About PERC

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.

This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring a new era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation. Read more.

Position Description

The Florida Strategic Initiatives Director is an exciting new role that will coordinate PERC’s market-based conservation work in Florida to advance meaningful conservation outcomes through improvements to policy and practice. This position will serve as PERC’s primary presence in the state—building strong relationships with partners, policymakers, landowners, and practitioners, and activating PERC’s research, law and policy, and field capabilities to address Florida’s most pressing conservation challenges.

This role is best suited to a strategic, collaborative leader who deeply cares about conservation success in Florida as well as a commitment to the “how” we do conservation should matter, through voluntary, collaborative, market incentive, and property rights-based approaches. The Florida Strategic Initiatives Director will identify opportunities for policy reform, institutional innovation, and partnership to deliver durable, market-based conservation. The position offers a unique opportunity to help shape PERC’s growing impact while contributing to the organization’s long-term vision and national influence.

The Florida Strategic Initiatives Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with PERC leadership and staff across research, law, and policy, and the Conservation Innovation Lab, as well as represent PERC externally throughout the state.

Responsibilities/Activities of the Job

Florida Strategy (20%)

• Lead the development and execution of PERC’s Florida strategy in alignment with organizational priorities and focus areas.
• Identify priority conservation challenges and opportunities in Florida within PERC’s issue agenda, where market-based and collaborative approaches can deliver impact.
• Track progress, outcomes, and lessons learned to inform both state and national efforts.

Partnerships and Relationship Building (40%)

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with conservation organizations, landowners, water users, agricultural producers, property rights organizations, and other key stakeholders across Florida.
• Serve as a connector and convener, fostering collaboration across diverse interests and sectors.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships that advance voluntary, incentive-aligned conservation.
• Represent PERC as a credible, solutions-oriented conservation partner in the state.

Program Coordination (40%)

• Collaborate with the law and policy team to identify and pursue Florida engagements that advance legal and policy reforms in line with team strategies and direction.
• Support coalition-building and serve as PERC’s public-facing representative in Florida, including at meetings, conferences, workshops, and select media engagements.
• Partner with communications team to elevate visibility and understanding of PERC’s work in the state through clear, compelling storytelling.
• Work closely with PERC leadership to ensure Florida efforts are integrated with institutional priorities and strategy including identifying opportunities for regional growth.
• Uphold and reinforce PERC’s organizational values, culture, and commitment to rigorous, solutions-oriented conservation.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of relevant professional experience in conservation, natural resources policy, environmental governance, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of Florida’s conservation landscape, including land use, water management, wildlife, and environmental policy.
• Demonstrated success building and sustaining collaborative partnerships across diverse stakeholders.
• Deep commitment to market-based, incentive-aligned, and voluntary approaches to conservation.
• Strategic thinker and doer with the ability to translate ideas and research into practical action.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to represent PERC credibly and persuasively.
• Comfort operating in a mixed-remote organization and collaborating across multiple teams and disciplines.
• Self-directed, entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to build momentum in a growing area of work.

Travel Requirments

Regular travel by car and airplane is required

Working Conditions

• Remote work from home office with travel to HQ as needed
• Travel by car and plane
• Will sit or stand at a desk
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds

Location

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Florida that will require extensive travel throughout the state.

Perks of Working at PERC

• Great health (platinum, gold and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family
• Flex/FSA or HSA offered
• 5% 401(k) PERC contribution
• PERC contributed life insurance
• Voluntary additional life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick days
• 12 paid holidays
• Discounted gym membership
• Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes

To Apply

Please submit the following to employment@perc.org: 

• Resume
• Cover letter describing your interest in this position

Not sure you meet all the job qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and strongly encourage you to apply.