JOB TITLE: Senior Representative, Rockies and Plains Program

GRADE:

FLSA: Exempt

DIVISION/SITE: Denver, CO

DEPARTMENT: Field Conservation

REPORTS TO: Director, Rockies and Plains Program

LAST REVISED: March 2019

BASIC SUMMARY:

This senior-level position is responsible for implementing Defenders’ strategic plan to prepare Colorado’s physical, social and political landscapes for successful wolf restoration. Strategies include strengthening and mobilizing the already-strong base of support for wolves in Colorado (65-70%), cultivating diverse messengers for wolf restoration, securing science-based policies and plans for wolf restoration, and implementing predator-livestock conflict reduction strategies with partnering livestock owners/managers.

This position requires advanced knowledge and experience in a broad array of wolf conservation issues, including wolf ecology, wolf-livestock conflict reduction strategies, state and federal wolf policy and federal land management policy. The senior representative may oversee contractors working for Defenders on some of these issues. Advanced knowledge of and familiarity with key stakeholders, agencies and organizations engaged in wolf conservation is required, as well as demonstrated established ties to the larger conservation community.

The senior representative works closely with the Denver-based national outreach representative and D.C.-based communications staff to promote the importance of wolf recovery to restore Colorado’s natural balance, work with diverse stakeholders to pave the way for wolves in the state, and grow a large, in-state constituency in active support of this goal. The senior representative also works with other staff members in the Rockies and Plains program and throughout Defenders in implementing the overall mission and goals of Defenders.

This position requires working independently with minimal oversight.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead efforts for wolf restoration in Colorado in coordination with other partners.
• Increase support for wolf restoration among Coloradans, including among diverse constituencies such as minorities, hunters, ranchers, businesses, fish and wildlife enthusiasts, academics, agency officials, and religious, scientific and environmental organizations.
• Mobilize Coloradans to pressure decision-makers to conserve and recover wolves and oppose anti-wolf actions that undermine wolf restoration.
• Work with landowners, livestock owners and agencies to promote human-wildlife coexistence and reduce predator-livestock conflicts in advance of wolf restoration.
• Create and implement a wolf restoration communications plan in coordination with Defenders’ communications and marketing departments and other conservation partners.
• Represent Defenders and Defenders’ interests to the public, the media, and key decision-makers.
• Represent Defenders in selected working groups, committees, and processes.
• Inform the public and members on key issues through mailings, e-mail alerts, social media, dissemination of educational materials, and Defenders magazine.
• Work with Defenders’ national headquarters staff to provide information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help identify and develop potential sources of funding to support work activities and Defenders’ priorities.
• Assist in developing a network of experts and grassroots activists to assist Defenders in accomplishing its objectives.
• Identify key information relating to policy, strategy, and decision-making, and communicate it as appropriate and in a timely manner to the Rockies and Plains Program Director and other relevant staff members.
• Supervise support staff, volunteers, and contractors as necessary.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

An equivalent combination of demonstrated education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed below:

• Education: A Bachelor’s degree in conservation biology, political science, natural resources management, environmental planning, environmental or public policy, or a related natural resources discipline. An advanced degree is preferred.
• Experience: 10+ years of direct experience in conservation advocacy, environmental law, federal land use management and policy, conservation biology, endangered species policy, natural resources management or wildlife conservation policy. Experience with state legislative procedures, wildlife and conservation programs, state agencies, media relations, and coalition building. Experience in wolf biology or wolf conservation strongly preferred. Fundraising and grant writing experience a plus.

Other:

Demonstrated awareness of and experience with the concerns and needs of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.

• Hands-on experience with wolf research or management.
• Experience working with ranching and/or hunting communities.
• Strong verbal communications skills.
• Superior writing and research skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong knowledge of Colorado’s social, political and ecological landscape.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout Colorado and be productive remotely.
• Ability to work independently to initiate project ideas as well as to manage them through to completion.
• Ability to work constructively as a member of a team.
• Experience leading coalitions and/or convening diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work productively with both colleagues and opponents.
• Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies and other organizations.
• Analytical skills to anticipate and make recommendations on policy issues impacting wildlife.
• Experience with community building to elevate public awareness of issues and build a constituency for solutions.
• Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in response to unexpected change and complex situations.
• Personal interest in and commitment to wildlife conservation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer and communicate with others while doing so.
Ability to walk in natural areas including mountainous terrain to perform field work on occasion.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• General office working conditions, the noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
• Travel throughout Colorado is required.
• Occasional weekend and evening work required.
• Occasional field working conditions involving walking in mountainous terrain.