Seascapes Director

The Nature Conservancy

Location: Australia – Flexible within Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, or Sydney preferred (#LI-REMOTE)
Salary Range: AUD $149,600 – $168,300 + Super (depending on skills and experience)
Job Number: 250006
Job Family: Conservation
Salary Grade: 8
Application Deadline: Apply now at careers.nature.org
Contact for Assistance: aushr@tnc.org

About The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

The mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges—so people and nature can thrive together.

Since launching operations in Australia in 2002, TNC has grown substantially, now managing projects across all states and territories. Our Australian conservation strategies focus on:

  • Outback: Supporting Indigenous communities in managing their Country for cultural and ecological values

  • Oceans: Leading a nation-wide shellfish reef restoration program across southern estuaries

  • Nature and Agricultural Landscapes: Pioneering water fund initiatives in the Southern Murray-Darling Basin

  • Protection: Collaborating with governments and partners to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030

Visit www.natureaustralia.org.au to learn more about our work.

Position Summary

The Seascapes Director will lead a national team of marine project managers and experts implementing TNC Australia’s Oceans Strategy. This role is pivotal in advancing coastal habitat restoration across Australia, particularly the shellfish reef restoration program. Reporting to the Director of Conservation (Australia), this senior leadership role is part of the Conservation Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the execution, evaluation, and reporting of the Oceans Strategy within the broader national and global TNC framework

  • Manage 4+ direct reports and a wider team of ~12 staff across Australia

  • Oversee delivery of oceans projects including shellfish reef, kelp restoration, and blue carbon initiatives

  • Develop and lead national scale-up efforts to achieve the conservation commitment of 60 new shellfish reefs by 2030

  • Oversee budgeting and financial planning for all Oceans programs

  • Build partnerships with government, Indigenous communities, conservation organizations, and private funders

  • Collaborate with the Director of Development and Policy teams to secure funding and shape policy

  • Write and manage proposals for grants and funding

  • Represent TNC in external forums, positioning the organization as a leader in marine conservation

  • Travel domestically (frequently) and internationally (occasionally), with flexible working hours as needed

  • Operate in varied field conditions including remote, hazardous, or physically demanding environments

What You’ll Bring

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 7+ years of marine conservation or equivalent experience

  • Demonstrated fundraising experience (donor cultivation and stewardship)

  • Proven leadership in managing complex, multi-partner projects and finances

  • Supervisory experience with the ability to lead, set goals, and manage performance

  • Experience in partnership development with government, non-profits, and community groups

  • Strong negotiation skills

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD in marine biology or a related field

  • 7–10 years’ experience in marine conservation or equivalent

  • Experience working cross-culturally, especially with First Nations Australians

  • Politically astute with government engagement experience

  • Excellent communication, influencing, and interpersonal skills

  • Experience with scientific data interpretation and policy implementation

  • Knowledge of marine restoration and biodiversity systems in Australia

  • Proficiency in English and preferably additional relevant languages

Note: Please address the minimum qualifications in your cover letter. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Why You’ll Love Working With Us

Since 1951, TNC has been one of the most impactful environmental organizations worldwide, supported by 1 million+ members, over 400 scientists, and passionate staff.

We offer:

  • Health care and wellbeing programs

  • Flexible spending accounts

  • Generous parental leave

  • Paid time off

  • Life and disability insurance

  • Retirement plan with employer match

  • Access to employee assistance programs

  • Supportive, inclusive, and flexible work culture

Visit the “Culture” tab at nature.org/careers for more on our benefits.

How to Apply

Submit your résumé and cover letter via the Apply Now button at careers.nature.org.
For questions or accessibility accommodations, contact: applyhelp@tnc.org (use subject line: Request for Accommodation).

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

We are committed to offering accommodations throughout the hiring process and fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

To apply for this job please visit www.natureaustralia.org.au.