Director of Conservation

Director of Conservation

Cleveland Museum of Natural History Cleveland, Ohio

Position Summary

The Director of Conservation provides strategic leadership for the museum's Natural Areas program and conservation initiatives across approximately 12,500 acres of protected land. This role is responsible for developing a long-term strategy for conservation science, land protection, stewardship, science communication, and community engagement in alignment with the Museum's mission. The position will also develop and lead programs focused on environmental communication, sustainability, and biodiversity in alignment with the Museum's and program's strategic plans.

The Director of Conservation will oversee land management and stewardship programs while strengthening the integration of conservation science with the museum's research, education, and public programming. The role serves as a prominent conservation leader for the museum, building partnerships across the conservation community and positioning the museum as a hub for scientific collaboration and environmental stewardship in the Great Lakes region. The director's work will align with the environmental research efforts of the museum.

This position supervises the Natural Areas team and works cross-functionally with museum leadership, curators, and educators to ensure conservation work supports the museum's broader mission.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Vision

• Provide strategic leadership for the museum's conservation and natural areas programs.
• Implement and advance conservation priorities outlined in the museum's and departments strategic plans.
• Integrate conservation with research, education, and public engagement.
• Guide the development and execution of long-term stewardship plans across approximately 12,500 acres of museum-managed land.
• Monitor, evaluate, and report on conservation outcomes and stewardship initiatives.

Fundraising & External Relations

• Works closely with the philanthropy team to secure major gift and grants.
• Represents the museum publicly in friend raising, fundraising, and in governmental and community partnerships.
• Builds relationships with foundations and conservation entities.

Natural Areas Program Oversight

• Lead and support the Natural Areas Department, including land stewardship and land management programs.
• Supervise three direct reports and provide leadership to a broader team of approximately eight staff members.
• Ensure conservation work aligns with best practices in ecological management, restoration, and biodiversity protection.

Research & Science

• Strengthen connections between the museum's conservation work and its scientific research initiatives.
• Position the museum's natural areas as a living laboratory for research, education, and public engagement.
• Facilitate opportunities for scientists, researchers, and academic partners to conduct research on museum-managed lands.
• Supports research in areas such as ecology and biodiversity.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a public-facing conservation leader representing the museum within the regional conservation community.
• Utilize current and develop partnerships with universities, conservation organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Promote the museum's conservation initiatives through presentations, collaborations, and community outreach.

Cross-Department Collaboration

• Work closely with museum leadership, curators, and educators to integrate conservation work into programming, research, and public engagement.
• Support initiatives that connect conservation science with museum exhibitions, educational programs, and public communication.

Program Leadership

• Assess and recommend staffing, program development, and resource needs for conservation initiatives.
• Oversees conservation programs (fieldwork, collections care, biodiversity initiatives, climate science as needed)
• Assure scientific rigor and measurable impact.
• Manage opportunities with other organization partnerships.

Administration

• Oversees budgets, staffing, and regulatory compliance.
• Ensures adherence to best practices and legal frameworks.

Qualifications

Required

• An advanced degree in a related field or equivalent years of experience.
• Significant experience working in conservation, ecological research, or environmental stewardship and familiarity with conservation issues affecting the Great Lakes region.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and complex environmental programs.
• Fundraising and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience implementing strategic initiatives or leading program development.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to translate scientific work for public audiences.
• Experience building partnerships with community organizations, researchers, and conservation stakeholders.

Salary / Exempt Full Time Position