California Program Associate – Washington, D.C.
Organization: Defenders of Wildlife
Position Title: California Program Associate
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours & Compensation: Full-time. No compensation information posted.
Application Deadline: None posted.
Posted On: March 28, 2013.
Organization Overview:
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
At Defenders of Wildlife, we focus our programs on what scientists conisder two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. We work to protect and restore America’s native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public. We stand out in our commitment to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them.
We seek talented individuals dedicated to the conservation of our nation’s wildlife and natural resources, and we offer our staff competitive salary and exceptional benefits.
Description:
This professional-level position is responsible for implementing assigned work placns for the California Program of Defenders of Wildlife. The primary responsibilities include implementation of programs, strategies, campaigns, and projects focusing on strategic plan priorities in california.
This position also involves a wide variety of responsibilities supporting the program and operations of the California Program field office. Programmatic and technical assistance will be provided to the Director and other staff members in the California Program. It serves as the Director’s liaison to other staff, federal, and state agency personnel, elected officials and their staff, Defenders’ members and the general public. The California Program Associate must possess a general knowledge of all programs and projects within the California Program in order to assist the Director with oversight, implementation of works plans and compliance with procedures and schedules. This position requires substantial discretion in determining how to meet assigned goals and competing deadlines.
Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and implement local, state and/or national strategies, campaigns, programs, projects, work plans, publications, educational materials and reports for each assigned program area.
- Influence federal and state wildlife policy through administrative, legislative, and judicial forums, using a range of strategies including, but not limited to direct and grassroots lobbying in Congress and the California Legislature; seeking policy and programmatic changes in federal and state agencies, and recommending litigation where appropriate and providing technical support.
- Undertake a wide variety of duties as needed to implement program plans, including drafting letters; negotiating sign-ons to Defenders’ policies and group letters; and writing and editing reports and proposals.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with leading conservation biologists, research scientists, state and federal agency personnel, members of Congress and California Legislature and their staff, and leading NGOs; identify new partners as appropriate.
- Represent Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, natioanl and international forums, and in general communications with public officials, the media, members, the donor community, and the public.
- Troubleshoot problems with the computers, servers and other technological and information systems, in conjunction with our in-house computer specialist or outside experts. Carry out desktop publishing projects as need.
- Compile and edit documents; copy and fax; schedule appointments; manage and distribute information; check requests, reimbursement requests and submit in a timely manner; attend all relevant internal staff meetings; and follow all other administrative procedures.
- Plan and execute Wildlife Volunteer Corps projects that further achievement of Defenders’ benchmark goals in Defenders’ strategic plan in collaboration with partner organizations.
- Identify, inform, and mobilize citizen activists, including Defenders’ members and supporters, in areas of particular importance.
- Respond to information requests from members and other interested parties requiring technical responses, and distribute Defenders’ published reports.
- Assist all Defenders departments with tasks relating to education, development, ublications, and communication.
- Coordinate, edit, and proofread the program’s weekly field notes and forward those to the appropriate Field Conservation Coordinator on a timely basis.
- Assist with development of the California Program’s annual budget.
- Research specific conservation issues and prepare comprehensive background memos on isseues assigned by the Director.
- Perform all other related duties as assigned by supervisor and be an energetic, enthusiastic, and committed advocate for all Defenders’ programs.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) in biology, natural resources, environmental studies, public policy, or related discipline.
- 3+ years of experience working on wildlife conservation, land use planning, and/pr water issues. Other relevant experience with public policy, legislative procedures, grassroots organizing, communications, administration, and/or development.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
- Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state agencies, natural resource policies and laws, and contemporary conservation issues.
- Experience developing, implementing, and managing conservation campaigns.
- Ability to conduct research, analyze information, and produce high-quality work products ina consistent, efficient, and timely manner.
- Strong organizational and communications skills.
- Ability to effectively and efficiently handle many projects and tasks at one time. High level of computer literacy with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and information technology systems.
- Willingness to travel throughout California an average of four days per month.
- Personal interest and commitment to natural resources and wildlife conservation.
How to Apply:
Please send your resume and cover letter with your salary history to [email protected].
Contact Information:
Defenders of Wildlife, http://www.defenders.org
1130 Seventeenth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20036
