advance ecological restoration, habitat preservation, climate resilience, and environmental workforce development initiatives that align with Earth Corps' mission and long-term sustainability goals.

The Director role is key to our conservation corps program delivery, and project development that supports experiential learning and cultivates the next generation of environmental leaders.

This position serves as a visible and engaged leader of Earth Corps' conservation and field services operations, maintaining a regular presence alongside staff, project partners, and field programs throughout the Puget Sound region; it requires a leader who can build and steward high-level strategic partnerships, identify and develop new conservation and restoration opportunities, cultivate funding and earned-income opportunities, and guide the organization's conservation efforts with a vision for the future.

The Director oversees a talented team of Ecologists, Project Managers, and Operational staff and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Strategic Leadership and Resource Development- 50%

• Lead the development and implementation of Earth Corps' conservation and sustainability initiatives, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including federal, state, and local agencies, tribal organizations, NGOs, academic institutions, and private sector partners.
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance conservation outcomes, expand organizational impact, and create new funding and advancement opportunities for Earth Corps.
• Secure and sustain at least $2 million in annual revenue for Earth Corps' conservation and sustainability portfolio through public contracts, government grants, RFPs, fee-for-service projects, strategic partnerships, and other revenue-generating opportunities, in close coordination with the Development and Finance teams.
• Represent Earth Corps in local, state, and federal conservation initiatives, advocating for green jobs and land management policies.
• Advance environmentally responsible field and organizational operations by identifying and implementing practical improvements to equipment, materials, purchasing, waste reduction, and internal practices that reduce Earth Corps' environmental impact and reflect its conservation values.

Oversight of Field Programming & Infrastructure - 20%

• Oversee the design, execution, and monitoring of large-scale habitat restoration and climate resilience projects, ensuring that both ecological and community goals are met.
• Collaborate with internal teams to assess and track the effectiveness of conservation initiatives, making data-driven adjustments to improve project outcomes.
• Partner with the Program Director to develop the annual Field and Training Calendar, ensuring that project planning integrates ecological outcomes, training objectives, participant experience, hard-skills development, adaptive leadership practice, and pathways to environmental careers.
• Develop systems for tracking project progress and reporting on key outcomes to stakeholders, funders, and the public.
• Provide strategic oversight of field operations infrastructure, including vehicles, equipment, facilities, and related systems, ensuring field teams have the resources necessary to operate safely, effectively, and efficiently.

Team Leadership and Development - 20%

• Supervise, mentor, and support the Ecologists, Project Managers, and Shop Manager team members, providing leadership, feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Ensure the successful management of field-based projects, including planning, performance evaluations, and project execution.

Organizational Engagement and Strategic Vision - 10%

• Actively participate as a member of Earth Corps' senior leadership team, providing strategic insight and leadership across all programs and initiatives.
• Contribute to the organization's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, both within the workplace and in external engagements.
• Co-lead the Risk Management Committee, ensuring that conservation initiatives are aligned with Earth Corps' sustainability and risk management practices.
• Support organizational growth by identifying and leading new strategic opportunities in conservation and sustainability.

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Ecology,…