Kauaʻi Marine Program Manager

Position Overview

The Kauaʻi Marine Program Manager (KMPM) is a new, two‑year, on‑site position designed to expand marine conservation capacity on Kauaʻi. The KMPM will build relationships with local communities and partners, scope and develop marine conservation strategies, and advance community‑led management toward goals such as reducing land‑based pollution, building reef restoration capacity, and improving science and fisheries management. The role requires working in variable weather and remote locations and in physically demanding circumstances.

• Build and maintain relationships with local communities, government agencies, NGOs, and technical partners.
• Scope and develop marine conservation strategies that align with community needs and TNC Hawaiʻi’s goals.
• Coordinate cross‑sector projects with the Kauaʻi Terrestrial Team and other islands’ staff.
• Secure public and private funding and develop grant proposals.
• Lead project management, including scheduling, budgeting, and reporting.
• Communicate results to technical and non‑technical audiences, including media and stakeholders.

• Bachelor’s degree in biology, environmental science, engineering, policy, planning, law, or business plus a minimum of 3 years’ experience in natural resource management, community organization, or related field.
• Experience working with indigenous and local communities and government agencies on ocean, coastal, and aquatic management in Hawaiʻi.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements and managing multiple projects independently and as part of a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web browsers.

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

Starting pay range: $66,000 – $68,300, based on qualifications, location, and experience.

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

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and seek to build an inclusive workforce. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request accommodations.