Data and Science Director

The Nature Conservancy

. Provides senior scientific, technical and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives and programs across TNC Australia .

Posted 11/5/2026full-timeRemote • AustraliaLead💰 A$155,000 - A$173,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading scientific research and data management to drive conservation initiatives, ensuring high-quality data and evidence-based decision-making. Proficient in stakeholder engagement, team leadership, and the development of science-based proposals and funding strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Master's Degree In Relevant ScienceExperience Analyzing Environmental DataLeadership In Science And Data FunctionsExperience Writing Grants And ProposalsApplied Experience In Quantitative Methods

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Statistical AnalysisData ManagementScientific ResearchProgram ManagementData Quality AssuranceConservation Strategy DevelopmentImpact AssessmentQuantitative MethodsData InterpretationPeer Reviewed Publications

Soft Skills

Team LeadershipStakeholder EngagementCommunication SkillsNegotiation SkillsAttention To Detail

Tools & Technologies

RPythonData Reporting PlatformsMEL SystemsStatistical Software

Industry Keywords

Conservation InitiativesEnvironmental ScienceData QualityFunding StrategyOrganisational Governance

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provides senior scientific, technical and strategic leadership for conservation initiatives and programs across TNC Australia
Leads the Data, Science and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning functions
Ensures conservation strategies are underpinned by robust science, high-quality data and credible evidence of impact
Oversees strategic governance, collection and management of data supporting conservation strategies and programs
Ensures the quality, integrity and currency of data submitted to global reporting platforms, including The Hub
Leads target classification, data and evidence assessment, and application of science to prioritise conservation interventions at scale
Provides senior oversight of scientific research, analysis and reporting
Leads development of science-based proposals and programs
Contributes to enterprise decision-making through senior leadership forums
Leads organisation-wide initiatives across culture, systems and governance
Identifies and addresses strategic risks and opportunities related to science, data quality and evidence of impact
Owns and manages complex programs spanning science, data systems, MEL and performance reporting
Oversees governance of organisational science and data infrastructure, including quality, compliance and audit readiness
Leads global reporting and data quality initiatives
Holds program-level responsibility for the Barbara Thomas Fellowship and related initiatives
Leads and develops a multidisciplinary team, including workforce planning, recruitment, role design and succession
Advises leadership and teams as a senior scientific authority
Represents TNC Australia in external scientific, academic and government forums
Oversees applied research outputs and translation of science into policy and practice
Provides scientific leadership for funding proposals and internal funding mechanisms
Secures and stewards funding through robust science and defensible impact claims
Manages organisational and reputational risk associated with scientific outputs and public claims
Oversees complex vendor, partner and grant arrangements
May work in variable weather conditions, remote locations, hazardous terrain and physically demanding circumstances

Requirements

What you’ll need

Master’s degree in a relevant science or technical discipline and 4 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience manipulating, analyzing and interpreting statistical or environmental data
Record of peer reviewed publications in scientific journals
Experience fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals
Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people
Significant experience leading science, data or MEL functions within complex organisations
Demonstrated people management experience, including team leadership and capability development
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs and organisational deliverables
Strong record of applying science to conservation outcomes and organisational decision-making
PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent depth of experience
Applied experience supporting conservation outcomes in one or more of TNC Australia’s strategy areas
Demonstrated ability to synthesise, interpret and communicate complex scientific information for diverse audiences
Experience working across matrixed, multidisciplinary or multinational environments
Applied experience in quantitative or analytical methods relevant to conservation, data or MEL, including proficiency in tools such as R, Python or similar
Experience contributing to funding strategy, proposal development, fellowship or catalytic science programs
Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills
High attention to detail, sound judgment and professional integrity
Successful applicant must meet The Nature Conservancy's background screening requirements

Benefits

Comp & perks

Superannuation
Health care benefits
Retirement benefits
Parental leave
Paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and well-being benefits
Flexible work environment
Flexible schedules
Fixed-term 14 month maternity leave replacement
Part-time position may be negotiated for the right candidate
Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans