Western Montana Field Director

~ Come work for one of the most dynamic conservation organizations in the West. Our mission is to work with communities to protect Montana’s Wilderness heritage, quiet beauty, and outdoor traditions now and for future generations. ~

We envision a future where from the rugged mountains to the vast prairies Montana’s wild places are protected, connected, and restored because the citizens of our state value wilderness as essential to our heritage and way of life. Founded in 1958, the Montana Wilderness Association (MWA) is the nation’s oldest grassroots Wilderness advocacy organization.

Position Overview

The Western Montana Field Director (WMT-FD) is responsible for various aspects of programmatic work while building support for issues and campaigns across western Montana. Working with MWA staff, volunteers, and partners, the WMT-FD develops and implements conservation strategies for some of Montana’s last best places. S/he works collaboratively on a variety of agency processes and legislative campaigns, while supervising interns, fellows and/or part-time staff as needed. The WMT-FD is also responsible for public relations, policy and position development, and engagement organizing strategies within the region.

Responsibilities

• Develops and leads programs and campaigns to further MWA’s mission across western Montana.
• Works closely with MWA’s leadership and staff to implement diverse conservation strategies.
• Rallies public support, including individuals, partners and communities for MWA’s key issues.
• Supports MWA’s legislative priorities at both the state and federal levels.
• Provides strategic oversight of MWA’s work on Forest Service revision and travel management processes.
• Implements strategies to protect wilderness character across western Montana.
• Analyzes and submits formal comments and, when necessary, objections to various planning processes.
• Develops strategies to mobilize key stakeholders in defense of Wilderness Study Areas.
• Provides programmatic oversight and guidance to empower and engage the next generation of conservation leaders.
• Identify, engage, and foster fundraising strategies in cooperation with MWA’s development staff.
• Develops media relationships and generate positive articles, and other earned media that support .conservation strategies in cooperation with communications staff.
• Develops and implements work plans and budgets for all direct reports.
• Maintains MWA’s Missoula field office.

Qualifications

• Experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, and public land policy.
• Experience developing strategies and implementing grassroots campaigns.
• Familiar with Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management policy.
• Ability to research and maintain a working knowledge of local, state, and national public land issues and policy.
• Ability to maintain an upbeat positive atmosphere during difficult times or situations.
• Ability to lead diverse groups, individuals, and personalities.
• Willingness to work in partnership with diverse interests and non-traditional partners.
• Ability to recruit, coordinate, and manage volunteers.
• Ability to engage young adults.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Computer proficiency is required, and knowledge of cartographic applications is desired.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• A commitment to the vision and mission of MWA.
• Ability and willingness to travel as well as willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends when needed.

Basic Conditions of Employment:

• All employees of Montana Wilderness Association are ambassadors of the organization and are expected to support and fulfill the mission of the organization.
• All employees, regardless of job title, must demonstrate the following minimum requirements for continued employment.
• In addition, it is the employee’s responsibility to read, understand and comply with the policies and procedures outlined in MWA’s employee handbook.
• Professional Conduct:  Comply with established employment policies and practices. Maintain confidentiality of organization and employee information. Lead in a collaborative and positive manner.
• Personal conduct: Engage in personal conduct that is honest, respectful, courteous, and dignified as well as legal, ethical, dependable and reliable.
• Competency: Develop and maintain skills, knowledge and abilities required for adequate performance of assigned job duties.
• Valid Montana Driver’s License required.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload your resume and cover letter to Business Manager, Laura Parr. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
• Please no phone calls.
• Applications will be accepted from June 25, 2018 until the position is filled.
• Interviews will occur in July/August with job placement in August/September 2018.

~ The Montana Wilderness Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. veteran. ~