[Hiring] Transformative Technology Lead @Conservation X Labs

Role Description

The Transformative Technology Lead (Senior Program Manager) oversees day-to-day programmatic implementation of the Technology Strategy across the Fund’s three target ecoregions: the Amazon, the Pantanal, and the Chiquitania. Reporting directly to the CXL CEO (the Fund Lead) and working closely with the Regional Lead for Technology, Data, and Innovation and with CXL’s Director of Open Innovation, this role drives a technology-first agenda by managing grants, contracts, and program management; assisting with maintaining partner relationships; supporting field technology deployments and partner trainings; and organizing and implementing open innovation programs that advance fire prevention and response across South America.

The Senior Program Manager works on a daily basis with the Regional Lead for Technology, Data, and Innovation to execute strategic priorities, prepare materials for funders and partners, and ensure activities are delivered on time and with measurable impact. The role coordinates with external consultants (including trainers, technical advisers, and field specialists) and ensures seamless collaboration between team members, technical partners, and regional actors, including communities and brigades.

In line with the Fund’s technology priorities, this role champions leapfrogging technologies and the evaluation and adoption of innovative solutions, and serves as the Fund’s technical translator with major technology partners and technology providers. It also leads the Fund’s data systems and data-flow work (Pillar 3 of the Technology Strategy) with the Regional Lead for Technology.

Qualifications

• Self-starter and collaborative team player with at least 5 years of professional experience managing technology, innovation, or development technology or nature-tech programs; a degree in a relevant field or equivalent, including engineering, computer science, conservation.
• Deep expertise in applying transformative technologies, such as AI, sensor systems, and big data, in a catalytic and equitable way particularly in the global south.
• Technical fluency with expertise in applied methods to translate technology into operational systems in the field.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple grants, contracts, and workstreams simultaneously and under pressure.
• Creative and forward-thinking, with a track record of problem-solving in complex, multi-partner environments.
• Ability to work across cultures, disciplines, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate technologies, assess field program needs, and translate technical information for diverse audiences.
• Experience with accelerating technology development and/or field technology deployments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.

Requirements

• Practical technology experience and capabilities in any of the following: the application of artificial intelligence, including both software and hardware for AI, computer vision, large landscape and language foundation models and systems for environmental change.
• Technology product management experience.
• Training or experience with tropical forests management and wildfire.
• Experience working with or for Indigenous-led conservation organizations.
• Experience in running conservation or development projects.
• Working fluency in Spanish or Portuguese.

Benefits

• Salary range of $104,000 to $139,000 per year for candidates based in Washington, D.C.
• Competitive salary for candidates based in Latin America (Bolivia, Peru, or Brazil), set using local labor market data.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance and a 401(k) match for staff based in the U.S.
• No cap on vacation or sick days.
• Time off during the weekdays between December 25 and January 1 along with recognized public holidays.
• Support for professional development.
• Some domestic and international travel involved.