Fungus Conservation Coordinator - Full Time - Indianapolis Zoo : Job Details

The Indianapolis Zoological Society (IZS) is one of the largest privately funded zoos in the United States of America. The mission of IZS is to empower people and communities, both locally and globally, to advance animal conservation. IZS works to achieve this mission through visitation by over one million guests each year, annual support to many field conservation projects, and the world-renowned Indianapolis Prize. IZS has a monumental goal for its community, state, country and the world - to transform the Indiana community into the most conservation-literate community in the world, with Indianapolis being considered the epicenter for species conservation worldwide.The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has a mission to influence, encourage and assist societies throughout the world to conserve the integrity and diversity of nature and to ensure that any use of natural resources is equitable and ecologically sustainable; The IUCN Species Survival Commission (SSC) is one of IUCN's seven volunteer Commissions with a global membership of more than 10,000 volunteer experts from almost every country of the world. SSC advises IUCN and its members on the wide range of technical and scientific aspects of species conservation and is dedicated to securing a future for biodiversity. The SSC works with its Groups, IUCN Secretariat and partner organizations to Assess, Plan, and Act for species conservation. Additionally, SSC focuses on supporting its global network of experts and advancing communication efforts relating to the work and wider issues across species conservation. This includes assessing the extinction risk faced by species for inclusion on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, convening diverse stakeholders to develop integrated planning for conservation interventions and mobilizing necessary action around the world to protect and restore species and their habitats. IZS and SSC have partnered to create the Global Center for Species Survival (GCSS). GCSS aims to unite the strengths of IZS in public education, communication, fundraising and conservation messaging with the strengths of the SSC in driving effective conservation assessments, planning, policy and action for species survival worldwide. GCSS is physically located within the Indianapolis Zoo, and GCSS staff team will provide critical training, capacity and coordination support to further mobilize the species conservation efforts of the SSC network of experts alongside wider partner and key stakeholder communities. GCSS will house a multicultural team of full-time staff employed by IZS and based at the Indianapolis Zoo dedicated to support the mission of SSC. The Fungus Conservation Coordinator is an employee of the Indianapolis Zoological Society assigned to support all of the programs of the SSC fungus Specialist Groups. These Groups are focused on assessing, planning and mobilizing policy and action for fungus species conservation around the world. As part of GCSS, this role will work closely with the Indianapolis Zoo team, the SSC Chair's Office, the Fungus Conservation Committee, Specialist Group Chairs, and wider partners. As guided by the fungus Specialist Group chairs, s/he will support the identification of priorities, challenges and opportunities across the management of conservation data and assessments, the process of conservation planning, the development of action projects, and to support SSC network coordination and facilitate interactions between various partner communities, individuals and groups. Responsibilities include collecting, assembling and analyzing various types of data, assisting in the production of reports and workshop preparation, supporting partnership development and delivery, participating in strategic fundraising, supporting external communications and supporting behavior change efforts. Work will be primarily performed at the Global Center for Species Survival in Indianapolis Zoo, but travel may be required.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:In close coordination with the SSC Chair's Office, the wider SSC Network Coordinator team, the SSC Fungus Conservation Committee and Specialist Group Chairs: Supporting Coordination of SSC fungus Specialist Groups

• Maintain and continue to build high quality relationships with each of the SSC fungus Specialist Groups to assist with the delivery of their key objectives and identification of priority opportunities for fungus conservation.

• With guidance from Chairs of fungus Specialist Groups, encourage and motivate SSC fungus Groups to advance global species conservation efforts around the SSC Species Conservation Cycle (Assess-Plan-Act-Network-Communicate), with a specific focus on Plan, Act, Network and Communicate.

• Gather and integrate knowledge and expertise into creating strategic proposals for approval, launching projects/initiatives, developing calls for action on specific species issues, and assisting in species-specific IUCN Resolutions and Recommendations.

• Contribute to and review formal, programmatic and communication documents as required, including periodic outcome and planning reporting to the SSC for the annual SSC Data and reporting process.

• Ensure good communication and foster collaboration and coordination between SSC fungus Specialist Groups, the GCSS and wider Indianapolis Zoo, the SSC Chair's Office, the IUCN Secretariat and key partners to ensure a cohesive and collegial approach in relation to all species related work.

• Bolster collaboration across the SSC network and the constituent parts of IUCN, governments, the global botanic garden community, accredited zoo and aquarium communities and the wider conservation community to maximize the relevance and conservation impact of activities and joint projects for fungus conservation.

• Provide programmatic support to the Chair of the Fungus Conservation Committee with regard to organizing meetings of the Committee, and supporting regular engagement between Chair of the Fungus Conservation Committee and SG Chairs.

• Attend, and where possible help coordinate, Specialist Group meetings.

• Engage with conservation campaigns targeted at species requiring urgent conservation attention, mobilizing relevant experts, appropriate communication efforts and, support collaborations with other NGOs and governments to deliver action to prevent imminent extinctions.

• Act, as appropriate, as a conduit between the SSC disciplinary Specialist Groups and the SSC fungus Specialist Groups. In particular, support the Conservation Planning Specialist Group (CPSG) by building active links with SSC Specialist Groups requiring conservation planning support.

• Encourage and assist the SSC Network to be more action-oriented through promoting the implementation and delivery of action plans, and through supporting the development of partnerships or fundraising efforts to support this implementation.

