Stephanie Koder

About Stephanie Koder

Senior program leader with a unique mix of expertise gained in the areas of program management, grants administration, communications, and data analysis - drawing upon a robust mix of both U.S. and international governmental, private, and non-profit sector experience.Recognized throughout career for the ability to thrive in challenging, rapidly changing work environments and communicate effectively across diverse cultural boundaries based on time spent as an Air Force member in South Korea, as well as subsequent public sector work in Costa Rica. Known for an extremely detail-oriented nature, creative problem-solving skills, and a can-do attitude - along with specific expertise supporting/leading programs in the environmental space related to climate change policy, agricultural policy, and global sustainable development.Areas of expertise include:• Global Non-Profit Program Development, Management & Strategy• Climate Change / Environmental Policy Expertise (Research & Advocacy)• Grant Applications, Proposals, Fundraising & Development• Program Measurement & Evaluation / KPI Implementation / Reporting / Compliance• Exceptional Communications, Influencing & Presentation Skills• Strategic Partnerships / Stakeholder Management, Engagement & Communications• Team Hiring, Training, Mentoring & Leadership (both FTEs & Volunteers)• Extensive international background, enhanced by global work experience and Spanish, Korean fluency• Expertise Navigating complex political and organizational structures• Change Management / Process Improvement / Business TransformationEducational credentials include an M.A. Degree in Global Environmental Policy and graduation from the TNC One Conservancy Leadership Development Program at the University of Cambridge. Additionally hold a B.S. Degree in Global Business & Public Policy from the University of Maryland Global Campus, an A.A. Degree in Korean Language from the Defense Language Institute, an A.S. Degree in Communications Applications Technology from Community College of the Air Force, and Program Management Professional (PMP) Certification from the Program Management Institute.

Experience

1. Director, Bezos Earth Fund Program

   The Nature Conservancy

   Jul 2023 — Present · Seattle, WA, US

   Appointed to oversee a complex, high-profile grant program representing the organization’s largest single funding infusion in history—provided by the Bezos Earth Fund• Oversee 3 diverse projects associated with the program: 1) a program dedicated to Indigenous-led conservation; 2) launch of a new behavior change program in India addressing critical agriculture challenges; and 3) a scientific program across 15 countries focused on climate solutions via nature• Evaluate/recommend new programs aimed at improving biodiversity and climate sustainability• Allocated discretionary funding to launch a “Community Priority Fund” to strengthen relationships and support self-identified needs of community-led groups in areas impacted by TNC projects• Evangelize the TNC and Bezos Earth Fund initiative to internal stakeholder groups, speaking at numerous corporate events and translating detailed scientific terminology into simple, clear communications• Assist The Nature Conservancy’s CEO and leadership team in evolving a strategy for BEF relationship management and reporting• Secured additional policy and communications expertise to advance adoption of a newly developed carbon mapping platform• Onboarded a new program in Brazil and established a new system for adding grant projects that apply “lessons learned” from previous projects

Education

• Cambridge Judge Business School

  Leadership Program

  2020 — 2020

• University of Maryland Global Campus

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  2007 — 2010

• Community College of the Air Force

  Associate of Science (A.S.)

  2004 — 2009

• Defense Language Institute

  Associate of Arts (A.A.)

  2004 — 2005

• American University

  Master of Arts (M.A.)

  2012 — 2014