Managing Director, WWF Impact

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since grown into one of the world's leading conservation organizations. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries, collaborating 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 collaborative efforts, focusing on 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 reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Managing Director of WWF Impact will play a pivotal role in overseeing the organization's dedicated investment function within the Nature Finance and Investment (NFI) team. This position entails managing all activities related to WWF Impact, which includes initiating and managing partnerships with sustainable investment asset managers and overseeing a portfolio of direct equity investments aimed at furthering WWF's conservation mission. The Managing Director will lead a skilled team of conservation investment professionals, focusing on high-impact partnerships and private investment opportunities. This role also involves serving on the leadership team of the broader NFI team and managing WWF Impact's relationships both internally and externally within the market. The Managing Director will be responsible for strategic direction, resource mobilization, and external engagement, ensuring that WWF Impact aligns with the organization's overall goals and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Strategic Direction: Lead WWF Impact, focusing on both direct early-stage investing opportunities and external partnerships with asset managers where WWF acts as an impact advisor.
• Asset Manager Partnerships: Oversee the identification and development of new asset manager partnerships, collaborating with the WWF Impact team and programmatic teams to close high-potential partnerships in priority sectors such as regenerative agriculture and sustainable infrastructure.
• Catalytic Portfolio Management: Manage the early-stage direct investment portfolio, ensuring rigorous investment analyses and well-prepared investment memorandums.
• Resource Mobilization: Develop and maintain key relationships for partnership success, including funding partnerships and asset manager relationships.
• Team Management: Oversee a growing team of professionals, manage WWF Impact's budget, and build capacity within WWF US and Country Office staff.
• External Engagement: Represent WWF Impact at events and conferences, with travel domestically and internationally (up to 25%) to priority regions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with WWF's conservation goal teams and private sector engagement teams to advance integrated nature finance strategies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 15 years of experience in the financial services sector, particularly in private equity, venture capital, impact investing, and conservation finance. An advanced degree in a relevant field such as finance, business administration, or international relations is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in emerging market private equity in environmental sectors and a proven track record in designing multi-party blended finance solutions. Candidates should also have demonstrated experience in developing investment strategies, conducting due diligence, and managing portfolios. Experience working with multilateral and bilateral finance institutions is essential, along with sector expertise in WWF's priority areas such as sustainable infrastructure and carbon markets.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree in finance, business administration, economics, international relations, or political science is required for this position. Candidates with a strong preference for experience in emerging market private equity in environmental sectors will be prioritized. The educational background should also include knowledge of sustainable investment components, investment instruments, and blended finance techniques.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in the financial services sector, with a strong emphasis on private equity, venture capital, impact investing, and conservation finance. Candidates should have a proven ability to develop and evaluate investment strategies, conduct due diligence, and manage portfolios effectively. Experience working with multilateral and bilateral finance institutions is also necessary, as well as sector expertise in WWF's priority areas.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and competency in a second language, ideally Spanish or Portuguese, is considered a significant plus. Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders.

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 age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.