Strategically expanding, growing and diversifying the SSC network for fungus:

• Work with the SSC Fungus Conservation Committee to identify gaps in expertise by taxa and/or region and guide proponents through the formal process for establishing new groups, review drafts, coordinate wider review and final sign-off with the Steering Committee.

• Identify issues within SSC Specialist Groups (or complaints directly received) that require mediation or resolution. Refer such issues to the SSC Chair's Office.

• Build relationships with existing training programs, e.g., CLP, EDGE Fellows, Durrell Academy, to encourage emerging talent to integrate into the SSC network.

• Actively support the SSC Fungus Conservation Committee and SSC Specialist Group Chairs to improve diversity across SSC network in gender, nationality, ethnicity, age, disciplinary background, profession and other attributes that might enhance those groups' effectiveness.

Communication and Education In partnership with the IZS Conservation Education Department, the IZS Communications Department and the SSC and IUCN Communication Officer(s):

• Coordinate, implement and evaluate how the GCSS can engage with the public on issues relating to fungus conservation, including locally through the zoo and globally through the development of resources, including social media communications, blogs and podcasts, graphics, and other emerging communication techniques.

• Assist in active and regular content development and acquirement by the GCSS including video, images, audio and other media types. Assist in the organization and management of these assets.

Internal Integration

• Ensure relevant strategic priorities and opportunities relating to fungus conservation are communicated and appropriately integrated into the Indianapolis Zoo's conservation strategy through consultation with the Zoo's conservation committee and relating to selection of awardees of annual conservation grants, and as needed, involvement with the Indianapolis Prize.

Physical Demands: The IZS follows all local, state and federal employment laws. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life, including jobs, schools, transportation, and all public and private places that are open to the general public. The purpose of the law is to make sure that people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else and guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities.The following physical demands are potential physical demands common for this position:

• This is a full-time, 40 hours per week, position. Must be able to work weekends and evenings as needed to attend international Teams and in-person meetings.

• Must have the ability to transport and move items up to twenty (20) pounds frequently and transport and move items up to fifty (50) pounds occasionally.

• Repetitive motion and exposure to office computer systems; must have the ability to operate a computer and other office productivity machinery such as but limited to, computer printer, scanner, copy machine, and calculator.

• Predominantly indoor environmental conditions, although there is some exposure to outdoor environmental conditions, which include inclement weather, cold and hot temperatures, and humidity.

• Must follow Universal Protection Precautions and Blood-borne Pathogens Guidelines. Possible exposure (Category C employee) to human blood-borne pathogens.

• Ability to detect, assess, identify, and observe surroundings to make sound judgments, along with the ability to communicate verbally, comprehend and decipher information accurately, using a telephone.

• Ability to endure the stress of traveling.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Minimum Bachelor level degree in biology, ecology, botany natural resources management or related field.

• Broad knowledge of international biodiversity conservation issues relating to fungus.

• Demonstrated experience and a good understanding of the practical aspects of biodiversity conservation actions and policy especially relating fungus.

• Well-developed organizational skills included demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities, and ability to work independently to complete tasks within assigned time frames.

• Working knowledge of the IUCN SSC, and with leaders and stakeholders in fungus conservation.

• Minimum of 5 years related work experience.

• Strong skills in project management, planning and project implementation.

• Experience with international projects and supporting new initiatives.

• Ability to effectively manage teams to deliver results.

• International stakeholder management experience, multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience desirable.

• Experience in fundraising and / or demonstrated success in proposal writing.

• Excellent people relationship management skills, ability to work as part of a team, with respect for and sensitivity to multi-cultural approaches.

• Advanced and competent user of standard word processing, spreadsheet, presentation and database software and electronic communication technology (e.g., e-mail, Skype, WhatsApp, conference calls, etc.). Working knowledge of social media and mobile apps.

• Ability to plan, administer and record results of work-team meetings and activities.

• Experience with administration including attention to detail and numerical ability.

Personal Specification

• Self-motivated with an attention to detail.

• Ability to multi-task, handle high pressure situations, and meet tight deadlines.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and organizational skills.

• Demonstrable experience in scientific and public engagement, including good presentation skills.

• A commitment to the worldwide role of accredited zoos, aquariums and botanic gardens.

• Excellent written and oral communication, diplomacy and interpersonal skills.

• Fluency in English a requirement. Fluency in other languages desired.

• Ability to work well in a global team to problem solve, self-manage and find solutions.

• An eagerness to expand personal knowledge-base and adapt to new challenges

• Ability to travel and to work flexible hours, including long hours around Zoo fundraising events and attend after-hours committee meetings or events.

• Complies with all Zoo policies and procedures.

• Problem solving and judgment: Recognizes problems as they occur and contributes to their resolution. Makes good decisions resulting from sound judgment as related to level of experience. Makes concentrated effort to familiarize and learn to handle various difficult situations which arise during her/his assigned duties.

• A professional and positive attitude is expected at all times while interacting with peers, co- workers and the public.

This position is open and available to all candidates worldwide. International candidates must be able to acquire a work visa. To apply:

• Interested candidates must complete an online application by the January 19, 2025, application deadline.
• To be eligible, applicants MUST include curriculum vitae, cover letter, and salary requirements.

Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.