Director of Operations & Culture

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a globally recognized environmental organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters upon which all life depends. Founded in 1951, TNC has grown from a grassroots nonprofit into one of the world’s most effective and far-reaching conservation groups. With a membership of over 1 million individuals and a diverse staff including more than 400 scientists, TNC delivers innovative, science-based solutions to some of the world’s toughest environmental challenges. The organization prides itself on cultivating an inclusive and values-driven workplace that respects all people, communities, and cultures. TNC offers competitive benefits such as health care options, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with employer matching, paid parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs, and other wellness benefits. The Conservancy also supports flexible work environments that promote employee health and well-being, making it a rewarding and meaningful place to work.

The Culture & Operations Director is a crucial leadership role within the Hawai‘i and Palmyra Business Unit (BU) of The Nature Conservancy. Reporting directly to the State Deputy Director, this position serves as an organizational effectiveness leader, with a focus on strengthening operations, people, and culture during a period of significant change. The role involves translating larger Division and organizational initiatives into clear, actionable Business Unit practices, communications, and systems. The Director will act as a cross-functional integrator, leading efforts to build long-term resilience across culture, operations, and coordination among multiple teams including Finance, HR, and Program Directors.

Key responsibilities include leading culture and engagement practices to foster a healthy, connected, and high-performing work environment. The Director will facilitate open communication and engagement activities across the BU, ensuring managers have the support they need to lead their teams effectively. Operational excellence is a major focus, with duties involving mapping workflows, clarifying roles and handoffs, improving internal controls, and increasing coordination across various departments.

This role also involves translating strategic initiatives into executable processes and monitoring progress towards goals while adapting plans accordingly. The Director will provide leadership adjacent to finance by collaborating closely with Finance leads to ensure organizational finance changes, deadlines, and implications are well understood by staff, while retaining ownership over culture and operations. Additionally, the Director will coach leaders and teams in change-management practices, anticipate risks, and facilitate resolutions to operational challenges that arise across functions.

The position is based in the Honolulu office, with an expectation to work onsite 2-3 days a week. Occasional travel is required, and the role demands flexibility and the ability to work long hours as needed. The successful candidate will exercise independent judgment and may act in place of supervisors or during their absence. There is potential responsibility for supervising administrative or professional staff, including their training and development.

Candidates for this role must bring a combination of strong project management, leadership, and communication skills to effectively manage complex and cross-functional initiatives within a highly matrixed and decentralized organizational structure. This is an ideal opportunity for individuals passionate about conservation, organizational effectiveness, and operational excellence to join a mission-driven organization where they can make a significant impact.