What We Can Achieve Together:

The Cities Adaptation Strategies Manager will develop and manage strategies related to urban heat and extreme precipitation within New Jersey’s Cities and within TNC’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. In collaboration with internal teams and external partners, the Manager will identify, design and manage integrated, place-based and regional nature-based solution strategies that will increase the scale, equity, and impact of conservation outcomes. This includes 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 particularly 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 Nature Conservancy’s climate adaptation goals.

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

We’re Looking for You:

• Lead the design, refinement and implementation of high-impact urban adaptation strategies that will help us 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 TNC 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.

What You’ll Bring:

• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.

• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.

• Politically savvy.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $83,000-$91,000 annually. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

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.”

What We Bring:

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.

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.