Associate Director of Operations and Engagement

What We Can Achieve Together

As our Associate Director of Operations and Engagement, MNDK (ADOE,) you will provide overall direction or leadership for all operations functions within Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. You will be responsible for Procurement, Facilities, Information Systems, Office Management, and/or Safety. You will ensure employees and leaders have the operational support, workplace resources, and organizational connections needed to effectively advance the Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota (MNDK) chapter's priorities.

In this role, you will integrate operations, workplace experience, employee engagement, and internal partnerships to solve problems, improve ways of working, implement change, and foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment. By strengthening operational effectiveness and employee experience, you will help the chapter navigate complexity while maintaining focus on mission delivery.

Other areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

Chapter Operations

Provide leadership and oversight for chapter operations, ensuring staff have the facilities, systems, resources, services, and operational support needed to advance chapter priorities effectively and efficiently. Coordinate office operations, workplace services, safety, vendor relationships, and operational processes that support a productive and positive employee experience.

Staff Leadership and Team Development

Lead and support direct reports and matrixed staff by setting priorities, aligning work, providing coaching and feedback, fostering accountability, and supporting professional growth and development. Promote collaboration, strong communication, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Employee Experience, Engagement, and Inclusi on

Lead initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, connection, and belonging. Oversee onboarding, recognition, staff events, and other activities that help employees feel informed, valued, supported, and connected to the chapter's mission and culture. Serve as Chapter’s employee engagement survey champion. Partner with leaders to cultivate an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing workplace.

Operational Coordination and Partnership s

Champion chapter needs in partnership with division HR, Finance, Contracts, IT, and other business services teams. Escalate and help resolve operational issues, improve processes, and strengthen service delivery to support chapter staff and leaders

Maintain strong relationships across the Great Plains Division to identify shared challenges, leverage resources, share best practices, and connect chapter staff with expertise and support from across the organization.

Workplace Experience and Facilities Manageme nt

Lead workplace planning and facilities-related activities that support a productive, collaborative, and inclusive work environment. Coordinate office operations, across Minnesota, North and South Dakota, including space planning, technology acquisition and management, workplace policies, vendor relationships, and facilities services. Lead planning and implementation activities related to office transitions, including employee engagement, workplace readiness, communication, and the establishment of effective ways of working that support collaboration, culture, and organizational goals.

Change Management and Project Implementatio n

Support organizational change initiatives, operational improvements, and strategic projects. Coordinate cross-functional planning, manage project activities, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and help staff and leaders navigate transitions. Support the successful adoption of new processes, structures, technologies, and ways of working that improve organizational effectiveness.

This is a hybrid (remote and in-person 2-3 days per week) position with the expectation for a regular, weekly presence in the Minneapolis office.

Candidate materials will be reviewed by mid-November, with interviews to follow.

We’re Looking for You

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional critical thinking and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, and the ability to build effective relationships across teams. If you have experience leading, planning, organizing, and executing multiple projects, and thrive in an environment reliant on collaboration, then this is an exciting opportunity for you to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 6 years related experience or equivalent combination, including 2 years managing operations functions.

• Experience leading and implementing multiple projects.

• Experience working with teams across an organization.

• Supervisory experience including setting objectives, managing performance, and conflict resolution.

• Experience developing, managing, and implementing goals, plans, and complex processes;

• Experience working in partnership with others in a collaborative or advisory role.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program . Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page . Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $93,000 - $110,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit   Glassdoor .

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse st