Project Manager, Planetary and Human Health Initiative (PHHI)

What We Can Achieve Together
The Project Manager, Planetary and Human Health Initiative (PHHI), is responsible for coordinating the launch and implementation of projects and initiatives that advance the PHHI strategy. In partnership with the Planetary Health Scientist and other internal stakeholders, they will translate strategic priorities into actionable project plans, coordinate cross-functional teams, engage relevant partners, and support initiatives through implementation and evaluation. They will translate science concepts across disciplines and stakeholder groups, including making health and health equity concepts accessible and practical to new audiences. They will assist in building partnerships inside and outside of TNC and champion the intersection of health, health equity, and conservation to build momentum within TNC and across its network of new and potential partners.
This position reports to the Planetary Health Scientist and may be located anywhere in the United States. This is a 1-year, term-limited position, with the possibility of an extension subject to business needs and funding availability.
The Project Manager will collaborate with and support the Human Dimensions Team (HDT) and report to the Planetary Health Scientist. They will help develop cross-disciplinary workstreams and projects that integrate social and health sciences and human-focused insights into TNC’s research and practice. They will establish project goals and success factors, and will develop PHHI project plans, budgets, metrics and schedules with input and buy-in from key stakeholders and team members. They will critically assess project scope and objectives, ensuring all risks and dependencies are addressed in the project plan in order to deliver successful project results that support the fulfillment of the objectives. They will define roles and responsibilities, recruit, and lead the project teams to successfully achieve identified goals in the most cost-effective and time-saving manner possible. The Project Manager will obtain go/no-go decisions at all project decision points from the Project Lead or Sponsor and identify and obtain approval for project deliverables from the appropriate staff or teams. Throughout the project lifecycle, the Project Manager will monitor and measure project progress, conduct corrective action as necessary, communicate project status information to all stakeholders. They will perform risk management, issue resolution, and conflict management, and collaboratively solve complex problems. They will utilize project management and agile design methodologies and processes and ensure all organizational and divisional standards are met. They will act as a resource to other staff and project managers to provide project management guidance, training, and expertise.
The Project Manager will support the development and implementation of the Planetary and Human Health Initiative strategy and associated projects and will partner with the Planetary Health Scientist to drive progress on OCS KPIs with a Planetary Health/One Health lens. Under the strategic direction of the Planetary Health Scientist and in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, they will facilitate and coordinate the development of a theory of change and/or strategic plan, accompanying metrics for success, and a multi-year implementation roadmap. The PHHI Project Manager will support the Planetary Health Scientist in building a network of collaborators and partners both internally and externally and will represent the Planetary Health Scientist in designated project-management and partner-coordination engagements, within clearly delegated parameters.
The PHHI Project Manager will serve as a bridge between Global Science and TNC’s global conservation teams, ensuring that the PHHI is implemented in partnership with practitioners on the ground and responsive to their needs. The Project Manager will build feedback channels and be accountable to metrics related to reach, usability and value delivered to conservation teams.
The PHHI Project Manager will also serve as an advisor and resource for TNC conservation teams in projects that align with/ advance PHHI and HDT objectives. This may entail engaging directly in science tasks such as research design, data collection, analysis and output/deliverable development.
Responsibilities and Scope
Represent the PHHI or Human Dimensions Team in designated project meetings and engagements, as authorized, and exercise independent judgment within established project objectives and delegated authority.
Coordinate the work of cross-functional, cross-divisional teams towards a desired outcome.
Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
Develop and implement projects and new initiatives that will advance PHHI, Human Dimensions Team, and applicable organizational goals and strategies.
Manage approved project budgets and project activities in accordance with Conservancy policies, financial standards, contractual obligations, and applicable legal requirements; elevate decisions requiring organizational, financial, or legal authorization to the appropriate decision-maker.
Coordinate with the Global Director, Human Dimensions and the People Sciences Program manager to ensure that PHHI metrics and outcomes are captured and reported for Global Science MEL.
Manage project budgets and assist with budget development related to strategic projects.
Manage and implement multiple complex projects, including managing project teams, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.
May manage or participate in complex negotiations.
May coordinate intake and mentorship of interns and/or volunteers.
Travel occasionally, working long and flexible hours as needed.
Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
Work is varied and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines and
Work within scope of program’s strategic goals.
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 various, multi-disciplinary team.
The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity 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 5 years related experience in conservation practice or applied social science or equivalent combination.
2 years of project management experience or 1 year acting as a project lead.
Experience with environmental social science research, specifically a focus on planetary and human health, human well-being, and health equity.
Completed coursework or other training on project management principles.
Experience in managing and tracking multiple projects.
Experience managing project teams and working with cross-functional staff.
Experience managing scheduling and financial aspects of small to large projects that range from short to long term and
Experience using project management techniques and tools such Asana, Smartsheets, and Mural.
Desired Qualifications
Masters degree in social sciences and 7 years of related experience or equivalent combination.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
Experience with agile design, adaptive management, and the development of theories of change.
Familiarity with TNC’s work in the area human dimensions, forests and forest resilience, and Indigenous capacity building.
Ability to manage and implement complex processes.
Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.
Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
Certification in project management.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, including ability to negotiate, influence, and persuade and/or
Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
Salary Information
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $69,275 – $100,725. 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 T

Work arrangement
Yes