The Wilderness Society
Alaska State Director
The Wilderness Society, Anchorage, Alaska, United States, 99507
Salary Range:
$110,000.00 To 125,000.00 AnnuallyLocation: Alaska (Anchorage strongly preferred)Deadline: Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application
system by Friday, March 29, 2024POSITION DESCRIPTION:BACKGROUNDThe Wilderness Society is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. We believe public lands belong to and should benefit everyone and that our organization and its work must respect and embody the cultures and perspectives of people and communities across our nation.While Alaska is home to some of the largest tracts of wildlands in the world, it’s also the site of some of the greatest wildland threats. Dual pressures of climate change and resource development have placed many of Alaska’s wildlands at great risk – from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Tongass National Forest. Alaska also provides one of the last remaining opportunities on earth to conserve whole, intact tracts of lands where wildlife and human communities have survived and thrived for millennia. Our current work is primarily focused on defending areas in the Arctic. Working in coalitions we invest in science, policy/legal, organizing, media and advocacy tools to defend iconic natural areas so that their ecological and cultural values endure for future generations.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Wilderness Society (TWS) seeks a motivated, highly collaborative, strategic, campaign-oriented individual to lead The Wilderness Society’s work in Alaska. The person in this position will have the opportunity to help set strategic direction and vision for the organization’s work in Alaska, engage and lead a cross departmental team, and build respectful, authentic partnerships aimed at achieving shared goals and building political influence.The Alaska State Director is a senior member of The Wilderness Society’s Conservation team. The Director will develop and lead the organization’s work in Alaska and is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, fundraising, directing and/or assisting campaigns, and managing staff and budget. In addition to directly managing staff in the Anchorage office, the Director also provides support, strategic guidance and direction to additional staff, within and outside of the regional office, who contribute to work in the state. The Director plays a critical role in cultivating and managing relationships with a wide range of partners (including Indigenous individuals and groups) as well as with federal, state, and tribal government officials and their staffs to advance conservation outcomes and other shared goals developed with partners.The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced leader and strong project manager who works collaboratively and will ensure The Wilderness Society’s Alaska conservation work is well integrated within the larger organization. This person will bring strategic focus in helping to achieve the organization’s priorities in Alaska and ensure we approach our conservation work in a manner that is equitable in terms of who benefits from conservation outcomes and inclusive in terms of the partners we engage.The Alaska State Director plays a critical role in establishing and reinforcing an inclusive organizational culture grounded in trust and accountability to shared goals and outcomes. TWS has made diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic priorities for the organization. This leader will integrate these priorities throughout our Alaska work, from expanding our partnerships to bringing an equity lens to all facets of our outreach, communication, and advocacy in the state. Across our team, we aspire to be campaign oriented, nimble, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and execute strategic program priorities for the state in furtherance of TWS’ overarching goals and vision.Lead and/or help oversee implementation of campaigns in Alaska, striving to position TWS as a trusted collaborator with partners and decision makers.Participate in, and at times lead, broad local or national coalitions that advocate for policy and/or place-based management connected to TWS’ goals related to climate adaptation, fossil fuel emission reductions, community-led conservation, and large landscape protections that enhance the ecological health of the land and community well-being.Work effectively with a wide range of diverse individuals and organizations, from lawyers, scientists, tribal leaders, agency leaders, and policy specialists to grassroots activists to local elected officials, members of industry and other public land users.Cultivate existing relationships and further build a network to educate and influence Alaska decision makers and opinion leaders on TWS’ state and national conservation priorities.Manage Alaska field staff and provide leadership to multi-disciplinary teams of TWS staff contributing to Arctic and Alaska work.Ensure TWS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is part of our work in Alaska, including having equity embedded into the development and implementation of our in-state goals.Ensure early and effective engagement with BIPOC partners and, when possible, elevating communities that have been historically marginalized. Specifically, see that TWS works closely with and supports our tribal partners, emphasizing the impact development in the Arctic would have on their way of life.Help secure major gifts from philanthropic foundations and major donors in close coordination with Philanthropy staff.Perform other related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSExperience and Competencies:At least 8 or more years of experience leading issue advocacy or place-based campaigns and/or working