Director of Science

Job Description

Job Description

Salary : $158,000 - 177,000 / yr

ABOUT SAVE THE REDWOODS LEAGUE

For over a century, Save the Redwoods League has been dedicated to protecting and restoring Californias iconic redwood forests and connecting people to their grandeur. Through land acquisition, restoration, scientific research, and advocacy, the League works to ensure that these forests thrive for future generations. The organization collaborates with conservation partners, tribal communities, and public agencies to restore ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and expand public access to these natural treasures. With a strategic vision for expanding conservation impact, Save the Redwoods League is a leading force in forest preservation and climate resilience.

To learn more about Save the Redwoods League, visit :

www.savetheredwoods.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Science plays a pivotal role in shaping the scientific vision and strategy of Save the Redwoods League, leading groundbreaking research and conservation planning efforts to protect and restore coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Reporting to the Chief Program Officer and overseeing a dynamic Science Teamincluding the Senior Scientist, Forest Ecologist, and GIS Manageralong with external contractors, the Director ensures that the Leagues conservation initiatives are rooted in the best available science. Guided by the Science & Restoration Committee, they collaborate with leading scientists, research institutions, and conservation partners to advance key initiatives, including the Redwoods and Climate Change Research Program, redwood genetics studies, and research on forest restoration and fire resilience. As the Leagues scientific thought leader, the Director translates complex ecological principles into actionable insights, engaging a diverse audience of staff, donors, policymakers, and the public to drive impactful conservation efforts. This is an exciting opportunity for a visionary scientist to lead cutting-edge research, inform conservation strategies, and elevate the role of science in protecting some of the worlds most iconic forests.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Responsibilities of the Director of Science include :

• Science Program Leadership : The Director of Science works closely with the Chief Program Officer to develop and implement science-based strategies that guide the Leagues conservation planning, land acquisition, stewardship, restoration projects, and equitable public access to coast redwood and giant sequoia forests. Serving as a leading voice for redwood science, they facilitate internal and external research collaborations, conservation planning efforts, and land stewardship initiatives to advance the Leagues mission. They provide technical expertise to shape government relations, public policy, legislation, and funding strategies, ensuring alignment with conservation priorities. The Director also leads and mentors the Science Team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, while overseeing engagement with research and planning partners. Additionally, they support the Science & Restoration Committee, working alongside the Director of Stewardship & Restoration to develop and execute its vision. A committed advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI), they actively support the Leagues DEI goals, programs, and evaluations.
• Strategic Conservation Planning :

The Director of Science leads the organization's data-driven conservation planning process, utilizing a GIS-based methodology to establish landscape-scale and site-specific priorities for forest conservation, restoration, and public access strategies. Collaborating with the Science Team, organizational leadership, and key partners, they continuously develop and refine conservation planning tools to ensure the best available data and science inform decision-making. Overseeing all aspects of the Leagues GIS Program, the Director determines technical requirements and training needs for GIS staff and consultants. Working closely with the GIS Manager, they assess data quality, develop datasets, and conduct analyses to support conservation planning and other key projects.

QUALIFICATIONS

In order to fulfill these responsibilities, the ideal Director of Science candidate will be :

WORKING CONDITIONS

WORK SCHEDULE

This role is hybrid with a minimum of 2 days in the office. Our weekly all staff in office day is Tuesday (when everyone living in the SF Bay Area is required to come in). Additional days are based on departmental norms and business needs.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

As a full-time salaried employee, you will be eligible for full benefits, which include medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation annually plus holidays, and a 401k retirement plan with an up to 8% company match. We offer competitive salaries commensurate with experience and internal / external equity considerations; the salary range for this position is $ 158,000-177,000 per year.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

Save the Redwoods League is fully committed to its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Goals. The League welcomes candidates with diverse backgrounds and / or multicultural skill sets. However, we are open to the possibility that a great candidate for this job may not precisely meet all the above criteria. If you believe you are the right person for this job and can persuasively make that case, we encourage you to apply.