Data and Science Director

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Australia.

📋 Description

• Provides senior scientific, technical, and strategic direction for conservation initiatives and programs throughout TNC Australia.

• Leads the functions of Data, Science, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.

• Ensures that conservation strategies are grounded in robust science, high-quality data, and credible evidence of impact.

• Oversees the strategic governance, collection, and management of data that support conservation strategies and programs.

• Guarantees the quality, integrity, and timeliness of data submitted to global reporting platforms, such as The Hub.

• Directs target classification, data and evidence assessment, and the application of science to prioritize conservation interventions at scale.

• Provides senior oversight of scientific research, analysis, and reporting.

• Leads the development of science-based proposals and programs.

• Contributes to enterprise decision-making through participation in senior leadership forums.

• Drives organization-wide initiatives regarding culture, systems, and governance.

• Identifies and addresses strategic risks and opportunities concerning science, data quality, and evidence of impact.

• Owns and manages complex programs that span science, data systems, MEL, and performance reporting.

• Oversees governance of organizational science and data infrastructure, ensuring quality, compliance, and audit readiness.

• Leads global reporting and data quality initiatives.

• Holds program-level responsibility for the Barbara Thomas Fellowship and associated initiatives.

• Leads and nurtures a multidisciplinary team, including workforce planning, recruitment, role design, and succession planning.

• Advises leadership and teams as a senior scientific authority.

• Represents TNC Australia in external scientific, academic, and governmental forums.

• Oversees applied research outputs and the translation of science into policy and practice.

• Provides scientific leadership for funding proposals and internal funding mechanisms.

• Secures and manages funding through robust science and defensible impact claims.

• Manages organizational and reputational risks associated with scientific outputs and public statements.

• Oversees complex vendor, partner, and grant arrangements.

• May work in varying weather conditions, remote locations, hazardous terrains, and physically demanding situations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific or technical field and 4 years of experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting statistical or environmental data.

• A record of peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals.

• Experience in fundraising and/or writing grants and research proposals.

• Proven ability to work and communicate effectively with a diverse range of individuals.

• Significant experience in leading science, data, or MEL functions within complex organizations.

• Demonstrated experience in people management, including team leadership and capability development.

• Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder programs and organizational deliverables.

• Strong history of applying science to achieve conservation outcomes and inform organizational decision-making.

• PhD in a relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent depth of experience.

• Practical experience in supporting conservation outcomes in one or more of TNC Australia’s strategic areas.

• Demonstrated ability to synthesize, interpret, and communicate complex scientific information for varied audiences.

• Experience working within matrixed, multidisciplinary, or multinational environments.

• Practical experience in quantitative or analytical methods relevant to conservation, data, or MEL, including proficiency in tools such as R, Python, or similar.

• Experience in contributing to funding strategies, proposal development, fellowship, or catalytic science programs.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills.

• High attention to detail, sound judgment, and professional integrity.

• The successful applicant must meet The Nature Conservancy's background screening requirements.

🏝️ Benefits

• Superannuation.

• Health care benefits.

• Retirement benefits.

• Parental leave.

• Paid time off.

• Life insurance.

• Disability coverage.

• Employee assistance program.

• Additional 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.