Director, Conservation Technology

Defenders of Wildlife

. Lead and develop a team of scientists and technologists .

Posted 9/18/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia • United StatesLead💰 $143,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading interdisciplinary teams and managing complex projects within conservation technology. Proficient in data science, GIS, and developing analytical tools to address conservation challenges while fostering partnerships with diverse stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Data Science ApplicationGIS ExpertiseProject ManagementTeam LeadershipConservation Policy Knowledge

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data ScienceGeospatial AnalysisComputational MethodsSoftware DevelopmentData VisualizationR ProgrammingPython ProgrammingRemote Sensing ImageryLarge Datasets ManagementCloud-Based Platforms

Soft Skills

Strategic PlanningExcellent Communication

Tools & Technologies

Data Visualization ToolsAnalytical ToolsMonitoring SystemsDecision-Support Resources

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree in Relevant FieldPhD Preferred

Industry Keywords

Conservation TechnologyU.S. Endangered Species ActFederal Conservation PoliciesPartnership DevelopmentStakeholder Engagement

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudPythonRemote Sensing

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and develop a team of scientists and technologists
Oversee planning, prioritization, and execution of the technology team's project portfolio
Supervise and mentor scientists, application developers, and occasional volunteers
Provide guidance, professional development, and accountability for successful project delivery
Guide Defenders' approach to data science and emerging technologies
Identify opportunities and prioritize investments and applications aligned with conservation goals
Connect conservation challenges with analytical and technology solutions
Advance approaches, partnerships, and policies supporting responsible use and scaling of conservation technologies
Prototype, develop, and deploy tools, analyses, monitoring and evaluation systems, and decision-support resources
Create dashboards, visualizations, online applications, and other resources
Translate technical concepts and findings for diverse audiences through communications, advocacy materials, media engagement, and public outreach
Cultivate partnerships with conservation organizations, government agencies, Tribal partners, technology companies, and other stakeholders
Represent Defenders at meetings, conferences, trainings, and other forums
Perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g. masters) required; PhD preferred
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 satisfactory substitute
Experience applying data science, geospatial analysis, computational methods, software development, or related disciplines to conservation challenges
Experience leading and developing technical teams, including supervising staff and managing applied research, analytical, or technology programs
Technical expertise in GIS, R/Python, large and complex datasets, cloud-based platforms, remote sensing imagery, and data visualization tools
Experience building partnerships and collaborating with conservation practitioners, agencies, Tribal partners, academic institutions, technology organizations, and other stakeholders
Knowledge of the U.S. Endangered Species Act and other federal and state conservation policies
Strong strategic planning and project management skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to travel up to 5% of the time
Must satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development
Mentoring and supervision opportunities
Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Equal employment opportunity
Up to 5% travel