Executive Director, Midwest Partner

The Nature Conservancy

. Lead and direct a large, complex Michigan business unit within TNC’s Midwest Division .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeMichigan • United StatesLead💰 $185,000 - $218,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive leadership in conservation management, with a focus on strategic fundraising, team performance, and collaboration across diverse stakeholders. Proven ability to cultivate donor relationships and achieve measurable conservation outcomes while supporting organizational goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Leadership In Conservation ManagementFundraising Campaign StrategyTeam Performance ManagementStrategic Fiscal ManagementEffective Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Conservation PracticesStrategic ThinkingCreative Problem-SolvingDecision-MakingPerformance ManagementDonor CultivationFinancial ManagementGoal SettingCollaborationAdaptability

Soft Skills

Effective Presentation SkillsInfluencing Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Valid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Non-Profit SectorAdvocacyPhilanthropyConservation StrategyOrganizational VisibilityPolicy RelationsGovernment RelationsMidwest DivisionMichigan Board of TrusteesBackground Screening

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead and direct a large, complex Michigan business unit within TNC’s Midwest Division
Serve as a conservation strategist and key leader for Michigan and the Midwest
Lead a global fundraising campaign and produce measurable conservation results
Lead a large, multidisciplinary team across Michigan
Serve as TNC’s primary spokesperson in Michigan for internal and external audiences
Cultivate and solicit high-level private and public donors
Set objectives and manage team performance
Manage the Michigan Board of Trustees
Support conservation programs and initiatives, organizational visibility, policy and government relations, staff management, and business-unit financial health
Collaborate with Midwest Executive Directors and the Midwest Division Director on cross-boundary Midwest and global strategies
Contribute financial and human resources to regional efforts
Support Midwest 2030 conservation goals
Sponsor regional conservation strategy and functional area teams
Align team work and resources with TNC’s 2030 conservation goals
Create a healthy work environment and support coordinated staff development across the region
Report to the Midwest Division Director and work with the Midwest Board of Partners and Michigan Board of Trustees

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
Minimum of 7 years of experience as a leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area
Extensive management experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing the performance of a large multidisciplinary team
Proven experience cultivating and soliciting high-level donors to reach fundraising goals
Written and verbal fluency in English
Effective presentation and communication skills for diverse audiences
Experience with strategic fiscal management, including long-term sustainability
Experience working in the U.S. and globally preferred
Knowledge of conservation and conservation practices
Demonstrated experience producing results and meeting organizational, divisional, or business unit goals
Proven strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, adept decision-making, adaptability, collaboration, and influencing skills
Strong network of local, regional, and national philanthropic, business, and community contacts
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program
Completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review
Successful completion of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
Parental leave
Accrued paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and work well-being benefits
Flexible work environment
Career development opportunities
Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans