Director, Climate Adaptation

Defenders of Wildlife

. Lead and develop a team of scientists and analysts .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia • United StatesLead💰 $127,000 - $143,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates deep expertise in climate science and its impact on wildlife and ecosystems, with a strong ability to lead interdisciplinary teams and develop innovative conservation strategies. Proficient in applied research, policy analysis, and effective communication of complex data to diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Climate Science ExpertiseInterdisciplinary Project ManagementApplied Research DevelopmentGeospatial Analysis ProficiencyStrategic Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Climate ModelingPopulation Viability AnalysisHabitat Connectivity AnalysisClimate Vulnerability AnalysisSocio-Ecological Systems AnalysisData VisualizationStatistical AnalysisR ProgrammingPython ProgrammingGIS Proficiency

Soft Skills

LeadershipMentorshipCollaborationCommunicationStrategic Thinking

Tools & Technologies

Geospatial ToolsStatistical ToolsComputational ToolsRemote SensingMachine Learning

Industry Keywords

Wildlife ConservationClimate AdaptationBiodiversity InitiativesFederal Conservation PoliciesSpecies Recovery

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonRemote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and develop a team of scientists and analysts
Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of the climate team’s project and initiative portfolio
Supervise staff and occasional volunteers, providing strategic direction, mentorship, and accountability
Lead climate science and policy analyses to improve wildlife conservation
Develop and oversee applied research and decision-support initiatives focused on climate vulnerability, socio-ecological systems, and conservation strategies
Develop innovative conservation approaches, technologies, and partnerships addressing climate and biodiversity challenges
Guide interdisciplinary teams in using climate science, social science, and policy analysis
Advise on next-generation conservation policy frameworks
Identify cross-programmatic collaboration opportunities across energy, human-wildlife coexistence, and biodiversity initiatives
Build relationships across departments to promote communication, coordination, and shared conservation outcomes
Cultivate and lead partnerships with researchers, agencies, NGOs, Indigenous communities, and other stakeholders
Translate complex data into actionable insights for policy, advocacy, and on-the-ground action
Support strategic communications, advocacy, media engagement, public outreach, and policymaker education
Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals, reports, blogs, articles, and/or other media
Communicate findings at scientific conferences and other events
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree (MS/PhD) or equivalent; Master’s degree in relevant field or equivalent required
At least 8 years of relevant experience
At least 3 years managing staff and leading complex interdisciplinary projects
Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a substitute for the specific education and experience
Deep expertise in climate science as it relates to impacts on wildlife, habitats, and ecosystem processes across terrestrial, freshwater, and/or marine systems
Knowledge of federal and state conservation policies relevant to climate adaptation and species recovery
Knowledge of social, economic, and governance factors influencing conservation outcomes
Ability to develop and implement an applied research agenda
Experience with climate modeling, downscaled projections, uncertainty analysis, and adaptation frameworks
Experience with population viability analysis, landscape prioritization, habitat connectivity analysis, climate vulnerability analyses, and socio-ecological systems analysis
Skilled written and verbal communication, including presentations, data visualizations, and maps
Demonstrated record of scientific leadership through peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, policy analyses, or other influential conservation products
Experience using geospatial, statistical, and computational tools
Proficiency with GIS and R or Python strongly preferred
Familiarity with remote sensing, machine learning, and artificial intelligence desirable
Ability to travel up to 5% of the time
Ability to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job
Equal employment opportunities for qualified individuals
Non-union eligible position