Program Specialist
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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.
Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Program Specialist will work as part of the Cities Program team to coordinate tasks related to general administrative and operations support, contracting, project management, meetings scheduling, special events, and drafting of written and visual materials. They provide general direct administrative support to the Program Director, as well as overall operations and programmatic support to the Program team members. The Program Specialist will be based in NYC.
We’re Looking for You:
The Program Specialist will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program by implementing tactics for approved plans and completing day-to-day tasks and activities. They may be responsible for planning and execution of logistics for special events and/or meetings, purchasing and procurement, contracting, and grants management. The Specialist may perform a variety of administrative and programmatic tasks, including processing forms, preparing reports, and monitoring and preparing budgets. They will respond to inquiries about program activities, create program materials, and draft correspondence. They are well versed in the systems and resources utilized by the team to execute assigned tasks. They will maintain, track and research data, contribute to products, and review written and visual materials. The Program Specialist provides guidance in satisfying administrative requirements based on extensive knowledge of organizational policies and procedures. They will implement processes and practices in order to maintain and improve effectiveness of and coordination across the Program team. The Specialist will communicate with staff in various programs across the Conservancy; as well as with donors, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. They will effectively communicate or distribute information to assist staff in making decisions, solving problems, and improving workflow. They will perform general administrative support functions for the Program Director, which will include domestic and international travel arrangements, calendar management, and processing expenses. This position requires a high level of attention to detail.
What You’ll Bring:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
· Bachelor’s degree and 2 years related experience or equivalent combination.
· Experience coordinating administrative processes, including managing calendars and correspondence.
· Experience with contracts and/or grants administration.
· Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
· Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading.
· Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
· Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people; and
· Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite.
· Experience working with online collaboration technology e.g. Zoom or Teams.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
· Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
· Knowledge of urban environmental issues.
· Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities and solving problems.
· Ability to use graphic design and desktop publishing software.
· Experience with drafting memos and policy analyses.
· Experience with data visualization.
· Experience with R, git, and working with SQL-based databases.
· Experience with GIS software such as QGIS and ArcGIS.
· Excellent customer service skills and focus.
· Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results; and
· Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
What We Bring:
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.
We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!