Cities Adaptation Strategies Manager

About the role

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 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.

Requirements

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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Politically savvy.

Skills

Experience with strategic planning.

Experience with climate science, urban systems thinking and spatial/data analysis.

Ability to apply an equity and community engagement lens across all aspects of the work.

Benefits

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.