Conservation International (CI) envisions a healthy, prosperous world in which societies are forever committed to caring for and valuing nature for the long-term benefit of people and all life on Earth. Built upon a strong foundation of science, partnership and field demonstration, CI's mission is to empower societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature for the well-being of humanity. CI's Center for Environmental Leadership in Business (CELB) works to engage the private sector as a positive force for ensuring natural diversity of life, healthy ecosystems and sustainable growth. The Center's vision is that industry leaders will become champions of nature conservation by reducing the ecological impact of their operations, harnessing the power of their supply chains to drive widespread adoption of good practices, dedicating financial resources to on-the-ground conservation initiatives, and communication about results to consumers, shareholders and employees.

Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Relations, at CELB (Arlington, VA), the Director of Corporate Relations will reside in a major European capital, engaging directly with European industry leaders to promote Conservation International and its programs worldwide. The director will cultivate and manage partnerships in London, Amsterdam, Paris and other European business centers in agriculture, energy, mining, forestry, finance, entertainment, retail, tourism and other sectors. The director will help CI meet its corporate contribution goals and establish mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with leading businesses and trade associations. The director will coordinate negotiations of corporate partner agreements in program areas including climate leadership and forest carbon, field conservation projects, business tools for conservation, joint communications initiatives, involvement in leadership forums and sponsorship opportunities. The director will manage multi-faceted relationships with large scale companies and interact with senior executives at those companies to establish partnerships at the 6-7 figure level. In serving as CI's primary regional point of contact in selected major corporate relationships, the director will draw upon, synthesize and manage participation from all parts of the organization necessary to ensure the success of the relationships. In major corporate account relationships, the director will integrate input from various divisions of CI, as well as CI's executive leadership and legal and finance departments, in all phases of the relationship including concept development, proposal writing, deal negotiation, reporting, evaluation and communications. The director will also work closely with the CI Brussels office, managed by the Center for Conservation and Government (CCG) division of CI, to ensure coordination in European communications and relationship-building efforts.

 CI is seeking an individual who wishes to be part of a team forging strategic relationships with businesses committed to conservation. The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate partnership development, and demonstrated fundraising experience at the 6-7 figure level. The ideal candidate should be familiar with European business circles, able to operate in the unique business and cultural environments of Europe. Among other qualities, the successful applicant will have a collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a divers and dynamic institution. Proficiency in regional languages including English, French and German is strongly preferred.  

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the establishment and stewardship of 6-7 figure, multi-year partnerships with leading European companies, corporate foundations, trade associations and other institutions dealing with business engagement on the environment. Identify and cultivate relationships with new prospective corporate partners for CI.
• Contribute to, and manage delivery of, subject-matter expertise on implementation of joint projects with industry partners, e.g., providing information to corporate partners on decision-support tools for conservation, and lessons from other corporate engagements dealing with environmental strategies, best practices, financial contributions, and communications.
• Actively manage, participate in, and in some cases, lead CI events with corporate and other partners to promote CI activities and mission in the region.
• Interact and coordinate with board members, chairman's council members and volunteers visiting or working in Europe on behalf of CI.

Working Conditions:   

• Home base is in Europe, in London, Amsterdam or other European business hub.
• Frequent travel to other European capitals; some travel to CI headquarters and field offices.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree

Required Skills:

• 5+ years experience in corporate partnership development and management
• Presence and ability to establish strong relationships with senior executives in partner companies
• Ability to leverage corporate relationships and fundraising in support of CI institutional objectives for communications, marketing and branding
• Ability to create innovative strategies, partnerships, and programs without existing models
• Demonstrated fundraising experience at 6-7 figure level
• Good working knowledge of public policy and private sector developments on the environment at the international, national, state and local levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Collaborative spirit and ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse institution
• Ability to deliver results while managing competing priorities under tight deadlines
• Ability to interact effectively with corporate partners and with other non-governmental organizations
• Passion for the conservation of nature and the involvement of businesses in the solution to the world's most pressing environmental challenges
• Fluency in multiple European languages is strongly desired, preferably including English and French.

Preferred Skills:

• MBA or other relevant graduate degree also a plus.

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND:  Cover letter and resumes.