The Nature Conservancy Program Manager interview questions

The overall process was poorly organized, with multiple last minute requests to be available to interview the following day, or, for example, receiving an email at 3PM on a Friday to notify me of a 9AM Monday interview. For those currently employed, or with other responsibilities, that's not useful. I had 4 separate 1:1 phone interviews with TNC staff from different programs; 1 phone based panel interview with 4 TNC staff, all senior level (e.g., state and continental director); and was asked to provide written responses to 5 questions within a 3 page limit. Each of the single phone interviews focused on a specific skill area (communications/project management/collaboration) and situational responses to scenarios within those areas. Some questions were very specific such as: "describe a process for optimally allocating finances across a network of partners, ' or "describe your approach to collaboration when you have no direct authority for any of the staff engaged." The panel interview was more broad, covering personal traits/values, interest and commitment to conservation, why was I the best choice, and then some specific management Qs, such as: " how could you best demonstrate a return on investment to donors," or "what are specific challenges in evaluating a dispersed network of projects." I was given a few minutes at the end of each session to ask questions, and people were generally friendly throughout the process. I did receive conflicting information between TNC staff as to the nature of the position, and some seemed unclear how this position fit into the larger framework. That became an issue with the panel when something I was told by a junior level staff was contradicted by a senior level staff member. I also asked the panel about direct reporting lines as there seemed to be a range of people this position would report to based on statements they made, but received a vague response.