Conservation Programs Manager
Location
Lake Buena Vista, FL | United States
Job description
Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
Join us as part of a dynamic team and science-based culture where our mission is to Lead The Walt Disney Company to Care for animals and the environment, Connect people to nature and Conserve our natural resources.
Since its inception, the Walt Disney Company has worked to connect people with animals and the natural world and inspire them to take action to ensure wildlife thrives and that nature is treasured and protected. Walt Disney once said, “Facts can be as fascinating as fiction, truth as beguiling as myth, and [we] have opened the eyes of young and old to the beauties of the outdoor world and aroused their desire to conserve priceless natural assets.” Today, that legacy is carried on by Disney’s Animals, Science and Environment and Disney Conservation. Together, these teams leverage science, collaboration and engagement to inspire action and care for animals and nature locally on Disney properties, in the communities that surround them, and globally through partnerships with hundreds of nonprofit organizations.
In this role, you will develop and lead conservation programs; in particular the sea turtle conservation program. This will entail leading formal and informal teams in conducting applied science and conservation projects on-show and backstage (e.g., Disney Parks, Resorts, and wilderness areas) and sharing conservation stories with Disney audiences. Through these efforts, you will inspire and empower cast, local communities, and collaborators to achieve conservation change and impact at the Walt Disney World Resort and in the surrounding region.
In this fully on-site role, you will report to the Conservation Science Manager.
What You Will Do
- Support the development of strategic conservation plans to guide nature-positive management of Disney Parks and Resorts.
- Develop and oversee implementation of scientific studies and conservation projects that advance our understanding of how to manage the Disney Parks and Resorts to benefit biodiversity.
- Develop and cultivate signature conservation programs aligned with organizational priorities and measurable by indicators of success.
- Partner with teams within Disney Conservation and across The Walt Disney Company to empower Cast to take conservation action at work and in their communities.
- Collaborate with organizations to extend learnings and conservation action beyond Disney Parks and Resorts to achieve large-scale conservation change.
- Support communication efforts, help create original content and interactive, interpretive experiences, and engage regularly with Guests and other audiences to share our stories.
- Develop direct reports and co-workers and support the broader team through times of change management.
- Provide leadership and support across science and conservation projects to support operational and strategic goals.
- Support and promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Subject matter expertise in marine conservation in terrestrial/coastal, neritic, and/oceanic environments, especially sea turtles.
- Minimum of 4 years of experience working in marine conservation programs and 4 years of experience with outreach/Guest interaction/public speaking.
- Experience developing and implementing complex projects involving multiple partners, including goal setting, monitoring progress, and adaptive management.
- Proven computer, written and oral communication skills for formal and informal audiences of all ages, including proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of programs.
- Ability to engage optimally with different audiences, from families with kids to executive leadership, both in terms of adjusting style and messaging as needed and discussing sensitive topics.
- Demonstrated strong organization and time management skills to prioritize multiple tasks, meet deadlines, make decisions and change course of action quickly if necessary.
- Proven record of scientific publication in peer-reviewed journals, with at least one first-author publication
- Mentorship of colleagues to facilitate their professional development.
- Full availability with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating shifts. Willing to travel and work in remote areas alone or with others.
- Proven ability to work proactively and independently, as well as within a dynamic team environment.
- Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and in view of the public, enduring heat, humidity, biting insects, and other challenges associated with work in the field on associated conservation projects.
- Comfortability lifting up 50 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in sea turtle science and conservation in Florida and/or the southeast US.
- Ability to meet criteria to hold marine turtle conservation and research permits issued by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
- Experience working within a corporate environment in general, including familiarity with its associated constraints and opportunities, and a decentralized/matrix organizational structure in particular.
- Familiarity with the Walt Disney Company, its businesses, and its products, and an ability to be a brand ambassador that successfully navigates areas of potential brand risk.
- Solid understanding of behavioral change approaches to community-based conservation.
- Proficiency in other languages, priority Spanish.
Education
- Masters Degree plus a minimum of four years of experience in marine biology, animal or conservation science, psychology or social science, or related field with a preference for interdisciplinary experience.
Preferred Education
- Ph.D. or equivalent skills/experiences in marine biology, animal or conservation science, psychology or social science, or related field with a preference for interdisciplinary experience.
Additional Information
Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life! This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at
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