California Program Director

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Trout Unlimited (TU) is North America's leading coldwater fisheries conservation organization, dedicated to the conservation, protection and restoration of trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. The organization has more than 140,000 members in over 400 chapters across the United States. TU's vision is that, by the next generation, trout and salmon will be restored throughout their native range so that our children can enjoy healthy fisheries in their home waters. To accomplish this vision, TU works to protect, reconnect, and restore fish populations and their habitat, and to sustain this work by building a diverse movement of businesses, people, and communities dedicated to our mission.

TU seeks an experienced, passionate leader with outstanding communication skills and a strong record of accomplishment to direct its highly successful California Program, which is based in Berkeley. The California Director reports to TU's Vice President for Western Conservation.

In addition to the Director, TU's California program has eight staff members with diverse backgrounds and expertise, including scientists, lawyers, communication specialists, organizers and project managers. California Program staff focus their work on several projects and campaigns designed to advance TU's mission in accordance with the organization's strategic plan. Those projects and campaigns include: (1) obtaining long-term protection of highly functioning habitat on public lands; (2) removing dams, culverts and other obstructions to reconnect fish populations and expand habitat; (3) protecting and restoring stream flow in salmon and trout waters through collaborative partnerships with water users, hydropower reoperation, and water law reform; (4) restoring salmon and steelhead rivers through partnerships with private timberland owners and other land managers; and (5) working with TU's 10,000 California members and our local chapters to improve trout and salmon rivers throughout the state.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and goals for all facets the California Program, consistent with TU's mission and strategic direction and oversee development and execution of strategies and actions to achieve those goals.
• Build and maintain a strong, integrated California Program staff team through direct supervision of senior-level staff, employing effective means of internal communication and making staff changes as needed.
• Develop and manage the California Program budget.
• In coordination with and assisted by TU's Marketing and Communications staff, be the primary spokesperson for TU in California in the media and in appropriate venues.
• Contribute to development and advancement of TU's organizational goals nationally and in the West through participation in TU Board of Trustee meetings, Western Conservation Director meetings, and other forums.
• Build and maintain positive relations with TU's California grassroots members through direct engagement with TU's California State Council and TU Chapters, and ensure that grassroots resources are fully utilized in advancing conservation projects and campaigns.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key elected officials, policy-makers, and resource managers.
• Build and maintain strong alliances with like-minded conservation and sportsmen's organizations; establish strategic partnerships to leverage TU resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, with a strong preference for an advanced degree in a relevant discipline.
• A minimum of 5 years of not-for-profit management and team leadership experience, or similar experience in the public or private sectors.
• Successful fundraising and budget management experience.
• Understanding of natural resource policy and management issues relevant to the conservation of trout and salmon and their habitats, advocacy experience in legislative and administrative forums a plus.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills and experience in media relations.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to work independently.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Passion for trout and salmon conservation; being an avid fly-fisher a plus.

The position will be located in the California Program's Berkeley headquarters. Salary and benefits are competitive with other national not-for-profit conservation organizations; salary is commensurate with experience. The position requires frequent travel within California and infrequent travel outside of California. TU is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter, resume, and references by email to:
Szilvia Rideg at srideg@tu.org, and include "CA Program Director Application" in the subject line. No phone inquiries, please.

Applications for this position will be accepted until Wednesday, September 28th.