Program Manager, Species Recovery
Location: Washington, D.C. (some domestic and international travel required)
Organization: Bezos Earth Fund — https://www.bezosearthfund.org/careers?gh_jid=4661417006
Contract Type: Full-time. Salary range: $147,200–$184,000. Competitive benefits package included.
Main Description:
The Bezos Earth Fund is seeking a conservation professional with demonstrated experience designing and implementing recovery strategies for highly threatened species, and a strong commitment to delivering measurable conservation outcomes for endangered species. The Program Manager, Species will serve as the day-to-day operational lead for a flagship multi-million-dollar global species recovery initiative and will contribute to the long-term development of the Earth Fund's Species conservation efforts.
In the initial phase of the flagship species recovery initiative, the Program Manager will work hand in hand with key implementation partners to source, review, and monitor project-specific investments. The role will ensure partners meet agreed milestones, budgets, and biological performance targets, and that results are clearly tracked and communicated internally and externally. It will also support the development of a broader alliance of funders, implementing organizations, and scientific partners.
This role requires a hands-on leader who is equally comfortable managing multiple complex workstreams, coordinating diverse partners, tracking performance metrics, and advancing strategic opportunities to strengthen impact.
Key Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will work with the Managing Director and Leader for Nature Solutions to:
- Serve as the day-to-day operational manager for the Bezos Earth Fund flagship species recovery initiative, working hand in hand with key implementation partners to source, review, and monitor project-specific investments overseeing implementation progress, timelines, budgets, risks, milestones, and performance across multiple projects and geographies.
- Provide disciplined oversight and coordination across the flagship initiative to ensure strong performance, accountability, monitoring and evaluation, continuous learning, and clear visibility of biological and programmatic results, including review and synthesis of partner reports, technical updates, and performance metrics.
- Attend and support the Steering Committee of the flagship species recovery initiative and serve as part of the initiative's secretariat, being responsible for convening meetings, preparing agendas and briefing materials, coordinating partner inputs, documenting decisions, tracking action items, and ensuring effective follow-through.
- Monitor and synthesize progress across the Species portfolio and other program areas such as habitat protection and restoration that contribute to species conservation outcomes, maintaining clarity on recovery goals, threats addressed, and measurable biological impact.
- Lead internal communications related to the flagship initiative and broader Species portfolio, including preparing regular updates, dashboards, and briefings for leadership and cross-portfolio teams, and working closely with the Nature Communications lead to support external communications and campaigns.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with implementing organizations, scientific advisors, conservation practitioners, and other strategic stakeholders, and help develop and expand a broader alliance committed to advancing species recovery.
- Identify opportunities for using new technologies to accelerate progress and impact on the recovery of species, including genomics, bioacoustics, and artificial intelligence.
- Support the development and refinement of the long-term Species portfolio strategy, identifying high-leverage opportunities to strengthen and scale impact.
- Coordinate closely with colleagues across Nature and Communications teams to ensure coherence, operational excellence, and alignment with broader organizational priorities.
Requirements:
- Advanced degree or equivalent experience in conservation biology, ecology, environmental science, natural resource management, or a related field required.
- At least 7 years of professional experience specifically related to species conservation, recovery planning, and translating science into operational conservation strategies.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing recovery strategies for highly threatened or endangered species, with measurable biological outcomes such as population stabilization, growth, or threat reduction. Experience across multiple taxonomic groups is highly valued.
- Strong understanding of species recovery frameworks, including IUCN Red List assessments, formal recovery plans, and threat mitigation strategies.
- Experience managing complex, multi-partner species conservation initiatives or portfolios, including multi-stakeholder governance bodies such as steering committees.
- Experience building or managing coalitions for conservation, including resources mobilization towards common goals.
- Experience working with governments, local science and conservation organizations, and local communities in high biodiversity areas around the world.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Highly organized, with strong project management, follow-through, and attention to detail.
- Effective team player with the ability to collaborate across diverse cultures, geographies, and time zones.
- Fluency in English required; working proficiency in an additional language such as Spanish, Portuguese, or French strongly preferred.
Benefits/Conditions:
- Salary range: $147,200–$184,000
- Competitive benefits package included
- Position based in Washington, D.C.
- The Bezos Earth Fund is an equal opportunity employer
- Only applicants with existing authorization to work in the United States will be considered. H-1B sponsorship is not available for this role.
How to Apply:
Submit a resume and cover letter as soon as possible through the following link:
https://www.bezosearthfund.org/careers?gh_jid=4661417006
