Director, Regenerative Fund

The Director of the Regenerative Fund at Conservation International leads the initiative promoting regenerative agriculture in the fashion and textile industries. Responsibilities include managing the Fund's strategy, overseeing operations, and maintaining relationships with corporate partners and donors. The role requires expertise in commodity market development and collaboration across interdisciplinary teams to implement sustainable practices. This position is remote, allowing for work from anywhere.
About the position

The Director of the Regenerative Fund at Conservation International is a pivotal role focused on leading the Regenerative Fund for Nature, an initiative established in 2021 aimed at promoting regenerative agriculture practices within the fashion and textile industries. This position is responsible for the strategic direction and program management of the Fund, ensuring that its projects align with core principles such as Soil Health, Biodiversity, Animal Welfare, Climate, Water, and Improved Livelihoods. The Director will serve as the primary point of contact for corporate partners and will oversee a diverse portfolio of global projects that implement regenerative practices. The role requires a deep understanding of commodity market development and landscape-level initiatives, as well as the ability to design long-term financing mechanisms. The Director will work closely with various teams within the organization, including the Sustainable Fashion team, Conservation Stewards Program, Moore Center for Science, Conservation Finance, and Corporate Partnerships. This collaborative environment is essential for introducing scalable, sustainable development initiatives that align community, policy, and market-based incentives. Key responsibilities include developing and managing the Fund's strategy, leading operations, managing relationships with donors and partners, overseeing project selection processes, and ensuring compliance with CI policies and funding agreements. The Director will also engage with external stakeholders, represent the organization, and identify opportunities for program growth and financial sustainability. This position requires a high degree of independence and the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

Responsibilities
• Develop and manage Regenerative Fund for Nature strategy focused on scale and innovation, further defining commodity market opportunities for the adoption of regenerative fibers in fashion and textile industries.
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• Lead Fund operations, including program oversight and implementation, financial management, and reporting requirements in partnership with the Conservation Stewards Program and CSLW Operations and Grants and Contracts teams.
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• Work across internal interdisciplinary teams to drive scientific and technical excellence within the Fund's projects.
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• Manage key external relationships with donors and partners, serving as the primary point of contact for the day-to-day operations of the Fund.
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• Manage Fund governance including oversight and agenda of the Secretariat and Operations Committee in partnership with Conservation Stewards Program staff and donors.
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• Develop and drive the project selection process from start to finish, including defining priority geographies and commodities, leading Request for Proposals, analyzing project impact, and finalizing selection with partners.
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• Oversee annual programmatic, financial, and technical reports, ensuring on-time delivery to partners.
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• Effectively engage stakeholders including donors, government and NGOs, technical colleagues, and other partners important to program success.
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• Represent the organization externally and serve as a trusted point of contact and advisory for CI.
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• Identify opportunities for program growth and development.
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• Support program financial sustainability by identifying funding opportunities.
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• Contribute to funding proposals and regional/global fundraising efforts.
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• Ensure compliance with CI policies including CI Safeguards System, funding agreements, and local requirements.

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree and 7 or more years of related work experience in corporate sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and/or grantee management.
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• Expertise and/or experience in regenerative agriculture, including topics such as soil health, animal welfare, biodiversity, carbon, water, and livelihoods.
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• Knowledge of fashion and textile fiber industries, supply chains, and stakeholders in cotton, wool, leather, and cashmere.
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• Program leadership or project management experience, preferably in the global conservation, NGO, advocacy, or related for-profit arena.
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• Excellent technical and analytical skills.
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• Excellent organization and time management skills.
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• Team player and able to work effectively with diverse workgroups in a multicultural environment.
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• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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• A record of success in influencing and partnering with key stakeholders and raising funds.
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• Proven ability to multitask and meet priorities.
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• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and under minimal supervision.
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• Fluency in English is required.

Nice-to-haves
• Advanced degree.
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• Experience working in field-based programs, such as conservation and agriculture-based initiatives.
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• Experience managing a philanthropic fund including an ongoing portfolio of grantees.
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• Knowledge of Monitoring & Evaluation frameworks and reporting.

Benefits