Public Lands Program Director

- Location: Palm Springs (or a California Desert community), Los Angeles, or San Francisco

The purpose of the California Public Lands Program is to monitor and positively influence management of federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), particularly units of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The California Public Lands Program Director is a mid to high level policy position that is responsible for the strategic development of the program, implementation, and management of other program staff. 

Responsibilities: 

* Oversee the California Public Lands Program, provide strategic vision and leadership, assist in fundraising, and manage other program staff.
* Develop policies, programs, and projects that result in improved management of NLCS units in California, support expansion of the NLCS system, and positively influence management of BLM lands throughout the state.
* Provide leadership to the grassroots organizations and individuals working on NLCS issues in the state. Serve as a critical link between California activists and national coalitions working on NLCS and other related public land issues.
* Educate the public and the press about the importance of protecting these lands and expanding the NLCS.
* Maintain regular communications with Bureau of Land Management officials.
* Cultivate political champions at the local, state, and federal level, who support protection of the NLCS and BLM lands overall.
* Develop new partners, both within and beyond the conservation community, who will advocate for the protection of these areas and expansion of the NLCS. 

Qualifications: 

* Requires at least 4-5 years experience overseeing a conservation advocacy campaign (grassroots or legislative).
* Must have knowledge of federal land management policy and conservation issues relevant to the American West.
* Familiarity with the California conservation community and the Bureau of Land Management is highly desired.
* Understanding of Congressional legislative process.
* Ability to work with diverse interests and coalitions.
* Some managerial experience preferred.
* Experience working successfully with the media to place stories, op-eds, Letters to the Editor, and editorials.
* Excellent writing and editing skills. Good verbal communication skills.
* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
* Ability to travel as needed.
* Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.
* Proficient computer skills; knowledge and experience with word processing (MS Word), database and communications software. 

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan.

To Apply:

Email, fax or mail resume, cover letter, writing samples and references. No phone calls please. 

The Wilderness Society
Attn: Public Lands Director Position
Presidio Building #1016
P.O. Box 29241
San Francisco, CA 94129

The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.