Protected Areas Program Manager

~ The Wyss Foundation is a private, charitable foundation dedicated to supporting innovative, lasting solutions that improve lives, empower communities, and strengthen connections to the land.  The Wyss Foundation’s philanthropy supports projects in areas from conservation and education to economic opportunity and social justice. ~

The Foundation’s goal is to inspire world leaders to protect 30% of the world’s marine and terrestrial area by 2030, and to help secure protections through place-based land and ocean protection campaigns.  The Foundation supports conservation projects in North America, South America, Africa, Europe, and Australia.

Position Overview

The Protected Areas Program Manager reports to the Conservation Program Officer and works collaboratively with other Foundation staff, non-governmental research and advocacy organizations, governmental agencies, and other charitable foundations to develop and implement grantmaking strategies to achieve the Foundation’s protected areas goals in specific landscapes and seascapes.  The day-to-day work of the Protected Areas Program Manager is often self-directed, and will involve some travel, as needed.

Responsibilities

• The Protected Areas Program Manager will work to implement the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking initiatives in support of permanent protection campaigns, with an initial focus on projects in Africa, Australia, and Europe (the specific portfolio will change over time). 

Specific responsibilities include:

• Actively partnering with grantees and other stakeholders to develop effective campaign strategies; assemble the elements to carry out the campaigns through grantmaking and contracting with individuals or organizations. 
• Principal tools used to secure permanent protections include: policy advocacy, communications/media, education and organization, grassroots development, and coalition building; 
• Identifying the needs of partner groups and coalitions and helping them to secure technical expertise across different disciplines; securing media, legal, research, land use planning, and education assistance from Wyss Foundation staff or through contracts and grants to individuals or organizations with expertise;
• Working with grantees to develop timely and complete funding proposals.  Communicating regularly with the Conservation Program Officer about campaigns, proposals and emerging protection opportunities;
• Evaluating and monitoring grants and protection campaigns through site visits/telephone interviews, review of reports and other methods; documenting progress of grant portfolio;
• Preparing materials such as memos and reports for the Board of Trustees and presenting information at Board meetings and professional gatherings;
• Convening and facilitating meetings of grantees and other stakeholders on topics related to the Foundation’s protected area goals;
• Working with other foundations, environmental and citizen groups and related campaigns to ensure Foundation efforts are effectively coordinated.

Additionally:

• This position will also be responsible for other duties as required to support Foundation priorities;
• It is anticipated that over time the general and specific responsibilities are likely to change as the Foundation’s activities and resources expand or change;
• Flexibility and a willingness to work in a team environment are essential, as is the ability to be directly supervised remotely;
• Travel and overtime are required, as is a service-oriented approach and an enthusiasm for the Foundation’s mission.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in related field;
• Minimum of 3 years of environmental/public lands campaign experience; familiarity with international protected areas designation and management a plus;
• Experience working with grassroots organizations, nonprofits, and coalitions; familiarity with private philanthropy a plus;
• Strong knowledge of public lands issues and natural resource management;
• Strong organization and written and oral communication skills;
• Intellectual agility and the ability to analyze, think critically, and understand emerging issues that are directly relevant to programmatic objectives;
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team;
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize daily and long-term work assignments, meet deadlines, and manage ongoing and intensive paper flow.

Additional Information

• Position: Protected Areas Program Manager
• Reports to: Conservation Program Officer
• Location: Washington, D.C.
• FLSA Status: Exempt

Compensation

• The Foundation offers an excellent benefits package;
• Salary commensurate with experience.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to upload a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references;
• In the subject line, please indicate “LAST NAME – Protected Areas Program Manager”.

~ The Wyss Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~