Director of External Relations

Founded in 1967, the Wyoming Outdoor Council is the state's oldest independent conservation organization. 

We work to protect Wyoming's environment and quality of life for future generations. Our goal is to develop productive and lasting solutions for managing natural resources through collaborative engagement with stakeholders and decision makers. We believe responsible environmental stewardship is fundamental to safeguarding public health and Wyoming's quality of life.

Position Overview

We are seeking a Director of External Relations to help the Wyoming Outdoor Council achieve its mission through engagement with decision makers, including government, nonprofit, and business leaders.

This individual will build strong relationships and serve as a primary contact for state and federal elected officials, Wyoming's governor and policy staff, key regulatory agency staff, and business leaders working in the natural resources, energy, recreation, and travel and tourism sectors.

S/he will monitor and engage in legislative and regulatory issues and ensure that environmental interests and the Outdoor Council's views and opinions are represented and well understood. The external relations director will work to defend, improve, and cultivate environmental policies and laws that protect public health, as well as Wyoming's public lands, wildlife, air, and water.

The successful candidate will be able to identify opportunities to improve and implement sound conservation policies and defend the effective policies we already have on the books. This individual will successfully engage Council staff, its members, and the public in this important work.

S/he must be able to genuinely and persuasively articulate the Wyoming Outdoor Council's mission and vision with a compelling and thoughtful narrative and also be a skilled listener who can build and strengthen relationships on behalf of the Outdoor Council. The director of external relations will work closely with all Outdoor Council staff, the executive director, and the board of directors.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop productive and professional relationships with Wyoming's governor and policy staff. Keep the governor's office informed about our policy priorities, goals, and work and be a reliable source for accurate, sound information and analysis.
• Establish and maintain relationships with state legislators and the state's federal delegation and serve as a responsible and reasonable resource for information about Wyoming's environment and quality of life.
• Attend and participate in the Wyoming State Legislature as well as important interim committee meetings. Offer testimony, help prepare citizens to testify, and consistently advocate the Outdoor Council's views in both formal and informal settings.
• Establish relationships with leaders in Wyoming's civic and business communities in order to identify shared interests and to facilitate a better understanding of our mission and role in Wyoming.
• Use our sophisticated engagement-organizing database, electronic communications tools, social media, the old-fashioned telephone, and in-person meetings to connect and engage frequently with our growing network.
• Identify opportunities during the legislative session and interim that allow citizens to lend their unique voices to the legislative process.
• Build broad awareness of the Wyoming Outdoor Council's brand in order to increase its influence and achieve its mission.
• Take on other related tasks as assigned by the management team.

Qualifications

• An ideal candidate will genuinely enjoy engaging with people and will be prepared to accomplish the tasks above as demonstrated by a suitable combination of academic background, training, and experience.
• S/he will also be personable, organized, easygoing, and self-directed; have a good sense of humor; be a great communicator (in person, by phone, and in print.)
• 5 or more years of related professional experience.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze public policy, synthesize complex information, and then communicate this analysis in a manner that is accessible and compelling to a non-technical audience.
• Demonstrated community, professional, political, or academic leadership.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills. Comfortable speaking in public.
• Familiarity with the geography, natural resources, and culture of Wyoming.
• Willingness to travel and meet people.
• Experience with the standard suite of office tools and technology.
• Commitment to the mission of the Wyoming Outdoor Council.

Compensation: This is a full-time, exempt position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The Wyoming Outdoor Council will provide excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits; a generous leave policy; and the opportunity to participate in a retirement plan. Job title and scope of responsibilities could change depending upon experience.

Additional Information

The Wyoming Outdoor Council is Wyoming's oldest independent statewide conservation group. In 1967, Tom Bell, also the founder of High Country News, came together with other conservation leaders to establish the Wyoming Outdoor Council. Since then, the Council has grown to be a nationally recognized leader in protecting Wyoming's natural heritage. We educate and activate citizens, work in alliances with many diverse partners, and, when necessary, take legal action to meet our mission, which is to protect Wyoming's environment and quality of life for future generations.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email a letter of interest detailing how your experience and skills match this position description, a resume, two writing samples, and contact and relationship information for three references to Linda Sisco with "Director of External Relations" in the subject line. The position will remain open until filled.