Director of Conservation

About PERC

PERC is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over forty years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. We explore how providing incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife.

Through our vertically integrated approach of research, law and policy outreach, and innovative on-the-ground field conservation projects, we bring an urgently needed perspective to the conservation community—embracing private landowners as part of the solution, and seeking to replace conflict with cooperation through the power of markets and partnerships.

As we expand these efforts, we seek a Director of Conservation to lead our innovative on-the-ground conservation projects and partnerships with landowners and conservation groups. In the role, the Director of Conservation would lead PERC’s Conservation Innovation Lab. This is a leadership role that involves developing, modeling, implementing, and assessing groundbreaking new approaches to conservation with the aim to establish these practices and inspire the future of conservation policy.

Vision

A world with healthy land, water, and wildlife sustained by voluntary, cooperative conservation and incentives for environmental stewardship.

Mission

PERC is dedicated to advancing conservation through markets, incentives, property rights, and voluntary partnerships.

Position Summary

Building on PERC’s innovative field conservation programs, including Montana’s first Elk Occupancy Agreement and the Paradise Valley Brucellosis Compensation Fund to conserve elk migration corridors, the Director of Conservation will lead PERC’s new Conservation Innovation Lab to adapt our research and policy recommendations into real-world action and outcomes. 

The Director will further build out this practice area, establishing a vital new component of our ongoing impact through expanded prototypes and pilot projects, as well as engagement with conservation partners. 

The successful applicant will be an excellent communicator, listener, and relationship builder, who is passionate about finding successful new advancements in conservation. In developing the Innovation Lab, the Director will engage landowners, ranchers, and farmers, as well as a broad spectrum of conservation partners. Through these engagements, they will develop an understanding of stakeholder perspectives and have the ability to bring those parties together using PERC’s innovative, market-based approaches, leading to win-win outcomes for conservation and all parties. 

The successful candidate will enjoy working collaboratively in the office with the PERC team as well as traveling to visit with landowners; developing partnerships with conservation organizations; representing PERC on panels and at various public events; and engaging in honest, forward-thinking conversations, communicating the unique role PERC can play in addressing conservation challenges. 

The Director of Conservation is a contributing member of PERC’s leadership team, working to drive an internal culture of teamwork, innovation, and celebration. On a team where each member is dedicated to producing high-quality work, this individual must be deeply invested in their colleagues’ work and willing to engage in developing solutions together. The successful candidate will be curious and seek to drive restless innovation in furthering PERC’s ability to effect positive environmental outcomes. Collaborating and celebrating each other’s wins both in the office and in life is a core part of PERC’s culture.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop new on-the-ground conservation projects and lead ongoing conservation pilots and campaigns including planning, execution, and assessment
• Serve as the principal field contact for conservation partners, landowners, and related parties
• Work as an ambassador and serve as principal contact on PERC’s behalf with a variety of stakeholders such as ranchers and conservation partners
• Develop respectful and effective working relationships with partner organizations, landowners, Tribes, community leaders, and others as strategies require
• Facilitate meetings and identify stakeholders to engage in advancing and promoting these efforts 
• In partnership with the VP of Marketing and Communications, utilize strategic communications to advance conservation goals and contribute to effective communications with key internal and external audiences, including media
• Work closely with the leadership team and other key staff to shape the organization’s priorities and ensure the completion of goals as directed within the key priority framework
• Work with the development team to ensure goals are met in accordance with grants and other funding sources
• Manage departmental expenses and assist in preparing the annual budget
• Report directly to the Chief Executive Officer

Required Qualifications

• Love of the outdoors
• Commitment to developing creative and innovative approaches to conservation 
• Passion for conservation and engaging people on the ground around land, wildlife, and water issues 
• Some experience in private land stewardship and working with landowners
• Ability to structure agreements and forge partnerships
• Demonstrated experience building strong relationships with stakeholders from a variety of backgrounds
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Demonstrated project management skills in taking strategies from plans to successful completion and analysis
• Experience in public speaking and external communications
• Desire to learn and grow professionally, as well as support the growth of colleagues
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, range sciences, conservation, or related field or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of experience working in the non-profit conservation sector or related sector
• Aptitude for thinking creatively 
• Familiarity with conservation in the West
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle
• Familiarity with basic office software such as Google Workspace

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field
• Experience in/understanding of political systems and/or policy making 
• Knowledge of market-based systems

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Business office environment with moderate noise
• Travel by car and plane (up to 30%, mostly local)
• Will sit at a desk
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment 
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Ability to traverse ranchland on foot

Location

PERC office located in Bozeman, Montana

Perks of Working at PERC

• Great health (platinum, gold, and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family
• Flex/FSA or HSA offered
• 5% 401(k) PERC contribution 
• PERC contributed life insurance
• Voluntary additional life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick days
• 12 paid holidays
• Discounted gym membership
• Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes

Application

To apply, please submit the following to the Director of Operations, Sarah Lutiger at: sarah@perc.org

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing:
• interest in the role
• understanding of PERC and our approach to conservation 
• Three references