Outreach Representative, Seattle Metro Area – Seattle, WA
Organization: Defenders of Wildlife
Position Title: Outreach Representative, Seattle Metro Area
Location: Seattle, WA, but candidate will be expected to work from a home office.
Hours & Compensation: Full-time. Salary commensurate with experience.
Application Deadline: None posted.
Posted On: June 12, 2013.
Organization Overview:
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, non-profit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
At Defenders of Wildlife, we focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. We work to protect and restore America’s native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public. We stand out in our commitment to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them.
We seek talented individuals dedicated to the conservation of our nation’s wildlife and natural resources, and we offer our staff competitive salary and exceptional benefits.
Description:
This position has lead responsibility for the regional implementation of outreach on Defenders of Wildlife’s national priority of gray wolf conservation in Washington state. Through constituency building and public education, the program will strengthen Defender’s advocacy of, and increase long-term regional support for, gray wolf conservation by mobilizing and activating the base of support for wolves in Washington state and improving the on-the-ground climate for continued wolf recovery in the state. General responsibilities include: outreach in the state to diverse constituencies; mobilizing and enlisting Defenders’ existing members and supporters; expanding support by the general public; and, ongoing media education and close collaboration with other gray wolf conservation partners within the environmental and other communities.
Responsibilities:
- Educate and mobilize Defenders’ donors and on-line activists in Washington state to support positive state actions to conserve and recover gray wolves and oppose anti-wolf actions that undermine or are contrary to the state’s gray wolf management plan.
- Build upon and/or expand a network of diverse constituencies supportive of wolf conservation and recovery in the state , as well as other private landowners; outdoor recreation businesses; fish and wildlife recreation enthusiasts;, local officials; and religious, scientific and environmental organizations, and local groups.
- Expand the base of support for wolf conservation and recovery among targeted segments of the general public in the state of Washington
- Collaborate and coordinate conservation actions with other environmental community partners who are supportive of wolf conservation and recovery
- In coordination with Defenders’ communications and marketing departments, conduct ongoing education of local news and editorial media outlets in support of gray wolf conservation.
- Work in coordination with Defenders’ staff located in Rocky Mountain and Plains Region, including the Regional Director, Northern Rockies Representative, outside consultants and headquarters Director of National Outreach to:
- Develop, distribute, and/or present necessary campaign materials such as talking points, factsheets, and multi-media presentations;
- Generate educational letters and calls to key state decision makers with influence and control over wolf conservation and recovery programs and policies within the state;
- Secure letters to the editor and other earned media in local papers;
- Enhance the presence of wolf conservation supporters at hearings and public events;
- Plan Meet-ups to expand the network of wolf conservation activists and supporters;
- Inform and educate our members and supporters on significant Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife wolf conservation and management proposals, facilitating the submission of their views and comments on such proposals to the Department
- Arrange grasstops educational meetings with key elected and administrative officials;
- Utilize Defenders’ online and social media networks, including Facebook and Twitter, to help facilitate grassroots mobilization.
- Host citizen activist meetings with key decision makers in Olympia as well as local visits as appropriate
- Stay current on legislative and administrative issues of priority interest to Defenders
- Perform all other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s (BA/BS) degree or equivalent in related discipline
- Experience: 2+ years of proven grassroots organizing success in political and/or issue campaigns in same geographic area
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.
- Ability to learn and effectively communicate substance of legally, scientifically, and politically complex wildlife and wildland dfocused issue campaigns, especially gray wolves to Defenders’ constituency, the general public, and media
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including private landowners, hunters and anglers, local political leaders, tribal communities, and religious and scientific communities
- Excellent writing skills and ability to convey effective messages to various constituencies
- Ability to work independently and maintain strategic issues focus
How to Apply:
Interested applicants please reference Outreach Representative-Seattle Metro Area in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history to us via e-mail at: [email protected].
Contact Information:
Defenders of Wildlife, http://www.defenders.org
