Spatial Informatics Group—Natural Assets Laboratory - signal

About Big data & network governance or resilient landscapes

We are a Partner Organization

SIG-NAL brings together people and data. We build networks that help policymakers and practitioners harness the revolution in environmental information. We specialize in collaborative decision support for interventions that enable landscapes and communities to adapt and thrive amid environmental and human-driven change. Our work supports nature-based and adaptive strategies for managing wildfire, drought, flooding, deforestation, and other threats to the integrity of ecosystems and the human communities they sustain.

Our History

SIG-NAL was founded in 2012 to advance the public benefit activities of its sister organization, the Spatial Informatics Group. Since that time, we have supported partners in developing data-driven strategies for landscape stewardship across natural and urban landscapes. From an initial focus on ecosystem services and natural assets, SIG-NAL has expanded its mission to address complex, large-scale challenges through collaborative networks, at local to global scales.

SIG Relationship

SIG-NAL operates as a distinct entity from SIG but is closely linked through the appointment by the SIG Managing Principal of the Board of Directors President. SIG-NAL often partners with SIG on projects that allow us to harness SIG’s expertise in cutting-edge analytics and science-delivery platforms.

Our Team

Our interdisciplinary team at SIG-NAL has deep-seated expertise in natural resource policy and planning, collaboration and facilitation, urban and landscape ecology, and data science. Through data-driven, community-centered approaches, we develop solutions that benefit both people and nature.

Executive Leadership & Operations

Program Leadership

Project & Technical

Board of Directors

Dr. David Saah Chair

William Price Vice Chair

Dr. John Gunn Treasurer

Dr. Rodman Linn Director

Alicia Sullivan Director

How

We work

Network Network governance and collaboration

We convene and lead networks that connect decision-makers, data scientists, and practitioners at local to global scales. Our staff are skilled in project management that establish trust, improve coordination, and achieve collective impact across sectors and scales.

Data Data science and analytics

We pilot and scale innovations in geospatial analysis and environmental monitoring– and deliver results through accessible decision-support platforms.

Policy Policy and planning

We co-develop innovative analytical workflows for policy and planning processes with practitioners. And we advocate for policies that create the enabling conditions for strategic, data-driven landscape stewardship.

Capacity Capacity building

We facilitate technology transfer and disseminate innovations through trusted networks, equipping practitioners with the tools and skills needed to apply solutions at scale.

Core Principles

Pragmatism

We are nonpartisan and solutions-focused. Our work prioritizes proven approaches, practical implementation, and measurable outcomes.

Trust Trust and care

Our partnerships are grounded in trust, care, and long-term commitment. We work deliberately and responsibly with communities, institutions, and collaborators.

Collaboration

We believe complex challenges can only be addressed at scale through strong networks. Our work is built on collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and geographies.

Open science

We are committed to making data, methods, and science accessible, transparent, and reproducible, enabling shared learning and broader impact.

Environmental Stewardship

We are dedicated to advancing sustainable land management and nature-based solutions that support a more resilient future for people and ecosystems.

Inclusiveness

We value diverse perspectives, lived experience, and ways of knowing. Inclusive collaboration strengthens both the quality and durability of the solutions we advance.

Careers

open roles and applications

Director SERVIR Global Programs and Partnerships

SERVIR Overview:

SERVIR is a globally-coordinated, locally-led network that uses Earth observation, geospatial science, and emerging technologies to address critical development and environmental challenges. The network operates through autonomous, regional hubs across Africa, Asia, and Latin America that combine deep regional expertise with long-standing relationships with governments, communities, universities, and other institutions. These hubs work directly with users to identify priority needs and co-develop operational information services that strengthen decision-making in climate resilience, disaster preparedness, food and water security, and natural resource management. SERVIR complements this locally led model with shared technical capabilities that can be adapted and used across the global network, including cloud-based geospatial infrastructure, Earth observation data and models, and emerging GeoAI tools. SERVIR’s modular platforms allow regional hubs to tailor these capabilities to local needs and institutions while enabling innovations developed in one region to be adapted and scaled across the network.

Position Overview:

