Managing Director, Sustainable Debt

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has grown to become one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. WWF has nearly 1 million members in the United States and more than 5 million globally, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The Managing Director, Sustainable Debt will play a pivotal role within WWF’s Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team. This position is responsible for leading a team that designs and oversees a global strategy aimed at mobilizing financing from debt markets to support WWF’s nature and conservation priorities. The strategy encompasses opportunities at both sovereign and corporate levels, focusing on high-impact transaction opportunities. The MD will manage WWF’s engagement from the origination of transactions through to their closure, while also strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders, including sovereign entities, corporations, financial institutions, philanthropic organizations, and multilateral stakeholders. The role will involve overseeing debt conversions, sustainability-linked loans, and other sustainable debt instruments, ensuring that WWF’s contributions are credible, high-quality, and aligned with organizational priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities of the Managing Director include:

• Strategic Direction and Implementation: Originate, structure, and scale WWF's global sustainable debt portfolio to mobilize capital for conservation outcomes.
• Corporate Debt Strategy Development: Build WWF’s reputation as a provider of science-based KPIs for corporate debt instruments and cultivate strategic relationships with private sector firms.
• Execution: Manage and support the execution of multiple large debt transactions under complex and changing circumstances.
• Management: Oversee a growing team within NFI, set priorities, and manage the Sustainable Debt Pillar’s budget.
• External Engagement: Represent WWF in public engagements and sustainable debt forums, and work with the Debt for Nature Coalition.
• Collaboration: Ensure alignment of conservation finance initiatives and integrate KPIs into sustainable debt transactions.
• Resource Mobilization: Lead efforts to raise donor funds and source investor capital for deal development and specific debt transactions.
• Other Duties: Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong executive presence and influence, with the ability to represent WWF with credibility and authority. They should demonstrate strategic thinking and execution capabilities, identifying high-impact opportunities and delivering results in dynamic environments. The ability to build strategic partnerships and work effectively across cultures and geographies is essential. Candidates should also have strong people leadership skills, capable of developing high-performing teams while fostering collaboration and accountability. Excellent communication skills are required to convey complex financial and strategic concepts to diverse audiences.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in Finance is preferred, although degrees in Economics, Business Administration, International Relations, Political Science, or related fields will also be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of finance and conservation.

Experience:
A minimum of 15 years of experience in finance, particularly in international finance, debt capital markets, or development finance institutions is required. Candidates should have a strong knowledge of innovative financial tools and nature finance instruments, with a proven ability to negotiate complex financial arrangements. Experience in securing and mobilizing financial resources from various sources is also essential, along with a network of potential partners in government, finance, and civil society.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written, verbal, and presentation skills. Proficiency in Spanish or additional languages is desirable but not required.

Additional Notes:
This position may offer international and domestic relocation assistance based on budget availability. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., 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 United States. The organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals, regardless of various characteristics protected under applicable law.