Fungal Conservation Director
Part-Time | Remote (U.S. preferred)
Hourly rate: $18-$25/hr (commensurate with experience)
Reports to: Fungal Diversity Survey Board of Directors
About FUNDIS
The Fungal Diversity Survey (FUNDIS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the
discovery, documentation, and conservation of fungi across North America. Fungi are vital to
healthy ecosystems—forming the backbone of soil networks, supporting plant life, recycling
nutrients, and sustaining biodiversity. Yet, many fungal species remain undescribed,
unprotected, and under threat.
Our mission is to accelerate fungal conservation by connecting science, community, and action.
We work with researchers, land managers, mycological societies, and conservation institutions
to build a strong foundation for fungal conservation through data collection, Red List
assessments, habitat protection, and public engagement.
Position Summary
The Fungal Conservation Director will lead and coordinate FUNDIS’s conservation initiatives
across North America. This role is ideal for someone with a strong background in biodiversity
conservation, project management, and cross-sector collaboration.
The Director will work closely with the FUNDIS Board of Directors, FUNDIS programs (CA
FUNDIS and Rare Fungi Challenges), external partners (including IUCN Specialist Groups,
Natural Heritage Programs, and conservation NGOs), and academic and community scientists
to:
● Advance fungal species assessments and conservation planning;
● Mobilize collaborative projects to protect threatened fungi and their habitats;
● Support research, data management, and policy engagement efforts; and
● Communicate fungal conservation priorities to broader audiences.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the growing field of fungal conservation and strengthen
the visibility and protection of fungi within North American conservation frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
●
Program Coordination: Coordinate the development and implementation of fungal conservation projects across
North America.
● Support FUNDIS programs in organizational capacity: setting priorities, defining
conservation criteria, and launching new initiatives.
● Facilitate collaboration between researchers, local mycological clubs, Indigenous
groups, conservation organizations, and land managers.
● Help oversee project logistics, timelines, budgets, and reporting.
Data & Assessments
● Coordinate or assist in IUCN Red List assessments for fungal species.
● Help compile and manage species occurrence and ecological data to identify
conservation needs.
● Support creation and management of databases and conservation maps.
● Contribute to publications, reports, and conservation planning documents.
Partnerships & Network Development
● Strengthen collaborations among fungal experts, mycological societies, and
conservation entities.
● Identify new partnership opportunities for joint conservation action.
● Represent FUNDIS in national and international conservation forums, workshops, and
coalitions.
Fundraising & Resource Development
● Assist with proposal writing, grant management, and donor reporting for conservation
programs.
● Identify potential funding opportunities for species and habitat protection projects.
Communications & Outreach
● Work with the FUNDIS Communications Director to share updates on fungal
conservation, including stories, visuals, and reports.
● Support public engagement initiatives that highlight fungal conservation challenges and
solutions.
● Contribute to educational materials and digital content for the FUNDIS community and
broader audiences.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
● Bachelor’s degree in biology, ecology, mycology, conservation science, or substantially
equivalent experience and training.
● Professional experience in conservation coordination, research, or project management.
● Demonstrated understanding of biodiversity conservation and policy, ideally with fungi,
plants, or other underrepresented taxa.
● Experience collaborating with scientists, nonprofits, and/or government agencies.
Skills & Competencies
● Excellent organizational and project management skills.
● Strong written and verbal communication abilities, including technical and public-facing
communication.
● Data management skills (spreadsheets).
● Proficiency in digital collaboration tools (Google Workspace, Slack, Zoom, etc.).
● Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a small, distributed team.
Preferred
● Familiarity with IUCN Red List process or other conservation assessment frameworks
strongly preferred.
● Data analytical skills (e.g. biodiversity databases, GIS)
● Experience with fundraising or grant writing.
● Multicultural or multilingual experience.
● Understanding of fungal biology and taxonomy.
● Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in conservation.
Working Conditions
● Remote position; candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S.
● Flexible hours with occasional travel for meetings, workshops, or field events.
● Must be able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
To Apply
Submit a cover letter, CV/resume, and contact information for three references to
info@fundis.org with the subject line:
“FUNDIS Fungal Conservation Coordinator Application – [Your Name]”
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
FUNDIS is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and collaborators, and
we strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in science and
conservation to apply."