to advance public policy changes at the local, state, or federal level.Direct experience with environmental/conservation law and policy and an understanding of agency land management planning and federal legislative processes.Proven cultural competency and experience working with Alaskan Native people and communities and a solid understanding of Alaskan Native culture, traditions, tribal governments, and issues.An effective leader, capable of meaningful engagement with a wide range of diverse audiences in the Alaska region, including Alaska Native communities, Alaskan Native Corporations, rural community leaders, recreationists, and industry representatives.Strategic thinking skills and demonstrated ability to craft a compelling vision and set priorities to achieve advocacy, policy, or campaign goals.Experience leading and managing teams representing a rich mix of talent, backgrounds, and perspectives. This includes a track record of successful recruitment, cultivation, and retention of highly skilled staff across race and gender.Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and networks among TWS’ internal national staff, key stakeholders, government officials, donors, and partner organizations.Commitment to supporting others in accomplishing our goals in an equitable and inclusive manner.Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public with donors, partners, elected officials, and the media.Experience working with the media is preferred.Experience in fundraising from individual donors and/or foundations is preferred.Good time management skills, with the ability to aptly balance short- and long-term demands.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.WORK ENVIRONMENTWork environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of experience, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.The Wilderness Society offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; a sabbatical program; paid maternal & parental leave and a retirement plan.TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.As an organization, we aspire to be inclusive in the work that we do, and in the kind of organization we are. Internally, this means working as a team that listens to different points of view, recognizes the contributions of every employee, and empowers each employee to bring their whole selves to work every day.Externally, this means ensuring that public lands are inclusive and welcoming, so that our shared wildlands can help people and nature to thrive. We are committed to equity throughout our work, which we define as our commitment to realizing the promise of our public lands and ensuring that all can share in their universal benefits.To learn more about our commitment, please see
our commitment .How to Apply
Deadline: Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application system by Friday, March 29, 2024.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
$110,000.00 To 125,000.00 AnnuallyLocation: Alaska (Anchorage strongly preferred)Deadline: Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application
system by Friday, March 29, 2024POSITION DESCRIPTION:BACKGROUNDThe Wilderness Society is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. We believe public lands belong to and should benefit everyone and that our organization and its work must respect and embody the cultures and perspectives of people and communities across our nation.While Alaska is home to some of the largest tracts of wildlands in the world, it’s also the site of some of the greatest wildland threats. Dual pressures of climate change and resource development have placed many of Alaska’s wildlands at great risk – from the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to the Tongass National Forest. Alaska also provides one of the last remaining opportunities on earth to conserve whole, intact tracts of lands where wildlife and human communities have survived and thrived for millennia. Our current work is primarily focused on defending areas in the Arctic. Working in coalitions we invest in science, policy/legal, organizing, media and advocacy tools to defend iconic natural areas so that their ecological and cultural values endure for future generations.POSITION OVERVIEWThe Wilderness Society (TWS) seeks a motivated, highly collaborative, strategic, campaign-oriented individual to lead The Wilderness Society’s work in Alaska. The person in this position will have the opportunity to help set strategic direction and vision for the organization’s work in Alaska, engage and lead a cross departmental team, and build respectful, authentic partnerships aimed at achieving shared goals and building political influence.The Alaska State Director is a senior member of The Wilderness Society’s Conservation team. The Director will develop and lead the organization’s work in Alaska and is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, fundraising, directing and/or assisting campaigns, and managing staff and budget. In addition to directly managing staff in the Anchorage office, the Director also provides support, strategic guidance and direction to additional staff, within and outside of the regional office, who contribute to work in the state. The Director plays a critical role in cultivating and managing relationships with a wide range of partners (including Indigenous individuals and groups) as well as with federal, state, and tribal government officials and their staffs to advance conservation outcomes and other shared goals developed with partners.The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced leader and strong project manager who works collaboratively and will ensure The Wilderness Society’s Alaska conservation work is well integrated within the larger organization. This person will bring strategic focus in helping