Director of Government Affairs & Partnerships, The Wildlife Society – Maryland

Organization: The Wildlife Society

Position Title: Director of Government Affairs & Partnerships

Location: Bethesda, Maryland

Application Deadline: July 24, 2015

Description: The Director of Government Affairs and Partnerships seeks through member engagement to empower, enable, and assist wildlife professionals in managing natural resources. Working with the Society’s members and staff, the Director provides leadership and guidance for The Wildlife Society’s policy, government affairs, and partnership activities. He/she represents the Society in the larger conservation community through partnerships and policy actions, and plays a major role in developing and disseminating information and advocating TWS policy positions and actions to decision makers.

Responsibilities:

1. Develop and communicate TWS policy positions on priority issues and provide professional input on wildlife conservation/management issues to state and federal agency administrators, Congress, and other non-governmental organizations.
2. Represent TWS in policy activities with external groups and develop/maintain liaison with governmental resource management agencies, legislative bodies, and various non-governmental organizations.
3. Communicate and collaborate with TWS membership, Chapters, Sections, Working Groups, and Council concerning wildlife policy issues.
4. Oversee and administer professional development functions, including the TWS Leadership Institute and certification program.
5. Provide supervision and management of staff and staff activities associated with the government affairs program.
6. Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.

Internal: Reports to the Executive Director. Has frequent contact with the Executive Director and TWS Council about wildlife policy matters. Serves on Council Subcommittees. Works cooperatively with TWS organizational units and staff, primarily on issues related to policy and planning.

External: Works closely with the wildlife conservation community, Congress, the Office of the President of the United States, natural resource agencies, and natural resource industry representatives.

Qualifications:

1. Education/Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree, or other advanced degree, preferred. At least one degree should be in natural resources, wildlife policy/management, or a related field. Demonstrated understanding of legislative and regulatory processes is required. Certified Wildlife Biologist preferred.
2. Experience: Minimum 4 years experience in natural resource agency or association administration and/or natural resource policy analysis.
3. Skills and Abilities: Must be able to coordinate multiple issues simultaneously. Ability to work well with a variety of people, including governmental officials and wildlife biologists. Negotiation, mediation and facilitation skills are required. Must have excellent verbal and written communication, and organizational skills. Must be self motivated and dedicated to a scientific approach to the conservation of natural resources.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and salary requirements to Lilly Matheson, [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed until the position is filled, or until 24 July 2015.