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Company

NatureServe · 3 hours ago

Chief Scientist

Arlington, VA

Full-time

Remote

Director/Executive

$150K/yr - $160K/yr

7+ years exp

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AssociationNon Profit

Culture & Values

Hiring Manager

Briana Lozada

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Responsibilities

Serve as a key member of NatureServe’s Executive Leadership Team, collaborating with staff and board leaders to set strategic direction and maximize impact. Lead and execute NatureServe’s scientific strategy as outlined in the 2022-2026 Strategic Plan, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Act as a thought leader and public spokesperson, representing NatureServe’s science efforts at external events, conferences, and media engagements.

Serve as a dynamic, non-partisan spokesperson to elevate NatureServe’s role in key scientific organizations. Contribute to Government Relations, Public Relations, and Network Relations initiatives. Build and maintain high-level external partnerships with national and international organizations, federal and subnational government agencies, private foundations, academic institutions, the private sector, and other professional organizations to advance NatureServe’s mission critical scientific initiatives.

In collaboration with the Vice President for Data Science, guide the strategic development of innovative scientific methods, tools, and integrated information products that meet the needs of the NatureServe Network and result in significant enduring benefits in the conservation of biological and ecological diversity. Lead cross-functional teams to identify emerging trends and gather feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that NatureServe’s scientific products address unmet needs and remain at the forefront of conservation science. With other NatureServe leaders, engage scientists throughout the NatureServe Network in the ongoing development, documentation, and deployment of scientific protocols that support the collection and analysis of consistent biodiversity data across the Network.

Provide visionary leadership to advance science program initiatives, ensuring that strategic goals align with NatureServe’s mission. Publish methods, results, and other documents that advance effective conservation action, including through peer-reviewed venues and as whitepapers.

Effectively delegate and mentor other internal leaders to handle the day-to-day management of science projects, allowing the Chief Scientist to focus on high-level strategy, relationship-building, and thought leadership. Foster a collaborative and inclusive organizational culture, ensuring alignment of scientific and leadership goals across the organization.

Actively lead efforts to raise at least $1M annually in public and private funds through business development, philanthropy, and grants. Develop proposals, cultivate donor relationships, and secure funding to ensure the financial sustainability of the science program.

Lead the development and implementation of the science communications strategy, working with the Marketing and Communication team to publicize NatureServe’s scientific contributions to diverse stakeholders. Represent NatureServe at webinars, conferences, and media engagements.

Partner with the Chief Executive Officer, VP of Data Science, Director of Finance, and other stakeholders to manage the science program’s budget, ensuring projects and activities align with financial goals. Foster financial accountability across the science leadership team by monitoring funding sources and the financial performance of the science program.

Qualification

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BiologyConservation BiologyData ScienceBiodiversity InformaticsFundraisingProgram DevelopmentStrategic LeadershipScientific PublicationsPartnership DevelopmentEmerging Trends IdentificationCollaboration Skills

Required

Ph.D. in Biology, Ecology, or a related field with a focus on Conservation Science.

Over 7 years of experience in Conservation Biology, Data Science, or a related discipline (10+ years preferred).

Proven scientific leader with a track record of high-impact publications, working group participation, and successful proposals.

Demonstrated expertise in program development, strategic leadership, fundraising, and managing large-scale initiatives.

Understands NatureServe’s mission and demonstrates a commitment to conservation.

Strong background in biodiversity conservation and informatics, with a clear vision for advancing NatureServe’s scientific impact.

Proven track record of authoring and publishing scientific papers, demonstrating expertise and thought leadership in the field.

Ability to identify emerging trends and drive innovative scientific solutions that align with the organization’s mission.

Demonstrated success in raising at least $1M annually through philanthropy, business development, and federal agency grants.

Proven ability to manage large budgets, write successful proposals, and negotiate contracts.

Exceptional leadership and communication skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams, engage external stakeholders, and represent NatureServe in high-profile settings.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Proven strategic thinker who can identify opportunities, set priorities, evaluate the financial and strategic implications of decisions, and motivate and support teams.

Ability to work closely and productively with colleagues including Vice Presidents, the Executive Director and other members of the Executive Leadership Team, and direct reports.

Ability to collaborate effectively and strategically with internal and external teams.

Demonstrated flexibility and readiness to embrace both scientific and organizational leadership responsibilities.

Extremely well organized, and able to orchestrate multiple activities to accomplish set goals in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent skills in partnership development and fostering strong, productive relationships.