Director of Conservation Planning

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.

At Defenders of Wildlife, we focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. We work to protect and restore America's native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public. We stand out in our commitment to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them.

Position Overview:

This professional-level position leads Defenders' Conservation Planning Program, which is dedicated to researching and promoting tools and policies to develop and implement statewide and eco-regional conservation plans. The Director promotes state and eco-regional conservation planning, as well as local land-use plans, land acquisition priorities, and targeted private landowner incentives that are consistent with conservation plans.

S/he supervises Conservation Planning Associates and Assistants, and works closely with the Vice President for Land Conservation, field offices, and interdisciplinary teams in developing and coordinating strategies, national campaigns, various conservation reports and coalitions. In addition, the Director takes lead responsibility in working with federal and state agencies, Congress, and other non-governmental organizations on program initiatives.

A core aspect of the position is overseeing Defenders' program to strengthen the development and implementation of the state wildlife action plans developed under the State and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This includes analyzing individual state wildlife action plans; developing relationships with state agencies; partnering with state agencies to assist with the implementation of wildlife plans; and promoting the linkage of state wildlife action plans with other conservation policies, including climate change, transportation planning, and farm bill conservation programs.

In addition, the Director oversees Defenders' Living Lands Project, which assists land trusts in making strategic habitat conservation decisions through effective conservation planning. 

Responsibilities:

• With other Defenders' staff and outside organizations, develop and promote model state and federal policies that promote state biodiversity conservation plans and their implementation
• Develop a detailed understanding of state and eco-regional conservation plans and promote local and federal planning that is consistent with state and eco-regional conservation plans
• As the staff expert on conservation planning, integrate conservation planning information into Defenders' programs on habitat conservation planning for climate change, endangered species, transportation planning, private landowner incentives, and federal land management
• Develop programs, strategies, and materials to assist the state agencies in addressing the impacts of climate change on wildlife and habitat
• Work with USDA and other federal and state agencies to ensure that the effectiveness of Farm Bill conservation programs is maximized through sound conservation planning
• Maintain effective working relationships with natural and social scientists, agency administrators, members of Congress, Congressional staff, leading NGOs, and members of Defenders' Board of Directors
• Develop a network of experts, government officials, NGOs, and citizens to assist Defenders in accomplishing its organization-wide objectives
• Research, write, and/or otherwise contribute to the development of various conservation reports, publications, organizational policies, and position statements
• Assist with member and public education efforts on conservation planning issues through Defenders' Website, Defenders' Wildlife eNews, magazine, news media, public appearances, and dissemination of educational materials
• Represent Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, and in general communications with public officials, the media, Defenders' membership, the donor community, and the public
• Assist Defenders in providing information to members, foundations, and other donors, and help to identify and develop potential sources of funding for Defenders
• Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements
• Develop and recommend departmental budget
• Ensure optimum performance of group function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
• Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
• Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

Supervisor: Vice President for Land Conservation

Compensation: We seek talented individuals dedicated to the conservation of our nation's wildlife and natural resources, and we offer our staff competitive salary and exceptional benefits.

Qualifications:

Education: Advanced degree or equivalent in conservation biology, wildlife management, ecology, or environmental policy

Experience: 6+ years of progressively responsible experience is required in at least one of the following areas: developing and implementing programs to conserve biodiversity, land management planning, state wildlife action plans, working for a state wildlife agency, organizing campaigns for non-profit organizations, land-use planning, or conservation biology research, including 2+ years of relevant management/supervisory experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Other Qualifications:

• Strong working knowledge of conservation biology, landscape-level planning, and laws and regulations for biodiversity conservation
• Solid understanding of local and regional land-use planning as well as federal agencies, laws, and policies dealing with use and conservation of natural resources
• Must be familiar with GIS
• Strong writing and verbal communications skills

To Apply: 

Please reference "DOCP-GDJ" in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered), to us via e-mail.

Defenders of Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity Employer.