Conservation International is seeking a proven scientific leader to serve as Vice President, Global Change and Ecosystems Services for the Center for Applied Biodiversity Science (CABS). CABS is the hub of scientific research for Conservation International, where our world-renowned scientists develop the tools required to protect Earth’s biodiversity and ensure that conservation action is based on sound, reliable, and verifiable science.

The Vice President will formulate the strategic direction, goals and implementation of the science agenda within the Global Change and Ecosystems Services Unit, including the delivery of outputs, performance management, and investment of resources. The Vice President will manage a team of scientists, including economists, landscape ecologists, social anthropologists, and other conservation professionals that focus on understanding systemic threats to biodiversity and analyzing opportunities for harnessing ecosystem services benefits to society. This unit plays a major role in supporting science-based decision-making approaches for integrating biodiversity conservation and human well-being with particular emphasis on harnessing macroeconomic and political trends that impact biodiversity conservation. Current research priorities include climate change adaptation and mitigation, including an assessment of biome-specific vulnerability and risks; land use change and deforestation trends in biodiversity hotspots and wilderness areas; and integrated approaches for linking ecosystem services to human wellbeing in conservation landscapes. The Vice President will work closely with the Senior Vice President and other CABS leadership to contribute to key communication and fundraising efforts, participating in efforts to define and purse fundraising prospects for strategic initiatives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Science Planning and Implementation: Develop and implement long-term strategic goals and objectives for the Global Change and Ecosystems Services cluster, ensuring alignment of the global science agenda with priorities across the Center and in other CI Divisions. Synthesize major scientific breakthroughs and guide the engagement of scientists in cross-cutting teams for division-wide initiatives
• Performance management: Define metric for scientists in the cluster; manage staff of up to 20 individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise; ensure that the cluster attracts and maintains a highly talented group of scientists at all times
• Partnerships: Identify and maintain key institutional partnerships and collaborations, leverage CABS expertise and allowing for constructive input into the science 
• Fundraising:  Serve as primary lead on development of new and high quality fundraising and marketing proposals for unit and support major cross-cutting initiatives involve other CABS units.

Working Conditions: Position is located at the CI Headquarters in Arlington, VA, but require 25% of international travel.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience: Doctorate in the social, natural, or environmental sciences/ 8-10 years

Required Skills:

• Minimum 8-10 years professional, progressive experience
• 5 years experience in the field
• Established track record of high quality scientific research and publication in their discipline 
• Proven interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills 
• Ability to synthesize and articulate critical breakthroughs to help inform and shape the global conservation agenda, translating scientific information into key communications for general audiences
• Excellent track record in developing, directing and managing scientific research projects, including mobilizing and investing resources strategically
• Successful experience in developing and managing internal and externals partnership across a range of stakeholders, including professional networking at the highest level
• Strong leadership and visionary capability, including evidence of working with culturally diverse and multidisciplinary teams, with the ability to motivate and inspire staff
• Ability to work and adapt to changes in a dynamic institution, adjusting tactics as necessary without compromising scientific standards and high quality results
• Expert understanding of current global scale trends and practices in major disciplines of relevance, including global change and ecosystem management, spatial and bio-economic modeling, economic development and policy, agriculture and trade, environment and health, and natural resource management

Preferred Skills:

• Work experience in the environment, conservation and development sector
• Field experience in the tropics is preferred

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter and resume