Community Outreach Coordinator

The Wyoming Wilderness Association, founded in 2003, is working to protect Wyoming's public wild lands to ensure a future of wild places for people and wildlife. The main office is based in Sheridan, WY, but this position will be based in Johnson County and would begin as soon as possible (preferably no later than February 22, 2010). 

Position Overview: 

The WWA Johnson County Community Outreach Coordinator is responsible for representing the Wyoming Wilderness Association's effort in bringing protection to the Rock Creek recommended wilderness area in the Bighorn National Forest of northeastern Wyoming.

The Outreach Coordinator will meet, educate and organize Wyoming citizens in the planning, development, implementation, and measurement of the effort for the protection of Rock Creek. Through this effort, the Outreach Coordinator will represent the WWA with effective advocacy and public education using sound science and analysis. One of the primary jobs of the Outreach Coordinator will be to secure local endorsements in support of wilderness designation of Rock Creek. Presenting solid information about Rock Creek as wilderness is a priority of the effort.

Success always requires collaborative work with other leading organizations, partners with civic groups, and our friends in Wyoming's counties, statehouse, congress, and regulatory agencies. Of particular importance is the Outreach Coordinator's capacity to establish and enhance relationships with key leaders of diverse and conservative groups and communities in Johnson County.

Position Objective: 

Continue building a successful program which results in the permanent protection of the Rock Creek recommended wilderness in the Bighorn National Forest of Wyoming.

Responsibilities: 

Specific Responsibilities, Skills and Experience Should Include:

• Handle the responsibilities of a one person office.
• Knowledge of working in advocacy campaigns in complex work environments.
• Good experience in advocacy, science research, public policy, grassroots organizing and/or public lands issues.
• A strong background in--and familiarity with-- federal, state and local governments--both executive and legislative branches, and basic knowledge of public policy processes, laws and institutions.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Wyoming environmental and political issues, environmental organizations, media outlets and key funders.
• Strong writing skills and the ability to speak effectively in public.
• Have solid knowledge of Wyoming's public lands, roadless areas and particularly the Bighorns.
• Communicate WWA policy positions to land managers, local officials, and the media.
• Ability to organize and complete bulk mailings and offer editorial skills.
• Experience (or willingness to learn) in effectively representing issues and positions to the media.
• Strong organizational and management skills and the ability to maintain an effective working environment while working under pressure.
• Help organize public meetings, events and conferences, representing WWA and our Rock Creek campaign at the events.
• Represent WWA publicly in an appropriate manner in Wyoming's conservative climate.
• Literate in computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Abobe.
• Bachelor's degree, or its demonstrated equivalent is required. Relevant graduate work will be highly regarded as will equivalent experience in the field. An out-going, friendly people person with kind and mannerly approach to working with people of all ilk.
• Strong outdoor skills a must in attending the many outings and hikes WWA offers.
• In order to carry out the Rock Creek effort effectively, this position must be located in Johnson County, Wyoming.

Qualifications: 

Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 1 year experience of successful non-profit, grassroots and/or biological experience, during which the person has had experience living and/or working in Wyoming.  

Bachelors Degree is a must. Superior oral and written communications skills are a must, as this job will require experience in writing letters, public speaking, highly effective citizen and group stewardship, managerial skills and strong working relationships with a broad range of local groups and people, which could include sportsmen and civic groups.

Computer literacy is a must, along with experience in Microsoft Office programs. Adobe Suite, GIS and mapping experience would be a bonus.

Commitment and passion for wilderness and conservation clearly will be a strong indicator and important for honest representation. A conservative outlook and understanding of rural values and communities is highly important for communication and acceptance.

Education:

Bachelor's degree, or its demonstrated equivalent, is required. Relevant graduate work will be highly regarded as will equivalent experience in the field.

Compensation: WWA is offering this salary to start $10/hour for 3 months and when trial period is successfully achieved, salary will be $24,000 as grant dependent position.

To Apply: 

Applicants need to please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and 3 references contacts (with phone and email address) by February 19, 2010 to WWA.

WWA promotes equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. WWA complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment.