Employment opportunities

Location: Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska or Whitehorse, Yukon

Appointment: Minimum two years, full time

Background

The Northwest Boreal Landscape Conservation Cooperative (NWB LCC) is a self-directed management-science partnership among over 25 agencies and organizations across Alaska and northwest Canada. The NWB LCC is dedicated to informing and promoting integrated science, sustainable natural and cultural resource management, and conservation to address impacts of climate change and other stressors within and across ecosystems. One of 22 LCCs in a national network, the NWB LCC was established in 2012 with the mission to enhance the ability of organizations and communities to understand, manage, and adapt to the changing boreal landscape. Over the past five years, the NWB LCC has matured into a highly collaborative body committed to maintaining a dynamic landscape that sustains functioning, resilient boreal ecosystems and associated communities and cultural resources.

The majority of funding to support the LCC network to date has been provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Although the U.S. President’s 2018 proposed budget does not include continued funding for the LCCs, the NWB LCC is committed to sustaining the partnership regardless of the final outcome of Congressional action on the federal budget. The NWB LCC Steering Committee has committed funding to the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) to hire a Partnership Director for a minimum term of two years’ full-time employment to support the ongoing efforts of the NWB LCC.

Position Description

The Partnership Director for the NWB LCC has principal responsibility for coordinating and communicating the work and activities of the NWB LCC partnership, building strong financial support for the organization, and managing operations and staff. The Partnership Director works collaboratively with a diverse, international network committed to landscape sustainability and plays a key role as a liaison among the partner organizations in collaboratively developing and achieving shared landscape conservation goals and objectives. The Partnership Director also provides liaison to the national LCC network.

This position requires a highly motivated, self-sufficient individual who can work independently across a vast landscape with a diverse network of partners and communities. Oversight and direction for this position will be provided by the NWB LCC Steering Committee, comprised of representatives from 25 U.S. and Canadian federal and state/provincial agencies, nongovernmental organizations, Tribes and First Nations, and research institutions. Primary contact will be with the committee co-chairs who will provide input to WMI on the Partnership Director’s performance. The Partnership Director will also coordinate closely with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service Assistant Regional Director for Science Applications in Alaska.

Major duties include, but are not limited to:

International coordination. Ensures NWB LCC activities and programs are coordinated across geographic areas and jurisdictional boundaries. Through well-developed interpersonal communication skills and expertise, provides leadership in creating, guiding, facilitating, and nurturing an interdependent network of partners. Collaborates and explores innovative means to leverage human and financial assets among agencies, organizations, and partnerships to implement the functional elements in pursuit of a sustainable landscape.

Large landscape conservation. Provides leadership, coordination, and facilitation of social and scientific expertise to develop and refine landscape-scale conservation strategies and plans across the NWB LCC region. This includes coordinating, facilitating, and conducting the science-based planning and assessments necessary to establish on-the-ground conservation outcomes and measurable objectives. Works collaboratively to support the integration of cooperative-based outputs into existing projects and programs among partner organizations. Facilitates development of new interdisciplinary projects and programs and seeks out and works with existing partners to formulate policies, programs, and budgets that take advantage of new opportunities to deliver conservation on the ground.

Broadening support for the NWB LCC. Works with NWB LCC partners to diversify funding and broaden support to establish a long-term sustainable partnership. Identifies opportunities to leverage or expand resources for the NWB LCC through interagency agreements, grants, or other mechanisms. Drafts agreements, grant proposals or other documents as needed to secure resources for personnel, projects and NWB LCC activities.

Program management and supervision. Plans work and establishes schedules and priorities for the NWB LCC in consultation with the Steering Committee. Manages program operations, budget, and cooperative agreements or grants. May supervise one to two staff members.

LCC Network Coordination. Coordinates the work of the NWB LCCs with the national LCC network.

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements

• Advanced degree in a natural resources management or related field
• Five or more years’ experience related to the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position
• U.S. or Canadian citizenship or documented authority to accept employment in the U.S.or Canada
• Valid driver’s license, passport and ability to travel between the U.S. and Canada

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Demonstrated ability to establish positive working relationships with individuals having widely varying perspectives and values. In depth knowledge of the art and science of communication with particular skills in presenting complex information to multiple audiences.
• Ability to clearly communicate thoughts and ideas verbally and in writing to technical, policy, and general audiences in both formal and extemporaneous settings.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating relationships with potential supporters of the NWB LCC.
• Skilled at writing successful grant proposals.
• Skilled at providing facilitation and leadership towards consensus building.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and develop a vision for a program or collaborative effort.
• Demonstrated ability to set priorities and implement action plans in a complex, issue-driven environment.
• Skilled at facilitation of meetings (both online and in person), workshop logistics and preparation.
• Knowledge and understanding of science.
• Demonstrated ability to work across disciplines.
• Knowledge and skill in applying supervisory/managerial principles and methods to organize work, to direct and motivate employees and achieve concrete results.

Additional Desired Qualities

• Passion for conservation and keen interest in the North
• Ability to inspire others
• Political savvy
• Experience working with communities, First Nations, or Tribes.
• Willingness and interest to keep people, including human dimensions and social science, as the heart of landscape conservation solutions.

Working Conditions

• The majority of the work is conducted in an office setting and conference/meeting facilities.
• Office space and limited administrative support will be provided by one of the partner agencies.
• Frequent travel by automobile and government or commercial aircraft, including small charter planes, is required.
• Occasional periods in the out-of-doors with exposure to climate, insects, or animals may be required.

Compensation: Annual salary to be determined within the range of $90,000 - $100,000 USD, commensurate with experience and other qualifications.

Benefits: Health insurance stipend in lieu of health insurance; workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and general liability insurance; enrollment in WMI’s 401(k) plan with an annual contribution of three to eight percent of salary from WMI.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit the following materials in electronic format (a single PDF preferred) to Chris Smith, WMI Western Field Representative, by August 25, 2017:

• A cover letter that addresses your interest in the position and explains how your background provides you with the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience necessary to be successful in this position.
• A resume with a minimum of three professional references
• Two samples of written communication related to natural resources or conservation

Anticipated Start Date: Negotiable; target date is prior to October 30, 2017.

The Division of Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Northeast Region in partnership with the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI) is seeking a highly motivated public affairs specialist to conduct outreach and communications.  The public affairs specialist will be a limited term employee of Wildlife Management Institute and on assignment to WSFR in Hadley, MA.  WSFR works through partnerships to fund conservation and connect people with nature by annually administering more than $200 million in Federal grants, primarily to state fish and wildlife agencies and other entities. Grant-funded activities include conserving fish and wildlife species and their habitats, providing for aquatic resource and hunter education programs, and expanding and improving fish and wildlife oriented recreation and boating access opportunities for the public. The public affairs specialist will communicate the work of WSFR in a manner that increases support and relevancy of this work with priority audiences and be guided by WSFR Northeast Region’s Strategic Communications Plan.

Location: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeast Regional Office, Hadley, MA with travel throughout the 13-state Northeast Region

Work Hours and Duration of Service: 37 hours per week for 12-month period with possibility of 6-month extension

Duties:

• Collaborate with FWS staff in the Northeast Region to execute elements of WSFR Northeast Region’s Strategic Communications Plan to communicate key messages to priority internal and external audiences
• Use creative approaches and platforms to reach priority audiences, including internal FWS staff and leaders, state fish and wildlife agencies, Congress, and firearms, ammunition, archery, fishing and boating manufacturers and their representative organizations
• Develop and manage content for a variety of purposes including traditional and social media, web pages, news releases, radio and television scripts, feature articles, personal appearances, new conferences, exhibits, brochures, pamphlets, etc.
• Support WSFR staff with grant announcements and story development
• Work collaboratively with key partners, including media representatives and NGOs,  to communicate effectively
• Assist with evaluating effectiveness of communication efforts

Qualifications:

• Degree in journalism, communications, public relations, biological sciences or natural resources.   Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) desired but not required.
• Significant skills and experience in public affairs including planning and implementing communication strategies, and developing and delivering key messages.
• Skill and demonstrated experience in media relations including media pitching, developing news releases and materials for press events, and serving as spokesperson on the record.
• Expertise in developing diverse tools and products for communications and storytelling, including print and television media, web based communications and social media
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and priorities at one time
• Experience working with diverse audiences, including WSFR priority audiences
• Experience preferred with natural resource issues, fish and wildlife conservation, and hunting, archery, target shooting, fishing and boating.
• Knowledge and familiarity with evaluating the effectiveness of communications efforts

Salary and benefits: Limited-term employees are defined as employees of WMI retained to provide a specific scope of services. As a limited term employee:

1. Your annual salary is based on you working an average of 37 hours per week in any 12-month period.  The type of work you perform, and work schedule including annual leave, sick leave and holidays, is at the discretion of the FWS.
2. You will be eligible for WMI 401(k) retirement benefits and WMI will provide workers’ compensation, general liability protection, professional liability protection and unemployment insurance benefits. WMI will withhold taxes including social security. You will be entitled to make voluntary contributions to your 401(k) retirement plan.

Total annual compensation will reflect your base salary plus the amount contributed to your 401(k) by WMI. Your base salary will be $63,376.56. The amount contributed by WMI to your 401(k) will vary between 3-8% of your base salary.

To Apply: Please email letters of interest and a resume highlighting relevant communication work experience to Scot Williamson, WMI Vice President. Applicants are encouraged to include weblinks to previous communication work and products. Questions about the position may be directed to Scot Williamson at 802/563-2087.