Chief Scientist - NatureServe

Opportunity

Join a mission-driven organization at the forefront of biodiversity conservation! NatureServe is a leading authority on biodiversity data across North America, empowering conservation efforts with the most comprehensive, science-based insights into rare and endangered species and ecosystems.

As the Chief Scientist, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of conservation science, working with a talented team of over 25 experts in botany, zoology, ecology, and data science. This is a unique opportunity to guide innovative research, forge impactful partnerships, and develop groundbreaking tools that support conservation planning, land management, and corporate biodiversity initiatives.

If you are a visionary scientist with a passion for biodiversity and a commitment to making a tangible impact, NatureServe offers the platform, expertise, and network to amplify your efforts and drive meaningful change for species and ecosystems across North America.

About NatureServe

For 50 years, NatureServe has been the authoritative source for biodiversity data throughout North America. With an international network of over 60 Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers across the United States and Canada (the Network), NatureServe is the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and the ecosystems on which North American species depend. To protect threatened biodiversity, NatureServe works with over 1,000 conservation scientists to collect, aggregate, and standardize biodiversity statistics, providing comprehensive data to the public for strategic conservation efforts. NatureServe and its network programs develop and manage the most comprehensive data for over 100,000 species and ecosystems, answering fundamental questions about what the critical elements of biodiversity are, where they are found, and how they are doing.

Description:

NatureServe seeks a respected scientist in the field of biodiversity informatics to join the Executive Team as Chief Scientist, a Vice President-level role. Ideal candidates will be collaborative, demonstrate a commitment to conservation, and be eager to help shape the future of an established and growing organization. The Chief Scientist will work closely with NatureServe's Vice President of Data Science and report directly to the Executive Director.

The Chief Scientist will serve as the senior leader of NatureServe"s Core Science team, guiding the strategic development and growth of our botany, zoology, and ecology science programs. They will also contribute scientific leadership to our Data Science team, and lead partnerships and fundraising for NatureServe's diverse science portfolio. With the goal of providing the best available scientific information to support the conservation of species and ecosystems, this leader will broker scientific partnerships and support innovative approaches to developing and managing scientific information, including advancing science-based tools for land management, conservation planning, and corporate biodiversity accounting.

In addition to leading the Core Science team, the Chief Scientist will play a key role in business development and fundraising efforts by generating proposals and securing funding to advance NatureServe's strategic goals. The Chief Scientist will also provide thought leadership in conservation data collection, analysis, and application within NatureServe, NatureServe's Network, and the broader biodiversity informatics and conservation community.

NatureServe's Conservation Science team, which includes 25+ botanists, zoologists, ecologists, and data scientists, works together to develop scientific methods for conservation data production, curates biodiversity databases, and develops analyses and products to apply those data to conservation needs. Jointly managed by the Chief Scientist and VP for Data Science, the Conservation Science team works on a variety of critical initiatives, including conducting endangered species assessments, predicting species habitat and ranges, classifying and mapping ecosystems, assessing ecological integrity, and helping society adapt to climate change. The Chief Scientist will provide scientific leadership across these diverse programs, working closely with the VP for Data Science to develop and disseminate data products and to define and advance departmental goals. Key staff positions reporting to the Chief Scientist include a Lead Zoologist, Chief Botanist, and Director of Ecology.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership & Collaboration:

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.

External Relations & Partnerships:

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.

Innovation in Scientific Tools & Methods:

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.

Leadership of Scientific Vision:

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.

Team Leadership & Delegation:

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.

Fundraising & Business Development:

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.

Science Communications Leadership:

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.

Financial & Budget Oversight:

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.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience:

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.

Scientific Expertise & Vision:

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.

Fundraising & Financial Management:

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.

Leadership & Communication:

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.

Adaptability & Collaboration:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Established professional network in the conservation science community, with domestic and international partnerships.Experience working within or in partnership with NatureServe or one of its Network programs.

Essential Physical Requirements:

Ability to travel independently and attend conferences and meetings.Ability to speak clearly and hear well, to participate effectively in telecommunications with Network stakeholders.

Compensation/Benefits:

Salary Range: $150,000 - $160,000, based on experience.

NatureServe offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package, including: Health care coverage; Flexible spending accounts (FSAs); 401(k) plan with a 6% employer match; Parental leave; Accrued sick and vacation time; Floating holidays; Life insurance and disability coverage; Employee assistance program (EAP); Additional benefits to support life and workplace well-being.

How to Apply:

NatureServe has retained the services of Chris Spagnola and Dan Kuhar, Partners with ThinkingAhead Executive Search.

To apply for the role, please submit your resume along with either a cover letter or a letter of interest.

For inquiries about the role or to recommend qualified individuals, please email cspagnola@thinkingahead.com and dkuhar@thinkingahead.com. The application screening process is ongoing until a candidate is hired.

NatureServeis an equal employment opportunity employer and does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, citizenship status, disability status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression of an otherwise qualified individual, or membership in any other class protected by applicable law.

The pay range for this role is:150,000 - 160,000 USD per year(Remote - Arlington, US)

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