About the job

The Conservation America Program Director will lead our efforts to win protections for public lands and keep our open spaces and the wildlife that reside in them safe from pollution, mining, drilling, logging, and overdevelopment.

You’ll be our representative on conservation issues in national coalitions, advocate for protecting our open spaces with decision-makers, build the clout and resources for our Conservation America Program, and recruit and lead a strong team of advocates, campaigners, writers and digital organizers.

What you'll do

Campaign strategy development: Winning real victories takes much more than good policy ideas and strong inside relationships—we need to determine the best strategies for building and using our power. The Program Director will assess opportunities for building political and public support through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, grasstops mobilization, and generating media coverage, and will develop strong plans for putting our resources to use and winning our campaigns.

Media outreach: The Conservation America Program Director will serve as the public spokesperson for Environment America on conservation issues. You’ll organize media events, write press releases, meet with editorial boards, and work with our Communications Director and digital organizers to develop other tactics with a goal of building name recognition, garnering broad support and educating the public.

Building the community: More voices lead to more power and more action. The Conservation America Program Director will play a critical role in building relationships and mobilizing support within the national environmental community, and regional and local communities seeking to protect local parks and open spaces. The Program Director will also oversee our outreach coordinators as they work with key constituencies that share our concerns—from outdoor recreational businesses to ranchers to local elected officials.

Advocacy: Present both problems and solutions to decision-makers at the local, state and federal levels. Make a compelling case for action. Build access and influence with key players who can help us move our agenda forward.

Fundraising: The Conservation America Program Director will write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and meet with large individual donors, all to bring more resources to our campaigns. You’ll also work with our citizen outreach and online staff to build and develop a strong membership base to sustain and increase our work.

Program and policy development: Develop an effective approach to environmental problems within a broader political context. Participate in and oversee policy development, research and messaging for our program.

Recruiting and staff development: If we’re not growing, we’re not winning. The Conservation America Program Director will help recruit new staff, new interns and new volunteers to increase our impact and build more power. You’ll oversee all staff on the Conservation America Program team, including developing and implementing work plans and providing training and leadership development opportunities.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least eight years of relevant professional experience. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to environmental issues and to citizen-based social change as well as a track record of leadership. We're looking for goal-driven and results-oriented individuals who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work.