Wildlands Organizer

The Wyoming Wilderness Association, newly founded in 2003, believes in the value of wild lands and advocates for the protection of wilderness. The WWA 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.

Position Overview:

The WWA Wild Lands Organizer is responsible for presenting the Wyoming Wilderness Association's effort in bringing protection to wild places in Wyoming. The Organizer will meet, educate and organize Wyoming citizens in the planning, development, implementation, and measurement of campaigns aimed at achieving the protection of wild lands of Wyoming. Through this effort, the Organizer will represent the WWA with effective advocacy and public education using sound science and analysis.

Success always requires collaborative work with other leading environmental organizations, partners from other advocacy communities, and our friends in Wyoming's counties, statehouse, congress, and regulatory agencies. To that end, the WWA Wild Lands Organizer must play a pivotal role in managing not just our own campaign efforts, but also our relationships with our partners. Of particular importance is the Organizer's capacity to establish and enhance relationships with key leaders of diverse and conservative groups and communities throughout the state. Living in Sheridan or Buffalo is required.

Position Objective:

Continue building a successful campaign which results in the permanent protection of additional Wilderness in Wyoming. Work with the WWA Executive Director to grow wilderness campaigns, engaging Wyoming lawmakers in an exciting and ongoing effort to protect our remaining wild lands.

Responsibilities:

Continue to grow an activist network in Wyoming, including outreach to diverse allies (e.g., hunters, businesses, stakeholders and local governments).

• 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.
• Set and organize meetings on priority campaigns with select stakeholders, delegation and their staff, county commissioners, and business people.
• Work with the WWA Executive Director, staff, Governing Council and Wyoming groups to develop and implement strategic plans for the protection of public lands.
• Organize and educate citizens around priority issues and proposals in a strategic manner to attain goals.
• Write regular updates, reports, and news articles for the WWA, members and groups.
• Work with Director to track expense, and develop expense plans and budgets, based on known expectancies and estimates of unknown expectancies.
• Maintain and organize WWA records and files pertaining to Wyoming wilderness issues.
• Provide recommendations and updates on organizing strategy and policy development to the Director, Governing Council and involved activists and volunteers.
• Help organize public meetings, events and conferences, representing WWA and our campaign at the events.
• Represent WWA publicly in an appropriate manner in Wyoming's conservative climate.
• Participate in a culture in which every staff employee plays a role in achieving the WWA's mission with respect, dignity and accountability.

Qualifications:

Ideal candidate will have a minimum of 2 years experience of successful conservation non-profit grassroots and/or biological experience, during which the person has had experience living and/or working in Wyoming. Superior oral and written communications skills are a must, as this job will require experience in public speaking, highly effective citizen and group stewardship, managerial skills and strong working relationships with a broad range of conservation organization colleagues, which could include sportsmen and civic groups.

Computer literacy is a must, along with experience in Excel, Power point, Word and databases, as well as other Microsoft Office programs. Adobe Suite, GIS, & mapping experience would be a bonus. Commitment and passion for wilderness and conservation clearly will be a strong indicator. A conservative outlook and understanding of rural values and communities is highly important for communication and acceptance.

Functional Skills and Experience:

The ideal candidate should possess the following skills and experience:

• A record of success working in advocacy campaigns in complex, intellectually charged work environments.
• Good experience in environmental advocacy, science research, public policy, grassroots organizing and/or public lands issues.
• A record of accomplishment in the development of collaborations, alliances, and partnerships with key leaders among diverse groups.
• A record of excellence involving the supervision of citizens in diverse, complex conservation campaigns.
• 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.
• Ability to organize and complete bulk mailings, offer editorial skills and write newsletters.
• Extensive experience 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.
• 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.

Interpersonal:

The ideal candidate would have 1 or more of the following leadership characteristics:

• The vision and charisma to inspire local citizens with the desire to save Wyoming's wild lands.
• A solid professional presence combined with appearance and proven organizing ability.
• In-depth knowledge of environmental issues and a personal commitment to protect wilderness.
• Strong intellect as a strategic thinker, with creativity, drive, and initiative.
• Superb organizational and interpersonal skills combined with the ability to diplomatically prioritize sometimes conflicting demands.
• A 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 Wild! Campaign effectively, this position must be located in Sheridan or Buffalo, Wyoming.

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 at $24,000 per year and is grant dependent.

To Apply:

Applicants need to send a cover letter, resume and 3 references with phone and email address by May 10, 2009.

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.