Alaska State Director
What We Can Achieve Together
Location: Alaska, Anchorage or Juneau strongly preferred
Alaska is one of the most ecologically intact regions on Earth and a bellwether for climate change. From the ancient forests of the Tongass to the salmon-rich waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska is a global conservation priority.
TNC in Alaska works in deep partnership with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, government agencies, and local communities to advance conservation work centered primarily in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay, where we work on issues like climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, forest stewardship and thriving communities. Our work is rooted in science, equity and collaboration, and respect for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Alaska State Director to lead the Alaska Business Unit and serve as a partner with colleagues in TNC’s Western US and Canada Division as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. With a team of approximately 20 staff across Alaska and the Lower 48, a $6 million operating budget, a 16-member advisory Board of Trustees, and deep collaboration with colleagues across TNC, the Alaska Business Unit (BU) is at the forefront of climate resilience, Indigenous-led conservation and ecosystem protection.
Alaska’s vast intact landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage are the context in which we work to advance TNC’s 2030 global goals, and provide a particularly powerful opportunity to work through TNC’s identified “transformational practices,” which include science, public policy and Indigenous Right Relations. The State Director will lead implementation of strategic priorities including climate mitigation and adaptation, Indigenous-led and community-based stewardship, healthy forests and salmon habitats, and sustainable economies.
A core responsibility of this role is fundraising and donor engagement. Given Alaska’s limited in-state wealth centers, the state director will frequently travel out of state to cultivate and steward major donors, foundations and corporate partners. The director plays a hands-on role in donor strategy, cultivation and solicitation, and is accountable for meeting ambitious fundraising goals that sustain and expand the chapter’s conservation impact.
As the principal ambassador for TNC in Alaska, the state director builds trust-based relationships with internal and external audiences — including staff, trustees, donors, government agencies, Tribal and Indigenous partners, and community leaders — to elevate TNC’s mission and visibility. They ensure the BU delivers measurable conservation outcomes, upholds TNC’s core values and contributes meaningfully to global goals.
The Alaska State Director also serves on the Western U.S. and Canada Division Leadership Team, helping shape and implement cross-boundary initiatives in Indigenous-led conservation, climate action, forest and river restoration and federal policy. They align Alaska’s work with divisional strategies, deploy staff and resources, and play a leadership role in regional and global fundraising efforts.
The Alaska State Director reports to the Western U.S. and Canada Division Director and works closely with the Alaska Board of Trustees.
The Alaska State Director oversees the leaders of policy/government relations, fundraising, conservation, and finance for the BU and partners with division-level leaders of marketing/communications, finance, conservation and HR to execute on the Alaska BU’s strategic plan. This leadership role includes approving budgets; helping set priorities that drive private and public fundraising goals; supporting philanthropy staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors; serving as a spokesperson for the Alaska BU’s work; supervising the staff; facilitating periodic strategic and conservation planning; engaging in advocacy on behalf of the BU’s public-policy objectives; and representing the Alaska BU and team within the organization.
We’re Looking For You
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of “work you can believe in,” through which you are helping to address the most pressing environmental issues of our time and are making a difference every day.
The successful candidate will demonstrate relationship-building excellence by immediately engaging with trustees, staff, donors and key leaders across sectors — including Tribes, NGOs, elected officials, business leaders, media and more — to build trust, gather insights and strengthen partnerships. They will uphold uncompromising integrity and transparency, modeling the highest ethical standards in all interactions and fostering trust across the organization. With strategic vision and systems thinking, they will lead efforts to shape conservation initiatives for Alaska and the Western U.S. and Canada and align financial management with long-term sustainability and mission-driven impact. Their masterful communication skills will enable them to convey ideas clearly and persuasively to wide-ranging audiences.
The candidate will bring operational and organizational acumen, quickly understanding how different parts of the business interconnect — especially in development and strategic dynamics — to guide effective decision-making. They will embody a One Conservancy spirit, promoting unity and collaboration across teams and departments. As a people leader, they will manage and empower a team of approximately 20 staff, including five executive leaders and an 8-person conservation team, fostering comprehensive leadership and accountability. Finally, they will demonstrate cultural competency, experience working with Indigenous Tribes and sovereign nations, a deep understanding of Tribal governance and priorities.
Please note that this role includes ~40% of total time traveling, including within Alaska, across the U.S. and occasional international travel. During the initial 3-4 months, travel may be as much as 75% of total time.
In addition, the successful candidate may reside in any major city in Alaska, with a strong preference for Anchorage or Juneau, where The Nature Conservancy maintains offices.
What You’ll Bring
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and base salaries based on the geographic location of the role with a commitment to equity across groups.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $187,000 - $200,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
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 Bring
Since 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our 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.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
Location: Alaska, Anchorage or Juneau strongly preferred
Alaska is one of the most ecologically intact regions on Earth and a bellwether for climate change. From the ancient forests of the Tongass to the salmon-rich waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska is a global conservation priority.
TNC in Alaska works in deep partnership with Tribes, Alaska Native corporations, government agencies, and local communities to advance conservation work centered primarily in Southeast Alaska and Bristol Bay, where we work on issues like climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, forest stewardship and thriving communities. Our work is rooted in science, equity and collaboration, and respect for Indigenous Rights and Sovereignty.
