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"OFFICE LOCATION Chicago, Illinois, USAThe successful candidate for this position must be located in or around the Chicagoland area, as they are expected to work a hybrid schedule which requires them to be in the office at least two days per week. #LI-Hybrid#PDN WHO WE ARE The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people." WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER The Director Culture and Operations (DCO) will develop a strong and inclusive culture within the Illinois Chapter and is responsible for leading the chapter's operations, facilities, and safety functions. Finance and Human Resources are also part of the DCO's overall responsibility, but for these areas, the DCO will work closely with the Midwest Division People Team and senior finance staff, resulting in a more strategic approach for these functions. With a $15 million annual operating budget, and more than 70 employees, the Illinois Business Unit (BU) is one of The Nature Conservancy's larger programs. Also, the five TNC business units comprising the Midwest Division (of which the Illinois Business Unit is a part) are increasingly working together at scale, thereby requiring the DCO to closely collaborate with staff both inside and outside the Illinois Business Unit to increase the operational effectiveness of the organization as it seeks to deliver ambitious conservation outcomes. While Divisional cooperation and coordination will be important, the principal focus of this role is on Illinois operations and the well-being of Illinois staff. Given the size of the Illinois conservation team as compared to other functions within the BU and the complexity of operations issues within conservation, the bulk of the DCO's time will be spent working with Illinois conservation staff while still providing essential support and guidance to other teams, and the Chapter as a whole.The DCO is a strategic leader who will be a part of the business unit's management team. This is a new position, and the DCO is responsible for co-designing an operational structure ideally suited to provide support to and partner with members of the conservation, development, government relations, operations, IT and marketing teams. They are responsible for developing operational guidelines leading towards efficient program management and regulatory compliance. The DCO will spearhead efforts to foster an inclusive and diverse workplace, and build upon a strong, authentic culture. Facilitating a sense of shared community among colleagues spread across the state, and helping Illinois staff to see themselves as part of the Midwest Division and contributing to the 2030 goals is paramount. These connections are especially important in that some Illinois staff operate n a hybrid basis, some work exclusively on site, and others work entirely from home offices. The DCO is responsible for upholding organizational values and ensuring that programmatic work is both collaborative and well-integrated across the Illinois business unit. In close cooperation with the Executive Director, the DCO is responsible for creating an accountability structure for goals around diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice at both the individual and team level, and helping to ensure those goals are met. The DCO may serve on the Illinois Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice Committee, either as a full member or advisor. The DCO will work in partnership with the Midwest Division HR team, Regional Learning Lead, and Divisional recruiter on issues related to talent management, employee relations, staff development programs, recruiting, onboarding and orientation, offboarding, and performance management. Duties can be highly confidential and require broad and comprehensive knowledge of TNC's policies. The DCO will also implement practices and programs to celebrate employee milestones, program achievements, and foster a sense of community.The DCO will seek to achieve compliance on the highest order with TNC's SOPs, policies and procedures, and ethical guidelines, reinforcing consistency in practice as needed. The DCO will provide advice and guidance related to operations. They will lead efforts to develop processes, define project outcomes, and initiate solutions to improve the effectiveness and transparency of operational activities. They will serve as team leader for the enhancement of systems and tools used by members of the Illinois business unit. Importantly, the DCO will actively seek options to make compliance and operational requirements as easy as possible for ILFO staff members and will be expected to provide feedback to World Office teams that reflects on the ground ideas, challenges, and experiences. The DCO must simultaneously act as a shield and advocate for program staff thereby allowing them to focus on their roles while ensuring full compliance. They will work with Illinois and Divisional teams to establish and track measures to serve indicators of progress and success. The DCO is responsible for employee well-being, facilities management, record keeping (both paper and digital), audit, office safety, fleet management, and timekeeping. The DCO will leverage constructive and effective relationships with a wide range of people, including, Illinois business unit staff, other Midwest DCOs and Directors of Finance and Operations, People Team colleagues, North America Region safety team members, TNC counsel, TNC financial team members, and others. The DCO will also liaise with external parties, as needed, including the Wrigley Building management, and other landlords. They will establish clear communications channels and build close relationships with Illinois staff who hold operational responsibilities outside the Chicago office.Finance is an important part of the role, but given the strength of the Illinois finance team and the existence of the Midwest Division Finance Cabinet, the amount of time allocated to financial management will be less than that spent on culture and operations. The DCO provides overall direction and leadership for the finance team, including multi-year planning, workforce development, capital planning and the development and implementation of annual budgets. In tandem with the Illinois Finance Director, the Illinois Conservation Directors, and the Chief Philanthropy Officer, the DCO plays a key role in planning as it relates to the financial sustainability of the Illinois business unit. The DCO is the direct supervisor of an operational team of 2-3 individuals with dotted line engagement to an HR team of five, a Divisional recruiter, and an IT team. https://www.eeoc.gov/eeo-policy-statement