Director, Nature Finance and Investments

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since grown into a leading global conservation organization. With operations in over 100 countries, WWF partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and promote sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in scientific research and driven by collaboration, aiming to help nature thrive by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. WWF boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million globally, reflecting its extensive outreach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Director of Nature Finance and Investments will play a pivotal role within the Nature Finance & Investments (NFI) team at WWF. This position is designed for a strategic leader who will serve as an Impact Advisor to external asset managers, focusing on developing and influencing significant capital flows that support nature conservation. The Director will be responsible for the strategic direction, daily execution, and overall management of NFI’s asset manager strategy. This includes identifying partnership opportunities in nature finance, engaging with key stakeholders, and accelerating WWF’s role in financing sustainable investments. The Director will also be tasked with crafting communications that highlight WWF’s thought leadership in the field of Nature Finance, ensuring that the organization remains at the forefront of sustainable investment discussions.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Director will design and oversee key elements of the asset manager strategy, which includes setting WWF’s goals and objectives, developing an implementation model, and creating a pipeline of partnership opportunities. Responsibilities include negotiating partnerships with potential asset managers, identifying new partnership opportunities across various sectors such as sustainable infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, carbon finance, and aquaculture. The Director will lead due diligence processes and prepare recommendations for asset manager partnerships, including impact analyses and due diligence summaries for senior management review. Additionally, the Director will represent WWF at external events and workshops, travel domestically and internationally to priority regions, and collaborate with various teams within WWF to advance integrated nature finance strategies. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience, or a Graduate degree with at least 8 years of experience. A strong background in the financial services sector is essential, particularly in areas such as private equity, venture capital, impact investing, and conservation finance. Applicants should have demonstrated experience in developing and evaluating investment strategies, conducting due diligence, and managing investment portfolios. Familiarity with multilateral and bilateral finance institutions is also required, along with sector expertise in WWF’s priority areas. Strong written and verbal communication skills, financial modeling capabilities, and the ability to analyze complex problems are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, environmental science, or a related field is required. A Graduate degree is preferred and may substitute for some years of experience. Candidates should have a solid understanding of sustainable investment principles and practices, as well as familiarity with financial instruments and deal structuring.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in the financial services sector, with a minimum of 10 years of work experience for those with a Bachelor’s degree, or 8 years for those with a Graduate degree. Experience in investment strategy development, due diligence, and partnership negotiations is crucial. Candidates should also have a proven track record of working with development finance institutions and a strong understanding of WWF’s priority areas, particularly in emerging markets.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in a second language, particularly Spanish or Portuguese, is highly desirable. Strong communication skills in both written and verbal formats are essential for effective stakeholder engagement and partnership development.

Additional Notes:
This position may offer domestic relocation assistance based on budget availability. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States, as this position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Compliance with federal law requires all hired individuals to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the U.S. Additionally, the position is eligible for domestic relocation within the United States. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.