Missouri State Director

Full TimeMissouri OtherPosted on September 15, 2026Salary: $170,000 – $200,000Organization Type: Environment/Park/AnimalsMissouri State DirectorThe Missouri State Director leads The Nature Conservancy’s interests at the state level, leading conservation strategy, philanthropy, and external partnerships across Missouri’s chapter, which owns nearly 15,000 acres and has helped protect more than 100,000 acres statewide. They oversee a network of preserves and Centers for Conservation Innovation, and work in close partnership with state agencies, academic institutions, and local organizations to advance the Conservancy’s mission in Missouri. They supervise senior program and development staff who also represent the organization’s interests before these entities.The Missouri State Director functions as manager and conservation strategist for a large, complex Business Unit (BU). They are accountable for the BU’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the operating unit’s responsibilities, and contribute intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. They support alignment of activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in her/his ecoregion(s)/operating unit and in areas beyond her/his span of authority. They serve as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivates those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.The Missouri State Director oversees fundraising for the BU, including approving budgets and setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals. He/she supports philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals. They are responsible for a significant portion of the BU’s direct fundraising, sometimes in a major market area.The staff comprising the various BU functions may be structured as needed or shared with other units as efficiency dictates to meet the needs of the unit. The Missouri State Director reports to the Great Plains Division Director and works closely with the local trustees/advisory board.Responsibilities & Scope

1. Lead, manage, inspire, and motivate a team of staff to collectively achieve the maximum contribution to the organization’s mission and goals while maintaining culture and engagement in the BU.
2. Oversee the development and execution of conservation, policy, fundraising, and operations plans in Missouri to ensure chapter goals and strategies are aligned with TNC’s priorities at the Division, Region, and Global levels and grounded in local context. Drive resources to highest impact work and produce measurable results.
3. Create, model, and cultivate a workplace culture where staff feel empowered – grounded in trust, fairness, inclusion, and opportunities for professional growth.
4. Act as a key fundraiser in support of local, divisional, and global outcomes by partnering with staff to engage donors, corporations, and foundations to support organizational goals and priority projects in Missouri, the Great Plains Division, the United States, and globally.
5. Engage and foster a volunteer Board of Trustees by leveraging their expertise and empowering them to serve as ambassadors for TNC – actively participating in fundraising, networking, advocacy, and strategic leadership.
6. Represent TNC’s interests with key community members, specifically governmental leaders and agencies, partner organizations, corporations, foundations, and academic institutions (in the realms of agriculture, wildlife, natural resources, energy, climate, water, policy, economic development, ecosystem services, or related fields), to cultivate and steward strong, cooperative partnerships in Missouri.
7. Ensure the organizational health and financial sustainability of the Missouri chapter by stewarding a strategic conservation plan, program commitments, a multi-million-dollar budget and associated financial standards, and legal requirements.
8. Serve on the Great Plains Division Leadership Team, which is responsible for the collective success of the division and helps shape the strategy, identifies the division’s conservation priorities, and develops, funds and deploys talent to execute cross-boundary initiatives that can deliver the greatest impact to TNC’s goals in the Great Plains.Demonstrates a willingness and ability to travel routinely throughout the geography and globally as required (estimated 40%); and works flexibly, sometimes beyond the normal workday, including weekends, as necessary, during deadline periods. Must be located within Missouri or able to relocate to Missouri, with a preference for the Greater St. Louis area. May be based in a TNC or home office.Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area.
• Extensive and proven management experience including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, and manage performance of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Written and verbal fluency in English is required as well as fluency in the predominant language of the operating unit if other than English.
• Superb communication and presentation skills required.
• Experience communicating with and presenting to diverse audiences including donors, board members, employees, outside partners, or equivalent.
• Experience in fundraising and budget management. -Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.Desired Qualifications
• 7-10 years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.
• Experience gained both in and outside the U.S. preferred. Demonstrated commitment to developing and practicing global literacy a must.
• Success as an inspirational leader who has successfully motivated staff to achieve and sustain excellence. Proven managerial talent in budgeting, staffing, and performance management.
• High energy, forward thinking, creative individual with high ethical standards. Outstanding leadership and visionary qualities and able to work effectively with and through others in a decentralized and geographically dispersed organization.
• Proven technical skills, analytical ability, good judgment, and strong operational focus. Demonstrated operational, implementation and detail-oriented perspective.
• Well organized and self-directed; politically savvy and a team player.
• Successful experience in marketing or fund raising desired.Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC.One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”What We BringSince 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.How to apply To apply visit and enter JR103900 at the top and submit your cover letter and resume. The position will remain open until filled. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact View email address on click.appcast.io recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.Tagged as: board management, communications, conservation, culture lead, fundraising, leadership, motivator, policy, speaker, strategy development