Conservation Strategy & Programs Director

About the position The Director, Conservation Strategy & Programs leads the development and execution of conservation strategies that underpin Cox’s environmental advocacy priorities. This role is responsible for defining conservation focus areas, managing NGO and science partnerships, and translating advocacy goals into credible, measurable conservation programs and outcomes. This role will be a key steward of Cox's conservation and advocacy strategy, ensuring external advocacy and storytelling (with Cox Outdoors as a primary vehicle) are grounded in science, real-world impact, and defensible measurement. The role works in close partnership with Impact Campaigns, Content, Brand/Marketing, the Program Director, and external conservation partners. This role is open to remote candidates; Atlanta, GA is the preferred location.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead conservation strategies aligned with enterprise environmental advocacy priorities with particular emphasis on those that will build the Cox Outdoors business, brand and conservation goals
• 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 (e.g., habitat protection, species recovery, restoration progress).
• Work with internal measurement resources to ensure consistent evidence standards for external reporting and storytelling.
• Serve as subject-matter lead for conservation science and program credibility across advocacy initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with Environmental Advocacy Content, Impact Campaigns, and Brand/Marketing leaders to translate conservation strategy into compelling narratives, action pathways, and integrated influence programs.
• Work closely with the Environmental Advocacy Program Director to prioritize initiatives, manage dependencies, and ensure delivery against commitments.
• Structure partnerships with clear goals, governance, reporting expectations, and roles/responsibilities; ensure partner relationships are mutually beneficial and outcomes focused.

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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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; and 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.
• Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO).

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