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is seeking a dynamic and strategic Alaska State Director to lead the Alaska Business Unit and serve as a partner with colleagues in TNC’s Western US and Canada Division as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals. With a team of approximately 20 staff across Alaska and the Lower 48, a $6 million operating budget, a 16-member advisory Board of Trustees, and deep collaboration with colleagues across TNC, the Alaska Business Unit (BU) is at the forefront of climate resilience, Indigenous-led conservation and ecosystem protection.
Alaska’s vast intact landscapes, rich biodiversity and cultural heritage are the context in which we work to advance TNC’s 2030 global goals, and provide a particularly powerful opportunity to work through TNC’s identified “transformational practices,” which include science, public policy and Indigenous Right Relations. The State Director will lead implementation of strategic priorities including climate mitigation and adaptation, Indigenous-led and community-based stewardship, healthy forests and salmon habitats, and sustainable economies.
A core responsibility of this role is fundraising and donor engagement. Given Alaska’s limited in-state wealth centers, the state director will frequently travel out of state to cultivate and steward major donors, foundations and corporate partners. The director plays a hands-on role in donor strategy, cultivation and solicitation, and is accountable for meeting ambitious fundraising goals that sustain and expand the chapter’s conservation impact.
As the principal ambassador for TNC in Alaska, the state director builds trust-based relationships with internal and external audiences — including staff, trustees, donors, government agencies, Tribal and Indigenous partners, and community leaders — to elevate TNC’s mission and visibility. They ensure the BU delivers measurable conservation outcomes, upholds TNC’s core values and contributes meaningfully to global goals.
The Alaska State Director also serves on the Western U.S. and Canada Division Leadership Team, helping shape and implement cross-boundary initiatives in Indigenous-led conservation, climate action, forest and river restoration and federal policy. They align Alaska’s work with divisional strategies, deploy staff and resources, and play a leadership role in regional and global fundraising efforts.
The Alaska State Director reports to the Western U.S. and Canada Division Director and works closely with the Alaska Board of Trustees.
The Alaska State Director oversees the leaders of policy/government relations, fundraising, conservation, and finance for the BU and partners with division-level leaders of marketing/communications, finance, conservation and HR to execute on the Alaska BU’s strategic plan. This leadership role includes approving budgets; helping set priorities that drive private and public fundraising goals; supporting philanthropy staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors; serving as a spokesperson for the Alaska BU’s work; supervising the staff; facilitating periodic strategic and conservation planning; engaging in advocacy on behalf of the BU’s public-policy objectives; and representing the Alaska BU and team within the organization.
We’re Looking For You
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of “work you can believe in,” through which you are helping to address the most pressing environmental issues of our time and are making a difference every day.
The successful candidate will demonstrate relationship-building excellence by immediately engaging with trustees, staff, donors and key leaders across sectors — including Tribes, NGOs, elected officials, business leaders, media and more — to build trust, gather insights and strengthen partnerships. They will uphold uncompromising integrity and transparency, modeling the highest ethical standards in all interactions and fostering trust across the organization. With strategic vision and systems thinking, they will lead efforts to shape conservation initiatives for Alaska and the Western U.S. and Canada and align financial management with long-term sustainability and mission-driven impact. Their masterful communication skills will enable them to convey ideas clearly and persuasively to wide-ranging audiences.
The candidate will bring operational and organizational acumen, quickly understanding how different parts of the business interconnect — especially in development and strategic dynamics — to guide effective decision-making. They will embody a One Conservancy spirit, promoting unity and collaboration across teams and departments. As a people leader, they will manage and empower a team of approximately 20 staff, including five executive leaders and an 8-person conservation team, fostering comprehensive leadership and accountability. Finally, they will demonstrate cultural competency, experience working with Indigenous Tribes and sovereign nations, a deep understanding of Tribal governance and priorities.
Please note that this role includes ~40% of total time traveling, including within Alaska, across the U.S. and occasional international travel. During the initial 3-4 months, travel may be as much as 75% of total time.
In addition, the successful candidate may reside in any major city in Alaska, with a strong preference for Anchorage or Juneau, where The Nature Conservancy maintains offices.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of management experience or equivalent relevant combination.
- A track record of fundraising success or a closely related skill set developed in sales or other outreach and influence roles.
- Experience leading and managing a large, multi-disciplinary team with the strong ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.
- Knowledge of and direct experience working and operating in Alaska.
- Experience in natural resources and/or the environment more broadly.
- Strategic planning and systems thinking for large, complex initiatives.
- Financial experience managing a multi-million-dollar budget.
- Experience communicating with and presenting to different types of audiences, including donors, board members, employees and outside partners.
- Experience working with Indigenous Tribes and sovereign nations.
- Fluency in English; excellent written and oral communication skills.
- 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.
- General knowledge of the natural resources of Alaska and the Western U.S., their conservation challenges and current management approaches.
- Experience in fundraising and commitment to increase program fundraising success in support of the TNC’s global, regional and local priorities, especially through innovative forms of fundraising, cultivating major donors and forging relationships and results.
- Experience building partnerships or multi-lateral agreements across business and/or government.
- Experience creating and fostering an environment that allows staff to feel empowered and creating a culture of trust, fairness and growth.
- Experience cultivating strong interpersonal engagement and relationships in a global, multicultural context and developing relationships to drive organizational outcomes.
- Proven skills in board development and recruitment for fundraising and influencing results.
- Exposure to policy influence and development.
- Navigating and leading within a global, matrixed organization.
- Political savvy.
An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and base salaries based on the geographic location of the role with a commitment to equity across groups.
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $187,000 - $200,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.
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. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
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 Bring
Since 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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our 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.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!
TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.