Director of Conservation Planning

This professional-level position plays a leadership role in developing and implementing Defenders’ programs to safeguard wildlife from the negative effects of climate change.  The Director works with the science and land and wildlife management communities to develop on-the-ground strategies to assist wildlife in adapting to climate change and facilitates the adoption of those strategies into federal, state, and private land management plans.  The Director also works closely with Defenders’ policy teams to develop and implement policy initiatives to support on-the-ground, climate-smart conservation programs.  A key aspect of the position is assisting states in developing wildlife climate adaptation strategies.

The Director supervises a Conservation Planning Associate, and works closely with the Vice President for Land Conservation, field offices, and interdisciplinary teams in developing and coordinating strategies, national campaigns, various conservation reports and coalitions.  The Director also takes lead responsibility in working with federal and state agencies, Congress, and other non-governmental organizations on program initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• With other Defenders’ staff and outside experts, develop on-the-ground strategies to safeguard wildlife from the effects of climate change.
• With other Defenders’ staff and outside organizations, develop and promote model state and federal policies that promote wildlife adaptation to climate change.
• Develop programs, strategies, and materials to assist state agencies in addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and habitat
• Work with Defenders’ staff to develop climate change adaptation strategies into Defenders Land Conservation programs including federal land management plans, and land trust conservation strategies.
• Maintain effective working relationships with natural and social scientists, agency administrators, members of Congress, Congressional staff, leading NGOs, and members of Defenders’ Board of Directors
• Develop a network of experts, government officials, NGOs and citizens to assist Defenders in accomplishing its organization-wide objectives
• Research, write, and/or otherwise contribute to the development of various conservation reports, publications, organizational policies, and position statements
• Assist with member and public education efforts on conservation planning issues through Defenders’ Website, Defenders’ Wildlife eNews, magazine, news media, public appearances, and dissemination of educational materials
• Represent Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, and in general communications with public officials, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the public
• Assist Defenders in providing information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help to identify and develop potential sources of funding for Defenders
• Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements
• Develop and recommend program budget
• Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
• Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education:  Advanced degree or equivalent in conservation biology, wildlife management, ecology, or environmental policy

Experience:  5+ years of progressively responsible experience is required in at least one of the following areas: Developing and implementing programs to conserve biodiversity; climate change and natural resource science and policy; land management planning; state wildlife action plans; organizing campaigns for non-profit organizations; or conservation biology research, including 2+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Other Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of climate change science and policy; conservation biology; landscape-level planning; and laws and regulations for biodiversity conservation
• Strong written and verbal communications skills

How To Apply

Interested applicants please reference Director of Conservation Planning in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered) to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, in all personnel actions.