Arctic Lands Program Representative – Anchorage, AK

Organization: The Wilderness Society

Job Title: Arctic Lands Program Representative

Location: Anchorage, AK

Hours and Compensation: Full time, The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; and a pension plan.

Position Dates: Start ASAP

Posted On: June 28th, 2012

Organization Overview

The Wilderness Society, a national nonprofit membership organization devoted to preserving wilderness and wildlife, seeks a highly creative and skilled individual to join its Alaska team. The Arctic Lands Program Representative will facilitate special area conservation efforts in the Arctic working with our interdependent team of scientists, policy and communication staff.

Description

The Alaska Office is seeking a capable, versatile, and experienced conservationist to join our staff to help implement our Arctic Lands Program Campaign. The Arctic Lands Program Representative will work and coordinate closely with the Regional Director and other staff and is responsible for: implementing a comprehensive campaign vision for our on-shore lands work in the Arctic; advancing program goals to achieve that vision, including legislative, administrative and coalition-building campaign efforts; and developing effective working relationships in Arctic communities, the Administration and with members of Congress. A successful candidate will have experience and proficiency with the issues and politics involved in Alaska’s Arctic, and have a demonstrated ability to navigate the diverse worlds of Arctic Alaska and Washington D.C. The Arctic Lands Program Representative will be expected to contribute to fundraising efforts on behalf of this campaign.

Responsibilities

• Help implement TWS’ Arctic lands campaign plan to ensure enduring and meaningful protection for the Arctic’s most important wild lands and resources that includes a strategy for overcoming the political barriers to achieving our Arctic vision.
• Further define policies, programs and projects that result in improved management and administrative and legislative protections for priority lands and waters identified in our Arctic campaign plan.
• Build and maintain relationships that positively influence the agencies involved, primarily the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management.
• Work to cultivate political champions where possible at the local, regional and federal levels that support ecosystem protection in the Arctic.
• Work effectively with diverse partners in Arctic communities as well as with conservation and other coalition partners, and provide leadership for coalition efforts.
• Educate the public and press regarding the importance of protecting valuable Arctic lands and the need for a balanced approach to conservation and energy development in the Arctic.
• Integrate critical scientific information regarding climate change, important wildlife habitat, connectivity and socioeconomic trends in the Arctic in advocacy work.
• Coordinate with our research and communication staff to develop products and communications plans.
• Represent the Society professionally in meetings, potentially on panels and in other public settings that involve diverse and often opposing interests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or its demonstrated equivalent, required. Relevant graduate work will be highly regarded.
• At least 3 years; experience working on conservation issues and/or political campaigns, preferably in Alaska, including experience operating in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated ability to work positively with colleagues and as a team-member in an interdependent team structure as well as be self-motivated with tasks that benefit the team overall.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement campaign strategies that successfully advance federal legislation and/or influence federal administrative planning processes.
• Strong knowledge of federal land management laws and policies including specific laws and issues relevant to Alaska lands preferred.
• Current contacts with environmental coalition partners in Alaska and good familiarity with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Bureau of Land Management, preferred.
• Experience working successfully with the media to place stories, Op-Eds, Letters to the Editor, and editorials preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with local Alaska Native communities as well as other diverse interests and backgrounds to continue to lead and build coalitions preferred
• Experience with effective grassroots organizing preferred.
• Excellent writing and editing skills as well as strong verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in action-oriented contexts.
• Ability to travel and spend significant time in Anchorage, Washington, DC and rural Alaska.
• Ability to work outside of standard office hours when necessary.
• Proficient computer skills; knowledge and experience with suite of Microsoft office programs also preferred.

How to Apply