Director of Conservation

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the museum’s conservation and natural areas programs.
• Implement and advance conservation priorities outlined in the museum’s and departments strategic plans.
• Integrate conservation with research, education, and public engagement.
• Guide the development and execution of long-term stewardship plans across approximately 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on conservation outcomes and stewardship initiatives.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Works closely with the philanthropy team to secure major gift and grants.
• Represents the museum publicly in friend raising, fundraising, and in governmental and community partnerships.
• Builds relationships with foundations and conservation entities.

Natural Areas Program Oversight

• Lead and support the Natural Areas Department, including land stewardship and land management programs.
• Supervise three direct reports and provide leadership to a broader team of approximately eight staff members.
• Ensure conservation work aligns with best practices in ecological management, restoration, and biodiversity protection.

Research & Science

• Strengthen connections between the museum’s conservation work and its scientific research initiatives.
• Position the museum’s natural areas as a living laboratory for research, education, and public engagement.
• Facilitate opportunities for scientists, researchers, and academic partners to conduct research on museum-managed lands.
• Supports research in areas such as ecology and biodiversity.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a public-facing conservation leader representing the museum within the regional conservation community.
• Utilize current and develop partnerships with universities, conservation organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Promote the museum’s conservation initiatives through presentations, collaborations, and community outreach.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with museum leadership, curators, and educators to integrate conservation work into programming, research, and public engagement.
• Support initiatives that connect conservation science with museum exhibitions, educational programs, and public communication.

Program Leadership

• Assess and recommend staffing, program development, and resource needs for conservation initiatives.
• Oversee conservation programs (fieldwork, collections care, biodiversity initiatives, climate science as needed).
• Assure scientific rigor and measurable impact.
• Manage opportunities with other organization partnerships.

Qualifications

• An advanced degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.
• Significant experience working in conservation, ecological research, or environmental stewardship and familiarity with conservation issues affecting the Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex environmental programs.
• Fundraising and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience implementing strategic initiatives or leading program development.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate scientific work for public audiences.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, researchers, and conservation stakeholders.