Conservation Director

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Conservation Director

Classification: Exempt employee

Location: IWLA Headquarters, Gaithersburg, MD

Supervisor: Executive Director

Salary Range and Benefits: $110,000-$120,000 annually, eligible for employer-sponsored health and dental plans, retirement plan, 12 paid holidays/year, and up to 2 days/week of telework.

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), founded in 1922, protects and conserves our shared heritage of wildlife, clean air and water, forests and soils. Our members and staff combine hands-on conservation action, policy work with legislatures and resource agencies, and public education to pursue our conservation goals at the local, state, and national levels. As a strong, responsible voice representing hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists, we occupy a special niche in the conservation community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Conservation Director serves in a senior position with diverse public policy, management, leadership, and communications responsibilities. The Conservation Director is responsible for planning, oversight, and implementation of the League’s national legislative and public policy agenda and strategies. This position is also responsible for supervising senior staff directing the League’s conservation programs and, in this capacity, playing a leadership role in current and future program development. As a member of the senior management team, the Conservation Director assists in the overall operation of the League, including communications, development, and chapter and member relations. This position is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with the Executive Director, other members of the senior management team, conservation program staff, and the IWLA board, establish the League’s legislative and public policy agenda.
• Lead the planning and implementation of issue-based legislative, regulatory and other campaigns and develop grassroots advocacy capability and involvement in support of those campaigns.
• Supervise 7-10 conservation staff, oversee development and implementation of conservation program budgets, and ensure compliance with lobbying rules.
• Take a lead role for the League and in the conservation and environmental community on selected high priority issues.
• Use a team-oriented approach to overseeing conservation programs and developing and implementing new ideas and conservation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with key congressional and federal agency staff.
• Represent the League on coalitions consistent with advancing the League’s policy agenda.
• Make periodic visits to the League’s state divisions and chapters.
• Actively contribute to the League’s internal and external communications efforts, including by supporting member engagement with the media around priority public policy issues.

 QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy/administration, natural resource management, or other relevant field, postgraduate degree preferred.
• Eight to ten years of senior level experience in legislative, public policy, and advocacy fields. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation, public land, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation issues, policies, and statutes.
• Demonstrated experience managing professional and administrative staff and preparing and implementing annual budgets.
• Demonstrated ability working with the media.
• Ability to establish priorities, think strategically, and independently manage multiple tasks in a high work load environment.
• Ability to work as a team leader with a diverse array of colleagues and League staff, volunteer leaders, and members.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate about complex issues in language that is understandable to and compelling for a general audience.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 5 consecutive days.
• Strong personal commitment to advancing the cause of conservation and natural resource stewardship.

 HOW TO APPLY

Please email cover letter, resume, and writing sample to jobs@iwla.org with subject line CONSERVATION DIRECTOR. No phone calls please. Position is open until filled.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer