Vice President of Conservation Research and Innovation, Defenders of Wildlife

Overview

Organization/Grantor: Defenders of Wildlife

Position/Title/Fund: Vice President of Conservation Research and Innovation

Location: Washington, D.C.

Salary: $,000 annually

Description: The VP of Conservation Research and Innovation directs the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders of Wildlife, a multidisciplinary team advancing conservation by integrating rigorous science, modern technology, and climate-informed conservation strategies. We develop actionable, forward-thinking solutions that prioritize imperiled wildlife, support biodiversity, and promote ecological resilience in a rapidly changing world. The Center focuses on three related but distinct program areas, for which the VP provides leadership, cross-disciplinary guidance, and priority-setting:

• Science. The science program area focuses on ensuring that Defenders continues to put science at the forefront of conservation decision-making and advocacy through organization-wide support and research in the Center. This includes supporting the spatial (GIS) and non-spatial science needs of Defenders, synthesizing existing research to inform advocacy, carrying out novel research, and leading or participating in collaborative science. This may include carrying out new research, synthesizing science to support our advocacy, facilitating relationships with scientists in and out of the organization, and advocating for science in wildlife conservation governance.
• Technology. The technology program area enhances Defenders’ effectiveness by taking advantage of data and technologies that advance conservation, from creating web-based products to data analytics and visualization. The program spans the gamut of topical areas, from species conservation to conservation governance processes, depending on organizational resources and broad needs. The program is highly collaborative and integrated with the science and climate teams of CCI and across Defenders.
• Climate Solutions. The climate program area focuses on the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems by integrating science, policy, and human dimensions into practical, data-driven adaptation strategies. They collaborate on and lead initiatives related to human-wildlife coexistence, nature-based solutions, wildlife-compatible energy development, ecosystem resilience and species’ climate adaptation.

The VP is responsible for the Center’s overall work and its effectiveness. For internal operations, this includes developing and implementing strategic and annual work plans, delegating tasks to team members, and managing personnel issues, among other responsibilities. For external operations, this includes proactively establishing new relationships, maintaining or improving existing relationships, and helping to uphold Defenders’ reputation as a pragmatic, innovative thought leader on conservation, among others.

The VP oversees all staff in the Center and coordinates with staff in other departments that engage with the Center. This includes identifying, coordinating, and encouraging the activities of Center staff, team development, and career coaching and development. The VP is also responsible for promoting the Center’s work, developing and finalizing the budget, fundraising, and other operational duties for the Center.

• Oversees the Center for Conservation Innovation, including its climate, science, data and technology, and GIS programs, as well as cross-team integration. Forecast, set objectives, secure resources, and establish priorities for the Center.
• As a member of the Leadership team, helps shape the mission, strategy, tactics, and culture of Defenders;
• As a member of the Leadership team, advises on endangered species issues, including significant ESA listing and recovery decisions, ESA rule makings, and strategic planning;
• As a member of the Leadership team, advises on key science and science policy issues to Defenders;
• Extensive interfacing with other departments, especially within Defenders’ Conservation Program and particularly Field Conservation, Conservation Policy, and Biodiversity Law Center.
• Oversees all Center staff, including by identifying, coordinating,…