Vice President, Conservation Research and Innovation

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Vice President, Conservation Research and Innovation

SALARY: $162,000 - $181,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Center for Conservation Innovation

LOCATION: Washington, DC

REPORTS TO: Senior Vice President, Conservation Programs

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 4 direct, 8 indirect

LAST REVISED: December 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The VP of Conservation Research and Innovation directs the Center for Conservation Innovation at Defenders of Wildlife, a multidisciplinary team advancing conservation by integrating rigorous science, modern technology, and climate-informed conservation strategies. We develop actionable, forward-thinking solutions that prioritize imperiled wildlife, support biodiversity, and promote ecological resilience in a rapidly changing world. The Center focuses on three related but distinct program areas, for which the VP provides leadership, cross-disciplinary guidance, and priority-setting:

• Science. The science program area focuses on ensuring that Defenders continues to put science at the forefront of conservation decision-making and advocacy through organization-wide support and research in the Center. This includes supporting the spatial (GIS) and non-spatial science needs of Defenders, synthesizing existing research to inform advocacy, carrying out novel research, and leading or participating in collaborative science. This may include carrying out new research, synthesizing science to support our advocacy, facilitating relationships with scientists in and out of the organization, and advocating for science in wildlife conservation governance.
• Technology. The technology program area enhances Defenders’ effectiveness by taking advantage of data and technologies that advance conservation, from creating web-based products to data analytics and visualization. The program spans the gamut of topical areas, from species conservation to conservation governance processes, depending on organizational resources and broad needs. The program is highly collaborative and integrated with the science and climate teams of CCI and across Defenders.
• Climate Solutions. The climate program area focuses on the impacts of climate change on wildlife and ecosystems by integrating science, policy, and human dimensions into practical, data-driven adaptation strategies. They collaborate on and lead initiatives related to human-wildlife coexistence, nature-based solutions, wildlife-compatible energy development, ecosystem resilience and species’ climate adaptation.

The VP is responsible for the Center’s overall work and its effectiveness. For internal operations, this includes developing and implementing strategic and annual work plans, delegating tasks to team members, and managing personnel issues, among other responsibilities. For external operations, this includes proactively establishing new relationships, maintaining or improving existing relationships, and helping to uphold Defenders’ reputation as a pragmatic, innovative thought leader on conservation, among others. The VP oversees all staff in the Center and coordinates with staff in other departments that engage with the Center. This includes identifying, coordinating, and encouraging the activities of Center staff, team development, and career coaching and development. The VP is also responsible for promoting the Center’s work, developing and finalizing the budget, fundraising, and other operational duties for the Center.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversees the Center for Conservation Innovation, including its climate, science, data and technology, and GIS programs, as well as cross-team integration. Forecast, set objectives, secure resources, and establish priorities for the Center.
• As a member of the Leadership team, helps shape the mission, strategy, tactics, and culture of Defenders;
• As a member of the Leadership team, advises on endangered species issues, including significant ESA listing and recovery decisions, ESA rulemakings, and strategic planning;
• As a member of the Leadership team, advises on key science and science policy issues to Defenders;
• Extensive interfacing with other departments, especially within Defenders’ Conservation Program and particularly Field Conservation, Conservation Policy, and Biodiversity Law Center.
• Oversees all Center staff, including by identifying, coordinating, and encouraging their work activities. Identify Center staffing and budgeting needs, work to fill any gaps, and communicate the results to the Senior V.P. of Conservation Programs.
• Works with Center staff to generate new advocacy and science products, including Defenders white papers and analysis, peer-reviewed publications, online applications (“apps”), GIS analysis and maps, and external presentations.
• Raises funding for the Center, with a focus on collaborating with the Development Department to engage foundations and high-dollar private donors.
• Actively seeks and incorporates innovations to improve endangered species conservation and Defenders’ imperiled species work.
• Coordinates the Center’s work with other departments, including Field Conservation, Conservation Policy, Government Relations, Biodiversity Law Center, and Communications.
• Cultivates relationships with key stakeholders in federal and state agencies, other environmental organizations, academia, and regulated entities on ESA matters. Proactively establish new relationships, maintain or improve existing relationships, and help uphold Defenders’ reputation as a pragmatic, innovative thought-leader on the ESA.
• Facilitates and promotes the integration of inclusion and belonging strategies into the Center’s work.
• Finalizes the budget and other key operational documents and decisions for the Center. Represent the Center on the Leadership team and on interdepartmental issues involving the organizational strategic plan.
• Some travel required for this position.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Terminal degree in related field

Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for VP, Conservation Research and Innovation

1. Significant knowledge of and experience with implementation of conservation laws, such as the Endangered Species Act, and related policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of and experience with contemporary standards for open science, including data management and sharing, and publishing.
3. Knowledge of and experience with modern software, firmware, and/or hardware technologies that may be applied to conservation.
4. Knowledge of and experience with data analysis, including working with “big data” to address research questions.
5. Knowledge of and experience with GIS and mapping tools and technologies.
6. Skill in balancing the competing interests of novelty of research with application and utility.
7. Ability to foster creativity and appropriate risk-taking to advance the Center’s innovation agenda.
8. Ability to stay up-to-date on new ideas and results in the domains of science, technology, and policy.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

N

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

N

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

C

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

N

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

O

Communicating with others to exchange information.

C

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

C

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

N

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

N

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

C

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

C

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

X

Light work that includes moving objects up to 10 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is non union-eligible.