Director, Freshwater Fish Conservation

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

 

Title: Director, Freshwater Fish Conservation

Summary: The Keystone Initiatives are a centerpiece of the Foundation's strategic plan and drive our work on some of the most important conservation issues in North America. The goal of the Keystone Initiatives is to create and implement a core portfolio of select, issue-specific programs that will achieve long-term impact with measurable outcomes. Keystone Directors work with program staff and evaluation scientists to create and implement programs that have the potential to influence conservation well beyond the Foundation's own resources. The Keystone Director is expected to be a thought-leader in his/her field and strengthen the Foundation's position as a leader in the conservation community. Keystone Directors are also expected to play a leadership role in securing federal and private funding for their programs.

For the Freshwater Fish Director, the Foundation seeks an individual with an entrepreneurial spirit and a broad knowledge of the challenges facing freshwater ecosystems, large-scale and trans-boundary conservation issues. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable record as an innovator in his/her field and serve as a catalyst within the Foundation to create new combinations of people, processes, methodologies, and ideas that will expand successes in outcome-based conservation. The Foundation is particularly interested in individuals with expertise in one or more of the following issues: innovative watershed, stream, and river conservation (acquisition and restoration) techniques, ecosystem services, watershed conservation, and/or energy development impacts on fish and riverine habitats. The Freshwater Fish Director should have a strong scientific background and thorough understanding of the cutting-edge issues in fish and freshwater conservation as well as the ability to raise funding.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Science, Conservation, and Strategy Development

1. Lead the implementation and evaluation of existing Freshwater Fish Keystone Initiatives.
2. Develop as needed and dictated by Chief Science Officer new programs and concepts for funding and implementation in the general area of freshwater and fish conservation.
3. Work with science team to establish conservation goals for general area of expertise and for keystone as part of new strategy development.
4. Work with science team to develop and/or adapt existing monitoring methodology to existing grant portfolio and investments that also aligns with conservation framework and conservation goals as part of new strategy.
5. Work with evaluation team to assess performance of one or more initiatives within keystone thematic area.

Partnership Engagement and Outreach

1. Ensure adequate and timely reports, interactions, and outreach with all relevant Partners, specifically US Government Agencies, Foundations and Board members.
2. Ensure productive management and smooth running of Board subcommittee for keystone. This includes interactions with Board members and chair in the preparation of all material and reports as well as during Board meetings, and any other engagements as needed.
3. Act as spokesperson for NFWF on matters related to Keystone and initiatives and represent the Foundation at key relevant meetings and conferences.
4. Coordinate and facilitate groups of partners to work collaboratively on on-the-ground implementation of Initiatives.
5. Work with NFWF departments to support their needs and ensure strong integration of existing and new programs in areas of overlap with Keystone and initiatives.
6. Actively pursue innovative new private and public partnerships and funding for existing and new initiatives within Keystones and as part of new strategy.

Grants Management and Administration

1. Manage applicable funding source(s) as appropriate, including preparation of grant applications and amendments, preparation and submission of financial and programmatic reports, and coordination with project officers to ensure compliance with all funding source requirements.
2. Improve grant management process for tasks that are dependent on Keystone Directors' actions.
3. Process all required in-house administrative expense and travel reports in a timely manner.
4. Conduct site visits in accordance with Foundation policy.

SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recommending and leading efforts to improve internal administrative processes.
• Performing other duties as assigned by the Chief Science Officer.
• Willingness to travel with moderate frequency and sometimes on short notice.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS)

• PhD degree with significant experience in natural resource management.
• Demonstrated thought leadership within area of expertise.
• Five to eight years experience in conservation program management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of staff to create a highly integrated program.
• Demonstrated ability to lead others and get desired results.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate productive exchange among government and non-government agencies and organizations.
• Extensive experience and confidence to discuss conservation priorities and projects with Board members, 'grasstop' donors, Congressional staff and senior members of federal agency directorates.
• Proven success in fundraising or program development.
• Experience working with federal resource agencies and in managing cooperative agreements preferred.
• Experience in grant management and administration preferred.
• Ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for information.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet short deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills, particularly ability in working with the public and institutions.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through skills.
• Ability to think strategically and plan for the future.
• Flexibility in a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Computer proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Commitment to Foundation values.

Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Location: Washington, DC

To apply, please send an e-mail, with attachments in Word format, containing your cover letter describing your interest and qualifications, resume, three professional references and your salary requirements to Marla Carter, Human Resources Manager, at HR5@nfwf.org. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.