Field Service Director jobs in Des Plaines, IL

The Field Museum’s Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into demonstrable results for conservation and quality of life. We work in one of the most diverse places for nature and culture in the world, the Andes-Amazon region of South America.

The Director leads and manages the implementation of the Center’s Andes-Amazon program for conservation and community wellbeing. They lead a team of cross-disciplinary team of social scientists and ecologists, data and spatial analysts, and operations specialists to set and implement priorities, achieve science-driven objectives, as well as represent the Center to partners, funders, and donors. The Director works closely with the Center’s Senior Director, museum leadership and trustees, and program staff to make strategic decisions and develop new directions, as necessary. This highly organized and effective leader will bring a collaborative drive, proven program development and execution skills to the role, leading a diverse portfolio of projects within the Andes-Amazon region to address growing threats to community wellbeing and conservation.

This is a hybrid role based at the Field Museum, Chicago, Illinois. The position involves frequent travel up to 45% of the year, and may include work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead a cross-disciplinary team managing a heavy workload. Guide them to execute strategic goals through setting priorities and meeting deadlines while cultivating a collaborative dynamic of learning, innovation and problem solving.
• Provide strategic leadership for the team and the Center, leading the development and integration of existing programs and new initiatives.
• Design and implement tracking to manage progress on goals and budgets, updating and redesigning priorities where needed. Lead regular communications regarding progress and shifts to internal and external entities.
• Collaborate with Center Director and Institutional Advancement to build necessary funding support for program development, and associated reporting.
• Develop and cultivate collaborations with key actors and funders in the Andes-Amazon and Guiana Shield, supporting the team to work effectively for durable conservation and community wellbeing outcomes.
• Promote and communicate the Andes-Amazon Program to internal and external audiences, serving as a crucial liaison with partners, funders and trustees.

Work Skills and Education/Experience:

• Advanced degree and 10 years’ experience in conservation and community wellbeing in Latin America, with an understanding of the political landscape and conservation realities in Andes-Amazon and Guiana Shield.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, indigenous representatives and/or government agencies.
• Successful experience directly managing an interdisciplinary team with diverse members, including motivating, setting objectives, building capacity and managing performance.
• Demonstrated commitment to biological and social aspects of conservation, as well as experience in the interface between research and conservation action.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including budget management and fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Spanish and preferably Portuguese.
• Commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Important Note: In order to protect the health and safety of our employees, guests and their families, the Field Museum is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Requests for exemptions from the vaccine will not be considered as given the nature of this position, we are unable to provide an accommodation for anyone who has not been vaccinated.

The Field Museum is an equal opportunity workplace and employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, Veteran status, or any other protected class. We strive to create a working environment that is free of all forms of discrimination and one that promotes human dignity and mutual respect among all staff. We believe every member of our organization enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, to identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.

The Field Museum strives to ensure that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all. If you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accessibility@fieldmuseum.org