Director, Roots & Shoots Network

Position Summary

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute USA (JGI-USA) is an international non-governmental organization that continues Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering animal research and global conservation mission. The breadth of the Jane Goodall Institute’s work reflects Dr. Goodall’s personal philosophy that the survival of all species depends upon collaboration, community, and valuing individuals’ contributions.

The Jane Goodall Institute seeks a strategic and mission-focused individual to occupy a key role on the Roots & Shoots team. The Director, Roots & Shoots Network is a new position based in Washington, DC, which supports a growing network of Basecamps, each actively encouraging participation in Roots & Shoots and providing key support to young people, educators, and local partners. The Director role will be filled by someone with experience directing national efforts of an educational nature, who is aligned with the mission of the Jane Goodall Institute, and who is collaboratively oriented and a skilled communicator.

Core Responsibilities

Basecamp Support and Supervision (65%)

• Provide regular guidance and support to a growing network of Basecamp coordinators located in cities across the U.S.
• Establish benchmarks and criteria for successful Basecamp coordination.
• Guide Basecamp development in ways that diversify and grow Roots & Shoots participation.
• Act as a bridge between JGI US national office in Washington, D.C., and Basecamps, conveying institutional culture, policies, and communication norms.
• Cultivate a sense of community and mutual support among Basecamp coordinators.
• Host regular team meetings and annual summits.
• Ensure Basecamp budgets are properly managed.

Project Grants (20%)

• Administer the national Roots & Shoots Project Grants through Basecamps and directly to Roots & Shoots members.

Partnerships (10%)

• Manage key relationships with formal and informal educational organizations (e.g. universities, zoos, aquariums, and museums).
• Identify strategic and mutually advantageous partnerships with like-minded organizations.

Support Jane Goodall Tours (5%)

• Coordinate with Marketing & Communications and the Office of the Founder around Jane Goodall tour functions and opportunities.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 4-6 years’ experience in a managerial or director role in a mission-based organization with an emphasis on education, conservation, service, or youth programming.
• Experience successfully leading a team, instilling a sense of identity, engendering mutual support among staff, and conveying core programmatic values.
• Excellent communication skills (in-person, video conference, and phone).
• Project management acumen, including organizational skills, multi-tasking, and the ability to prioritize competing projects.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully across organizational departments.
• Successful financial management of program budgets.
• Ability to set ambitious yet attainable goals, articulate goals internally, and report on program performance.
• Proficiency with major communications and software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite.

Additional Characteristics and Attributes

• An unwavering belief in the power of young people to make a positive difference in their lives, their communities, and the world.
• A mission mindset centered on educating young people as planetary stewards.
• Collaborative working style as well as a demonstrated ability to work independently.
• Willingness to seek feedback, adapt practices, and continuously learn.
• A sense of humor and ability to find joy in challenging work.
• Commitment to JGI values of inclusion, adaptability, and the growth mindset.
• Commitment to collaboration and the core Roots & Shoots mantra: “together we can, together we will!”

Why JGI?

We are a global network of scientists, conservationists, animal behavior and welfare experts, educators, and nonprofit professionals dedicated to building a better world for all. We focus on science-driven and compassionate solutions that have a far-reaching impact on people, other animals, and the environment. Our staff members are both personally and professionally committed to making the world a better place and work hard at doing so. In return, we offer competitive salaries and benefits, a warm and supportive working environment, and the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are directly advancing the legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility at JGI

At the Jane Goodall Institute, we believe that when we bring our authentic selves to work on a day-to-day basis, we are happier, more comfortable, more confident, and more excited to do great things for our organization, each other, and our world. When we bring inclusive teams together, our collective work to solve complex problems is more creative, more just, and more effective. JGI welcomes and supports individuals with diverse experiences, identities, backgrounds, and levels of ability. We foster an organizational culture in which everyone feels valued, safe, heard, and fully engaged.

The Jane Goodall Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to being an organization and a community where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day.

Physical Requirements

• Job may require long periods of sitting or being stationary.
• Occasional lifting required (up to 10 lbs.).
• Regular business travel to U.S. locations may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

We offer competitive compensation commensurate with experience and an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life insurance, and a 401K retirement plan as well as opportunities for professional development and growth within our organization.

Learn more here