Conservation Strategy & Programs Director

Role Overview

• Lead the development and execution of conservation strategies that underpin Cox’s environmental advocacy priorities.
• Responsible for defining conservation focus areas, managing NGO and science partnerships, and translating advocacy goals into credible, measurable conservation programs and outcomes.
• Key steward of Cox's conservation and advocacy strategy, ensuring external advocacy and storytelling are grounded in science, real-world impact, and defensible measurement.
• Work in partnership with Impact Campaigns, Content, Brand/Marketing, the Program Director, and external conservation partners.
• Develop and lead conservation strategies aligned with enterprise environmental advocacy priorities.
• Identify, evaluate, and manage partnerships with NGOs, scientists, foundations, and conservation leaders.
• Ensure conservation strategy is informed by ecosystem science, sector best practices, and emerging conservation trends.
• Serve as a SME for conservation of habitat and species as well as outdoors adventure sports and represent Cox as an ambassador.
• Translate advocacy focus areas into clear conservation programs, action pathways, and outcome frameworks.
• Architect programs that support the Cox Outdoors conservation, brand, and business goals.
• Partner with the Foundation to surface and assess conservation-related philanthropic opportunities.
• Support grantmaking strategy alignment, outcome frameworks, and reporting for conservation investments.
• Establish and track conservation KPIs and outcome reporting.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in conservation strategy, environmental programs, NGO leadership, or related fields along with a bachelor’s degree
• The right candidate could also have a different combination, such as a master's degree and 8 years’ experience; a Ph.D. and 5 years’ experience in a related field; or 14 years’ experience in a related field in lieu of a degree.
• Deep familiarity with biodiversity, ecosystems, and conservation partnerships.
• Strong relationship-building skills across NGOs, foundations, and scientific communities.
• Strong strategic communication skills; ability to translate complex science into clear narratives for executives, partners, and public audiences.
• Proven experience translating conservation goals into programs with measurable outcomes.
• National coalition and policy-facing advocacy experience, including testimony, convening, or leadership in cross-sector partnerships (e.g., trade associations, recreation economy coalitions).
• Demonstrated success integrating conservation impact with brand, marketing, and storytelling strategies (e.g., cause marketing, outdoor industry partnerships)
• Proven fundraising and resource development experience (grants, sponsorships, major gifts) and/or experience stewarding large partner portfolios and grantmaking programs.

Benefits

• The Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations
• Seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year
• Up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members
• Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.
• Health care insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Retirement planning (401(k))
• Paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO)