Alaska State Director

Alaska State Director

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.

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.

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.

Desired Qualifications :

Salary Information :

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.

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."

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match