to achieve the organization’s priorities in Alaska and ensure we approach our conservation work in a manner that is equitable in terms of who benefits from conservation outcomes and inclusive in terms of the partners we engage.The Alaska State Director plays a critical role in establishing and reinforcing an inclusive organizational culture grounded in trust and accountability to shared goals and outcomes. TWS has made diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic priorities for the organization. This leader will integrate these priorities throughout our Alaska work, from expanding our partnerships to bringing an equity lens to all facets of our outreach, communication, and advocacy in the state. Across our team, we aspire to be campaign oriented, nimble, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIESDevelop and execute strategic program priorities for the state in furtherance of TWS’ overarching goals and vision.Lead and/or help oversee implementation of campaigns in Alaska, striving to position TWS as a trusted collaborator with partners and decision makers.Participate in, and at times lead, broad local or national coalitions that advocate for policy and/or place-based management connected to TWS’ goals related to climate adaptation, fossil fuel emission reductions, community-led conservation, and large landscape protections that enhance the ecological health of the land and community well-being.Work effectively with a wide range of diverse individuals and organizations, from lawyers, scientists, tribal leaders, agency leaders, and policy specialists to grassroots activists to local elected officials, members of industry and other public land users.Cultivate existing relationships and further build a network to educate and influence Alaska decision makers and opinion leaders on TWS’ state and national conservation priorities.Manage Alaska field staff and provide leadership to multi-disciplinary teams of TWS staff contributing to Arctic and Alaska work.Ensure TWS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is part of our work in Alaska, including having equity embedded into the development and implementation of our in-state goals.Ensure early and effective engagement with BIPOC partners and, when possible, elevating communities that have been historically marginalized. Specifically, see that TWS works closely with and supports our tribal partners, emphasizing the impact development in the Arctic would have on their way of life.Help secure major gifts from philanthropic foundations and major donors in close coordination with Philanthropy staff.Perform other related duties as assigned.QUALIFICATIONSExperience and Competencies:At least 8 or more years of experience leading issue advocacy or place-based campaigns and/or working to advance public policy changes at the local, state, or federal level.Direct experience with environmental/conservation law and policy and an understanding of agency land management planning and federal legislative processes.Proven cultural competency and experience working with Alaskan Native people and communities and a solid understanding of Alaskan Native culture, traditions, tribal governments, and issues.An effective leader, capable of meaningful engagement with a wide range of diverse audiences in the Alaska region, including Alaska Native communities, Alaskan Native Corporations, rural community leaders, recreationists, and industry representatives.Strategic thinking skills and demonstrated ability to craft a compelling vision and set priorities to achieve advocacy, policy, or campaign goals.Experience leading and managing teams representing a rich mix of talent, backgrounds, and perspectives. This includes a track record of successful recruitment, cultivation, and retention of highly skilled staff across race and gender.Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and networks among TWS’ internal national staff, key stakeholders, government officials, donors, and partner organizations.Commitment to supporting others in accomplishing our goals in an equitable and inclusive manner.Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public with donors, partners, elected officials, and the media.Experience working with the media is preferred.Experience in fundraising from individual donors and/or foundations is preferred.Good time management skills, with the ability to aptly balance short- and long-term demands.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.WORK ENVIRONMENTWork environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to adverse weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of this position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of experience, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.The Wilderness Society offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; a sabbatical program; paid maternal & parental leave and a retirement plan.TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.As an organization, we aspire to be inclusive in the work that we do, and in the kind of organization we are. Internally, this means working as a team that listens to different points of view, recognizes the contributions of every employee, and empowers each employee to bring their whole selves to work every day.Externally, this means ensuring that public lands are inclusive and welcoming, so that our shared wildlands can help people and nature to thrive. We are committed to equity throughout our work, which we define as our commitment to realizing the promise of our public lands and ensuring that all can share in their universal benefits.To learn more about our commitment, please see
our commitment .How to Apply
Deadline: Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online application system by Friday, March 29, 2024.
#J-18808-Ljbffr