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About the Role

The Science department guides the Rainforest Alliance's strategy through products, global programs, regional projects, and partnerships, supporting engagement with various stakeholders. It provides technical expertise in climate, regenerative agriculture, forestry, human rights, and monitoring & evaluation to ensure consistent, high-impact program design and delivery. The Senior Director, Applied Science, will drive the practical application of this expertise across all impact pathways, ensuring clear value propositions, operating models, tools, decision-making processes, revenue models, assurance mechanisms, and claims frameworks, while embedding coordination, accountability, and continuous learning. This role also leads methodologies for measuring organizational and partner impact and advances producer-centric approaches. You will lead a global, multidisciplinary team and serve on the Senior Management Team, ensuring strategic alignment, scientific credibility, and a strong reputation, while translating complex science into actionable solutions and fostering innovation, collaboration, and talent development. A strong focus on producer impact will drive cross-functional alignment, enable data-driven decision-making, and identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships to accelerate impact at scale. You will report to the Chief Growth and Impact Officer.

Responsibilities

Set and drive the global science agenda, aligning technical expertise with strategic priorities.
Develop and implement scientific strategies to achieve our goals and objectives.
Lead and inspire a diverse, global team of technical experts across climate, agriculture, forestry, GIS, and M&E.
Use research, findings, impact data, and qualitative sources to make decisions that guide certification and program implementation.
Turn complex technical insights into practical, market-ready solutions and programs.
Embed farmer and forest community needs at the heart of all programs and solutions.
Lead programmatic experts to support the design and development of certification and programs across the organization based on standard methodology in their respective fields.
Represent the Rainforest Alliance at important global events with credibility and impact across partners, donors, and policy forums.

Requirements

15 years of progressive, relevant experience, with at least 10 years developing and driving department-level strategy and budgets and leading senior staff in multiple countries.
10 years senior-leadership experience leading collaboration with companies, donors, and strategic alliances.
Proven track record of scientific achievements and contributions to the field.
In-depth knowledge of scientific principles, theories, and methodologies.
Knowledge of sustainable development issues and commitment to Rainforest Alliance's goals: conserving forests and other high-value ecosystems; restoring production systems and rural landscapes; mitigating climate change and building climate resilience; and strengthening livelihoods and securing human rights.
Direct experience working with producers (small, medium, and large) and/or forest communities.
Key competencies: transformational leadership, innovation, adaptability, persuasion, critical and reflective thinking, public speaking, resourcefulness, relationship building based on trust, empathy, and openness, and strong organizational skills to manage multiple priorities in a time-critical manner.

Skills

Climate
Regenerative Agriculture
Forestry
Human Rights
Monitoring & Evaluation
GIS
Transformational leadership
Innovation
Adaptability
Persuasion
Critical and reflective thinking
Public speaking
Resourcefulness
Relationship building
Organizational skills

Location

Netherlands
UK
US National
New York
Washington DC

Work Type

Flexible hybrid working environment

Experience Level

Senior Director
15 years of progressive, relevant experience
10 years developing and driving department-level strategy and budgets
10 years leading senior staff in multiple countries
10 years senior-leadership experience leading collaboration with companies, donors, and strategic alliances

Education Level

Master's degree in Climate, Environmental Science, Forestry, Agriculture, Biology, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Salary/Compensations

Netherlands salary range: €88,452 - €137,917
UK salary range: £65,989 - £113,123
US National salary range: $106,322 - $182,265
New York salary range: $115,796 - $198,507
Washington DC salary range: $113,764 - $195,023

Benefits

Be a part of a global organization with an impactful mission and a collaborative, respectful, and accountable culture.
Enjoy opportunities for professional growth and career development.
Benefit from remote working flexibility and flexible hybrid working environment.
Receive a competitive salary package.
A favourable time‑off policy, including annual leave.
Prioritize your wellbeing.
Employee assistance programs
Wellbeing activities
Sabbatical opportunities.

About the Company

The Rainforest Alliance is a global organization with an impactful mission and a collaborative, respectful, and accountable culture.

Equal Opportunity

The Rainforest Alliance encourages diversity and inclusion across the global organization. With this commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, ages, disability and any other protected group.