Urban Conservation: Chicago Region Program Director

Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.

The Director leads a cross-disciplinary team of social scientists and ecologists, data and spatial analysts, and engagement and environmental specialists to set and implement priorities, achieve science-driven objectives, as well as represent the Center to partners, funders, and donors. The Director works closely with the Center’s Senior Director, museum leadership and trustees, and program staff to make strategic decisions and develop new directions, as necessary. This highly organized and effective leader will bring a collaborative drive, proven program development and execution skills to the role, leading a diverse portfolio of projects for the Chicago Region to support outcomes for improved community wellbeing and biodiversity conservation.

This is a hybrid role, with flexibility to work virtually up to 2 days per week, and in-person at the Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois, while building strong connections across the institution. The position involves regional travel to be planned and coordinated by the Director up to 20% of the year.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage priorities and resources focused on outcomes. Guide a cross-disciplinary team to execute strategic goals through setting priorities and meeting deadlines while cultivating a collaborative dynamic of learning, innovation, and transparency.
• Provide strategic leadership for the team and the Center, leading the development and integration of existing programs and new, inclusive initiatives.
• Design and implement tracking to manage progress on goals and budgets, updating and redesigning priorities where needed. Lead regular communications regarding progress and shifts to internal and external entities.
• Collaborate with Center Director and Institutional Advancement to build necessary funding support for program development, and associated reporting.
• Develop and cultivate collaborations with key actors and funders in the Chicago region, supporting the Action Center team to work effectively in partnership for durable conservation and community wellbeing outcomes at local and regional scales.
• Promote and communicate the Chicago Region Program to internal and external audiences, serving as a crucial liaison with partners, funders and trustees.

Work Skills and Education/Experience

• Advanced degree, or equivalent experience, and 10 years experience in conservation and community wellbeing in urban centers and throughout the urban-rural interface. An understanding of the political landscape and conservation realities in Chicago, the Great Lakes, and/or Upper Midwest regions is a plus.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, tribal representatives and/or government agencies, in collaborations that address environmental justice and equity.
• Successful experience directly managing an interdisciplinary team with diverse members, including mentoring, motivating, cultivating respect, setting objectives, building capacity, deepening collaborations and managing performance.
• Demonstrated commitment to integrating biological and social aspects of conservation with advanced technologies for research and decision-making (for example eDNA, remote data collection, GIS, database systems), as well as experience in the interface between research and conservation action.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including budget management and fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and preferably bilingual in Spanish.

The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.

At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at accessibility@fieldmuseum.org.