The Director of SERVIR Global Programs and Partnerships provides strategic leadership, coordination, and program management for SERVIR, serving as a central coordination point across regional hubs, organizational leadership, technical and scientific teams, funders, advisors, and strategic partners. The position helps maintain alignment and momentum across a diverse, distributed network while supporting effective program implementation, financial sustainability, partnership development, and demonstration of impact. The role connects science, digital innovation, institutional partnerships, and resource mobilization to advance locally-led priorities. Having a working knowledge of geospatial science and its application to environmental and development challenges is essential to effectively connect SERVIR’s technical capabilities with programmatic, partnership, and funding priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Network leadership and coordination. Provide overall coordination across the SERVIR network, connecting the Global Secretariat, regional hubs, organizational leadership, technical leads, and external partners to maintain alignment on priorities, commitments, and emerging opportunities. Facilitate information flow, collaboration, and decision-making while supporting the leadership and autonomy of regional hubs.
  • Program, operational, and financial management. Oversee implementation of major grants and network initiatives, including work plans, budgets, work orders, partner agreements, expenditures, deliverables, and reporting. Maintain visibility into committed and available resources, funding horizons, and contractual obligations, and work with hubs and technical teams to ensure timely implementation, accountability, and tangible results.
  • Financial sustainability and strategic growth. Coordinate efforts to diversify and expand SERVIR’s funding base, maintain the network-wide opportunity pipeline and donor relationships, engage hubs and business development leads in proposal development, and pursue both project-level and larger multi-region opportunities that leverage SERVIR’s regional presence and shared capabilities. Support consortium formation and sustainable funding models, including engagement with climate and nature finance institutions where relevant to SERVIR’s mission.
  • Strategic partnerships and scientific engagement. Develop and maintain relationships with regional institutions, research and academic organizations, multilateral and government agencies, technology organizations, funders, advisors, and other collaborators. Leverage these relationships to advance scientific collaboration, funding, innovation, and operational impact, including through SERVIR’s broader scientific and applications network.
  • Technical and GeoAI coordination. Work with technical leadership and regional hubs to align shared platforms and GeoAI capabilities with regional and program priorities. While technical leadership and development reside with designated technical teams, maintain sufficient familiarity with the SERVIR GeoAI Strategy and technical portfolio to support planning, fundraising, communications, and network coordination. Support user-needs assessment and service prioritization, institutional adoption, and replication across regions, in collaboration with technical leads.
  • Cross-network initiatives. Coordinate and maintain momentum across priority initiatives involving multiple hubs and partners, including water intelligence, climate and food security, land-cover monitoring and environmental intelligence. Support planning, resourcing, partner coordination, alignment, and follow-through, with technical implementation led by the appropriate technical teams and regional hubs. Help establish pathways for long-term institutional ownership and service sustainability.
  • Communications, impact, and positioning. Strengthen how SERVIR communicates its strategy, capabilities, results, and value to funders, partners, governments, and scientific and development communities. Oversee core positioning and communications materials and advance approaches to performance measurement, learning, and impact intelligence that connect SERVIR’s work to institutional adoption, improved decision-making, and development and environmental outcomes.

Required Qualifications:

  • 10+ years of progressively responsible experience managing complex international development, environmental, scientific, or geospatial programs, including experience coordinating across multiple organizations, countries, or regions. Relevant experience may include, regional program director, or comparable institutional leadership roles.
  • Demonstrated leadership of distributed partnerships and networks, with exceptional communication and relationship-management skills and the ability to build alignment across organizations, represent programs externally, facilitate senior-level discussions, and work effectively across diverse institutional interests without relying on direct supervisory authority.
  • Proven experience with fundraising, business development, and donor engagement, including opportunity development, proposal preparation, partnership formation, and management of relationships with foundations, government agencies, multilateral organizations, or other institutional funders.
  • Strong program, operational, and strategic management experience, including budgeting, grants or contracts, work planning, partner agreements, financial oversight, reporting, and management of multiple concurrent workstreams, with the judgment to establish priorities, identify risks and opportunities, and keep complex initiatives moving forward.
  • Strong working knowledge of Earth observation, geospatial science, and data-driven decision support, demonstrated through leading or managing their application to environmental and development challenges, sufficient to work effectively with scientists and technical teams, connect technical capabilities to programmatic priorities, and communicate them effectively to nontechnical audiences.

Desired Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in geography, environmental science, natural resources, international development, public policy, geospatial science, business administration, technology management, or another field relevant to SERVIR’s mission.
  • Experience working at the intersection of science, technology, and development in Africa, Asia, and/or Latin America, including collaboration with regional institutions and locally led programs in areas such as climate resilience, disaster risk reduction, food and water security, or natural resource management, with familiarity with emerging GeoAI applications in Earth observation and geospatial science. Familiarity with SERVIR or comparable decentralized, locally led international networks is an asset.
  • Experience managing major donor-funded programs and institutional relationships, including partnerships with foundations, government agencies, multilateral organizations, philanthropic organizations, or technology-sector partners.
  • Experience developing and communicating evidence of program impact, including performance frameworks, learning and adaptive management, impact narratives, and translating technical results into compelling cases for continued investment.
  • Experience helping organizations or networks grow and evolve, including developing new partnerships, funding models, shared initiatives, governance approaches, or organizational systems during periods of transition or expansion.

Job Description:

Full time, 40 hours per week

Compensation:

The salary band for this position is $90,000-$100,000 annually, depending on education, certifications, and experience.

Application Deadline:

Application review will begin October 12, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Terms Of Employment:

Some evenings, weekends, and travel are required. This is a grant funded, two-year term position, with the possibility of extension. Further employment is contingent upon additional funding.

What SIG-NAL offers you:

  • 100% remote with flexible schedule and work/life balance.
  • The opportunity to work for a mission-driven organization committed to achieving meaningful environmental impact and improving human well-being.
  • A visible role in an international community of thought-leaders, scientists, and world problem-solvers.
  • Full benefits, including healthcare, vision, dental, life insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Application:

Applicants should send (1) a brief cover letter describing their interest and suitability; (2) a curriculum vitae, and (3) names and contact information for 3 references.

Please submit application materials at www.sig-nal.org/apply.

SIG-NAL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity, which includes the recognition that our success is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of women and men of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. We encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, or other status protected by law.