Center for Humans and Nature – Director of Midwest Cultures of Conservation

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Job Announcement: Director of Midwest Cultures of Conservation
The Center for Humans and Nature seeks a person with a Ph.D. or equivalent degree to implement the mission of the Center in the Chicago and Midwest region. We seek an individual with expertise in a field relevant to conservation with a focus on the ethical and philosophical dimensions of conservation challenges. The person will be employed through the Chicago office, reporting to the President of the Center. The position is full time with compensation commensurate with experience. All Center staff members are at will employees.

Program Responsibilities:
Drawing on his/her area of expertise, the Director of Midwest Cultures of Conservation will develop and direct a series of interdisciplinary projects that have the following dimensions:
→ Specific topics relevant to the sustainability/resilience/restoration of human and natural communities in the Chicago and Midwest region
→ Development of conceptual framework(s) that enable the long-term well being of humans and nature in the region
→ Implementation of appropriate methodologies to develop such frameworks (e.g. convening multidisciplinary groups of thought leaders, including academics, policy makers, advocates, and citizen leaders)
→ Identification of audience(s) that will benefit from this framework
→ Completion of product(s) that allow audience(s) access to ideas and frameworks developed

Communications Responsibilities:
The Director of Midwest Cultures of Conservation will directly connect program work with the Center’s communications strategy, including:
→ Using communications channels to broaden the audience for programs and conceptual frameworks
→ Writing blog posts that track activities of core projects
→ Working to build the visibility of the Center, including staff identification with the Center and the work of their core projects

Internal Responsibilities:
The Director of Midwest Cultures of Conservation will play a key role in the development of the Center’s intellectual community and play a role in the Center’s administrative functions. To this end, the person will be able to:
→ Critique and offer insight into the work of all Center colleagues
→ Collaborate across programs and projects with other Center colleagues
→ Manage fiscal/programmatic responsibilities (e.g., develop project budgets/review expenses)
→ Contribute to the overall fundraising goals of the Center

Skills and Qualities:
The successful candidate will be a leader: self-directed, motivated, and organized. This person will build networks of colleagues, work across disciplines, plan well, and meet deadlines. The person will also have excellent writing and communication skills.
To Apply:
Send a cover letter, CV, writing sample, and contact information for three references to:
brookehecht@humansandnature.org
or
Brooke Hecht
President, Center for Humans and Nature
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1422
Chicago, IL 60606
Application Deadline: March 15, 2010