What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sr. Manager, Applied Science and Partnerships position at Natural Areas Conservancy, Inc.?
Senior Manager Applied Science and Partnerships
ORGANIZATIONAL OVERVIEW
The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Conservation Science, the Senior Manager of Applied Science and Partnerships will be responsible for overseeing research projects with the objective of generating applications for forest management, advocacy, as well as fostering a community of practice in urban natural areas nationally. Projects under the purview of this role will primarily focus on climate science, biodiversity, public access to nature, and caring for healthy urban forests. An understanding of interdisciplinary research across social, governance, and ecological sectors is highly desirable. This position requires strong project management, writing, and synthesis skills and an ability to build strong partnerships. Scoped projects to be managed by this role include:
Developing a national urban natural areas map with partners.
Using spatial and tabular data develop an urban natural areas tool and visualization to support.
Updating the climate-adapted species palette tools for urban natural area practitioners, and advancing ecological assessments and management planning.
This position will be responsible for connecting applied science projects to practice through the Forests in Cities Network.
This role will supervise two full-time staff members and seasonal interns, providing oversight, structure, and accountability for programmatic work. This position will collaborate closely with the Deputy Director of Conservation Science as well as the National Partnerships Coordinator to provide vision and directly manage the national Forests in Cities network.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Implement Applied Research Projects (40%)
Oversee fundamental research projects and initiatives within the NAC, focusing on urban natural areas' biodiversity, the effects of climate change and adaptation strategies, public accessibility, and governance. Collaborate in leading the execution of these projects, which entails data collection, spatial and tabular data analysis, modeling of ecosystem and social benefits, and the development of outcomes, reports, and communication plans. Ensure the successful production of an urban natural areas map, updated climate adaptation tools, and the application of ecological assessment data. Supervise project support staff and liaise with the NAC executive team and program staff to establish project timelines and scopes. Coordinate and adjust existing projects to address emerging requirements and enhance impact or facilitate solutions.
Develop and communicate about science-driven tools and products that advance the care of natural areas, including management recommendations and best practices. (20%)
In collaboration with colleagues and partners, synthesize and contextualize research and best practices into case studies, reports, tools, and management plans for practitioner and policy audiences. This involves transforming raw data and integrating relevant literature and studies to contextualize our research for a broader audience through the development of compelling narratives, figures, and data visualizations. Disseminate outputs to stakeholders and partners, with a particular focus on the practitioner community.
Grow and sustain partnerships, including the national Forests in Cities network (30%).
Develop and implement programmatic strategy and supporting tactics to strengthen urban natural area management and advocacy efforts, aiming to increase funding and policy to support healthy urban natural areas. Streamline and support the formalization of a training series, event structure, and recognition methods for cities nationwide engaged in urban natural area work (e.g., credentials, awards). Nurture existing partnerships and establish new relationships with peer and community groups that support urban natural area care. Participate in partner events, introductory calls, grant writing, and cultivate an environment conducive to new ideas and creative opportunities to apply research and expand the practitioner community.
Support the work of the organization and emerging partnerships and program development (10%).
Develop program and project concepts and participate in writing grants, organizational planning, and supporting staff development. Ensure alignment with other internal projects and teams.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Advanced degree in forestry, natural resource management, climate science, ecology, or similar field, required.
7-15 years of experience in natural resource management, forestry, research, ecology, or technical assistance, urban experience a plus.
Demonstrated experience in project management tracking systems and framing complex projects with staff, partners, stakeholders, required.
Experience conducting spatial analysis, using geo-spatial tools, and analyzing ecological data and creating visualizations using programs such as R, Python, ArcGIS, required.
Demonstrated ability to write and synthesize technical content for academic, peer, and non-technical audiences, with urban experience a plus.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and develop effective relationships with internal staff, partners, peers to achieve project goals or objectives.
Demonstrated ability to create and grow successful programs and entrepreneurial approach to program development and implementation.
Basic understanding of using remote sensing and LIDAR for tree canopy and vegetation mapping and associated spatial and tabular datasets.
Previous experience managing, supervising, and mentoring direct report staff.
PREFERRED SKILLS
Knowledge of urban natural areas science, governance, challenges, and opportunities.
Comfort communicating science to diverse audiences and experience engaging with funders, writing grants, and networking.
Experience with engaging with community groups, students, or other constituencies through environmental stewardship.
Experience in field based monitoring and study design for climate change, ecological health, and or forest restoration projects.
JOB LOCATION
NAC currently offers a hybrid remote work schedule as projects allow, with staff reporting to the Manhattan office a minimum of two days a week with offices likely moving to Queens in 2026. This role should be willing to work from a primary office location in Manhattan, and field work reporting locations in all five boroughs of New York City up to 5 days a week. Some occasional domestic travel is expected for this position.
COMPENSATION/BENEFITS
Salary Range: $90,000-$115,000 depending on experience
Competitive benefits package including generous Paid Time Off, eligibility for medical/dental/vision insurance, 401K, and professional development funds.
APPLICATION
Include a cover letter, resume, and writing sample as one PDF. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org.
WORK AUTHORIZATION
Candidates must currently possess and maintain legal authorization to work in the United States. The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) utilizes the E-Verify system and does not offer, transfer, or sponsor employment-based non-immigrant or immigrant work visas (e.g., H-1B, permanent residency).
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.
Updated: Oct. 31, 2025
Salary : $90,000 - $115,000