POSITION SUMMARY:
The Science department functions as the core hub, driving Rainforest Alliance’s strategic direction through its products, global initiatives, regional projects, and collaborations, while fostering engagement with businesses, donors, consumers, and external stakeholders. It delivers specialized knowledge in climate solutions, regenerative agriculture, forestry, human rights, and monitoring & evaluation to guarantee cohesive, high-impact program development and execution.
The Senior Director, Applied Science, spearheads the translation of this expertise into tangible outcomes across all impact pathways, establishing robust value propositions, operational models, tools, decision-making frameworks, revenue structures, validation mechanisms, and claims frameworks. Additionally, this role embeds structured coordination, accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization. The department further pioneers methodologies for quantifying both organizational and partner impact while championing producer-focused strategies.
As Senior Director of Applied Science, you will spearhead a global, cross-functional team comprising technical specialists, partnership leaders, and impact assessors, while contributing to the Senior Management Team. Your responsibilities will include aligning strategy with scientific excellence, upholding credibility, and cultivating a robust internal and external reputation, all while distilling intricate scientific concepts into practical solutions and championing innovation, collaboration, and talent growth.
You will champion producer impact by fostering cross-functional collaboration, empowering data-informed decision-making, and seizing opportunities to enhance both internal and external partnerships, ultimately driving scalable impact.
You will report directly to the Chief Growth and Impact Officer, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and operational priorities.
WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Lead with Vision:
Drive the global scientific agenda forward by aligning specialized technical knowledge with key strategic priorities.
Formulate and execute scientific methodologies to attain established goals and objectives.
Assemble elite teams that exemplify excellence and set industry benchmarks through the recruitment and development of top-tier talent across all levels of the organization.
Lead and motivate a multicultural, worldwide team comprising exceptional technical specialists in fields such as climate science, agriculture, forestry, GIS, and monitoring and evaluation.
Employ strategic research, evidence-based findings, measurable impact assessments, and qualitative insights to inform decisions that shape certification processes and program execution.
Transforming scientific discoveries into tangible outcomes, this role focuses on bridging the gap between research and real-world application. By synthesizing complex data and innovative findings, the position drives meaningful changes that benefit society and advance industry standards. Essential to this work are strong analytical skills, proficiency in data interpretation, and the ability to communicate intricate concepts clearly to diverse audiences. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders ensures that insights are effectively translated into actionable strategies, fostering progress and measurable results.
Transform intricate technical knowledge into actionable, commercially viable solutions and strategic programs.
Champion a producer-centric approach by prioritizing the needs, workflows, and success of producers above all else, ensuring their challenges are addressed promptly, and their achievements are celebrated consistently. Foster a collaborative environment where producers feel empowered to innovate, take calculated risks, and drive projects forward with confidence and support. Advocate for resources, tools, and policies that enhance producer efficiency, creativity, and long-term growth, while aligning these efforts with the organization’s strategic objectives. Regularly gather feedback to refine processes and eliminate bottlenecks, ensuring producers can focus on delivering exceptional results without unnecessary friction.
Embed the requirements and priorities of farmers and forest communities as the central focus of every program and solution developed.
Skilled professionals in program management will spearhead the design and development of certification and program initiatives throughout the organization, adhering to established methodologies in their respective domains.
Shape External Influence: Engage with external stakeholders, including industry leaders, regulatory bodies, and community groups, to effectively communicate the organization’s strategic goals and foster collaborative relationships. Build and maintain a robust network to enhance the organization’s reputation and ensure alignment with key external entities. Analyze industry trends and regulatory developments to anticipate potential impacts and proactively develop strategies to mitigate risks or capitalize on opportunities. Represent the organization at conferences, forums, and high-level meetings to advocate for its interests and champion its initiatives.
Demonstrate the Rainforest Alliance’s presence at key international gatherings, fostering meaningful collaborations with partners, donors, and policymakers while upholding the organization’s reputation and influence.
A master’s degree in Climate Science, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Biology, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline is required.
WHAT YOU BRING:
With over a decade and a half of steadily advancing, field-relevant expertise, including a minimum of ten years dedicated to formulating and executing department-level strategy and financial planning while directing senior personnel across diverse international locations.
With over a decade of senior leadership experience, you have successfully spearheaded partnerships and strategic collaborations with businesses, philanthropic organizations, and key alliances.
Demonstrates a strong history of notable scientific accomplishments and impactful contributions within the discipline.
Proficiency in the fundamental scientific principles, theories, and methodologies is essential.
Proficiency in sustainable development principles and a dedicated alignment with Rainforest Alliance’s core objectives—including the preservation of forests and other ecologically significant ecosystems, the rehabilitation of production systems and rural environments, the reduction of climate impacts and enhancement of climate resilience, and the advancement of livelihoods alongside the protection of human rights—are essential.
Experienced in collaborating with producers of varying scales, including small, medium, and large operations, as well as forest communities, is required.
Key competencies include transformational leadership, fostering innovation, demonstrating adaptability, and employing persuasive communication. Critical and reflective thinking, along with strong public speaking abilities, are essential, as is resourcefulness in overcoming challenges. Building trusted relationships through empathy and openness, coupled with exceptional organizational skills, enables effective management of competing priorities under tight deadlines.
To apply, please follow the application method detailed below.
To initiate your application, kindly utilize the provided link(s) accessible via the company’s official website.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
15 years
