Indigenous Right Relations Program Manager Job Listing at The Nature Conservancy in United States of America (Job ID JR101961)

Description

Who We Are:

Nature United is a national organization that is reimagining conservation across Canada. We believe that nature—thriving and full of life—is the foundation of strong communities, a prosperous economy, and a future worth passing on to our grandchildren. We believe that reconciliation is at the heart of our progress as a nation. And we believe that Canada can be a global beacon for hope. We work to advance sustainable resource management across the country, including by supporting Indigenous leadership and authority and to harness the power of nature to address the climate crisis by advancing natural climate solutions. Nature United is an affiliate of the global organization The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

As a conservation organization, we support the authority of Indigenous Peoples to steward and manage their lands and waters by working in partnership with Indigenous Nations to strengthen governance, build on-the-ground stewardship capacity, support leaders, and catalyze local economies.  Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice are central to achieving our conservation mission and we are committed to co-creating a culture that is equitable and a workplace that is inclusive and safe for all staff, partners, donors, and volunteers.

Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. We know we'll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we'd love to hear from you. To quote myriad staff members, “you'll join for our mission, and you'll stay for our people.”

At Nature United, working in Right Relations with Indigenous Peoples is not the responsibility of one team—it is a shared commitment held by every staff member. Our approach recognizes that Indigenous Peoples' authority, sovereignty, leadership, and capacity are essential for advancing conservation outcomes. To embed this principle across our organization, we strive to create the knowledge, resources, and internal climate that enable all staff to engage with curiosity, respect, and courage.

The Indigenous Right Relations (IRR) Program Manager plays a key role in the implementation and evolution of our IRR Strategy and Action Plan by coordinating and supporting our people and teams, including our Board of Directors and international teams, to embed IRR in the way that we work. The Program Manager fosters collaboration across teams, enables learning and accountability, and coordinates tools and guidance to help all staff expand and deepen our approach to working in Right Relations.  The IRR Program Manager will convene interdepartmental teams and work with the organization's programs to coordinate multiple workstreams in support of the IRR Program.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, and working with all program teams, the Program Manager exercises independent judgment to identify and develop solutions which enable us to work in Right Relations. This includes completing select projects, connecting innovative ideas, and tracking and reporting on our advancement of our IRR Action Plan to ensure accountability. This role requires organizational skills, and the ability to manage projects with multiple variables and deadlines. They may also coordinate logistics for organizational meetings and special events, create program materials, and perform analysis and research to enhance program success.

• Act independently guided by our IRR Strategy and Action Plan to prioritize tasks and exercise judgment to identify and solve problems.

• Build and maintain a framework to monitor, measure, and report on progress across organizational outcomes, commitments, initiatives, and actions; integrate into team and organizational reporting systems.

• Work across the organization, at the national, and at times regional and global scales, to coordinate, support, and align Indigenous Right Relations (IRR) commitments, initiatives, and actions.

• Uphold shared expectations for working in right relations across teams, while enabling creative approaches to advancing this work.

• Act as a ready resource to staff teams and the Board for their IRR Commitments

• Collaborate across teams to develop training plans for staff and the Board to reflect, integrate knowledge, and build skills related to working in Right Relations.

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to regularly share information, IRR learnings, align efforts, and scale initiatives as appropriate.

• Manage projects with multiple variables, set realistic deadlines, and ensure accountability.

• Communicate effectively with staff across programs and our Board of Directors.

• Travel (approximately 20%) and work flexible hours as required.

Are you passionate about operational excellence and supporting equitable conservation work? We're seeking an Indigenous Right Relations Program Manager who thrives in a dynamic environment, enjoys problem-solving, and can manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the success of our team and help advance conservation across Canada and globally.

This role is located in Canada, with flexibility to work within one of the provinces or territories where Nature United is established to employ.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years related experience or equivalent combination

• Experience working with or for Indigenous communities or organizations

• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff;

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate and implement multiple projects with complex variables and deadlines.

• Excellent communication and facilitation skills, including preparing memos, briefing leadership, and supporting decision-making.

• Strong knowledge of organizational systems, processes, and technology use to achieve results (e.g., dashboards, templates, reporting systems).

• Experience generating reports, analyzing data, and maintaining accountability frameworks.

• Strong knowledge of organizational systems and processes, with ability to adapt and improve them.

• Experience working in a matrixed environment and collaborating across multiple teams and organizational levels.

• Proficiency with current technology tools for collaboration, reporting, and project management.

• Fluent English required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience, coursework, or other training in current and evolving trends in training, curriculum design, distance learning, and web based design

• Demonstrated diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate staff.

• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in Indigenous governance, right relations, and organizational change.

• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

• A learning and innovation mindset—bringing curiosity and discipline to enable organizational learning, reflection, and continuous improvement.

• A pro-active and structured approach to advance complex and strategic initiatives, requiring broad organizational engagement and participation

Nature United is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

Nature United offers a comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a work environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

The estimated starting salary for this position is dependent on experience, qualifications and location.

• Salary range in Canada is: $105,000 - $112,000 CAD annually

The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply – we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.