Adaptation Strategies Manager

Cities Adaptation Strategies Manager will develop and manage strategies related to urban heat and extreme precipitation within New Jersey’s cities and within The Nature Conservancy’s Northeast Division. They will be responsible for developing and implementing plans to increase the impact of our work in a way that provides multiple social, economic and environmental benefits in vulnerable communities.

Working closely with the Director of Cities Programs and the Cities team, the Cities Adaptation Strategies Manager will lead the development, refinement and implementation of strategic initiatives addressing urban heat and extreme precipitation across New Jersey’s cities, aligned with The Nature Conservancy’s Northeast Division priorities. The Manager will identify, design and manage integrated, place‑based and regional nature‑based solution strategies that increase the scale, equity, and impact of conservation outcomes, building and sustaining cross‑sector partnerships to co‑develop scalable solutions to urban heat and flooding.

The Manager will oversee planning processes, guide project implementation and ensure that strategies deliver measurable social, economic and environmental benefits, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities. They will apply an equity and community engagement lens across all aspects of the work. This role also contributes to cross‑state learning, knowledge sharing and innovation, helping to advance the organization’s climate adaptation goals.

This is a hybrid position. We expect multiple days a week in‑person in Newark, Paterson, Chester, and other locations in New Jersey as needed.

• Lead the design, refinement and implementation of high‑impact urban adaptation strategies that will help scale urban heat and flood risk strategies, such as urban forestry and green infrastructure solutions, leveraging partnerships, policy opportunities and various funding streams to increase impact across New Jersey cities and advance the Northeast Division’s climate adaptation goals.
• Work collaboratively as a core member of the Cities Team, contributing to a matrixed environment that requires strong communication, shared ownership, and coordination across an internal team and external partners.
• Apply climate science, urban systems thinking and spatial/data analysis to translate technical insights (e.g., heat mapping, flood risk, canopy data) into actionable strategies and investment priorities.
• Support the advancement of priority initiatives such as urban heat mitigation strategies, canopy expansion efforts and green stormwater infrastructure programs, helping to accelerate implementation and measurable outcomes.
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships across government, community‑based organizations, academic institutions and other stakeholders, positioning the organization as a trusted convener and influencing partners to advance shared urban adaptation goals.
• Lead inclusive, community‑informed planning processes that center local knowledge, reflect community priorities and advance equitable adaptation outcomes.
• Exercise independent judgment and systems‑level thinking to make strategic decisions, navigate complexity and guide cross‑functional teams toward impactful outcomes.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

• BA/BS and 5 years’ experience in conservation practice or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects and strategies, including managing budgets and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Experience in partnership development with non‑profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience communicating with the public both in writing and verbally.

• Multi‑lingual skills and multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience appreciated.
• 5 years’ experience in urban conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with strategic planning.
• Demonstrat…