Montana Program Manager, Northern Rockies

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

 

Position Summary: The Wilderness Society is seeking a Program Manager to help carry out its conservation agenda in Montana. The Montana Program Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and directing a subset of the Society's conservation program in Montana.  The Montana Program Manager will represent the organization in the region on a range of public lands issues and will work closely with the Deputy and Regional Directors to ensure our work is strategic, well integrated, effectively funded, and incorporates a large landscape approach to conservation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities: 

For the campaigns and issues under his/her oversight, the Montana Program Officer is responsible for development of larger strategies, supervision of associated staff, implementation of needed activities, and the cultivation of key constituencies among the appropriate government agencies, political institutions, media, civic and other community interests.   At various times, the Montana Program Manager will need to catalyze and/or lead coalition efforts as well as also ensure that the communications, policy, and research staff and expertise of The Wilderness Society is effectively integrated into the work he/she oversees. The Montana Program Manager’s responsibilities will include:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

In addition to the general duties and responsibilities outlined above, the Program Manager will:

• Develop, participate in, and lead several key conservation campaigns for the Northern Rockies office.
• Coordinate with partner groups and where appropriate, agency staff, in development and implementation of core strategies and activities for assigned program work.
• Supervise any program staff, volunteers, and contractors involved with assigned programs.
• Work with TWS’ Research Department to identify and prioritize needed ecological and economic information related to the assigned priority landscapes.
• Where appropriate, ensure integration of assigned place based work into larger priority policy work of the organization, and track relevant policy developments that could impact our place based work.
• Work with TWS’ Communications Department to educate members of the public, media, decision-makers, elected officials in the region and nationally regarding TWS’ conservation agenda.
• Work closely with conservation partners, government officials, civic and other community leaders to identify, coordinate, cultivate, and communicate with non-traditional sources of public and political support for TWS programs and initiatives.
• Regularly assess the larger conservation context in the region and help identify new opportunities or changed program priorities for the region in cooperation with the Regional Director, Deputy Director, and Assistant Vice President for Northwest Regional Conservation.
• In coordination with development staff, assist with fundraising efforts for assigned conservation campaigns or issues.
• Travel within the region and to Washington, D.C. as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of five years experience in conservation advocacy, public policy, grassroots organizing, and public lands issues. 
• B.A. required; graduate work strongly preferred
• A strong background in and familiarity with federal governmental, political, and public policy processes and institutions.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in coalition with diverse groups and individuals including rural communities in the West;
• Experience and a record of success in establishing, organizing and leading complex, fast-paced, campaigns in sometimes challenging social and political contexts. 
• Ability to make tough decisions on short timeframe with limited information.
• Experience in fundraising from foundations and individuals.
• Strong writing skills and public speaking experience highly desired. 
• Experience with media is preferred.
•  Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills, ability to work under pressure while maintaining a harmonious working environment.
• Past experience with conservation groups, issues, and policies in the Northern Rockies region is desired but not critical.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a retirement savings plan.  At TWS, we advocate for and protect the rich variety of life, values and experiences that wild places provide; as an organization we are equally committed to honoring diversity in our staff and creating an inclusive work environment.

Submit resume, cover letter, writing sample and three references to:

staffing@tws.org