Administrative Assistant (Albuquerque, NM)
The Administrative Assistant is responsible for the overall administrative operation of The Wilderness Society's Southwest Regional Office, including day-to-day supervisory responsibility for interns and volunteers, assistance with the Southwest Program's priority programs and such other tasks as are necessary to ensure that the office functions effectively.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Manage and perform general office administration; establish and maintain filing systems; manage vendors and negotiate contracts; acquire and maintain office equipment and supplies, and assist with correspondence.
- Pay bills, maintain checking account, prepare monthly expense reports, and maintain accurate financial records documenting Southwest Regional Office and Regional Program expenditures over time. Assist the Southwest Regional Director in the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets.
- Assist with and coordinate special events, member action alerts, email action alerts, web site information, media contact lists, public outreach, and marketing partnerships with businesses.
- Maintain, acquire, and upgrade as required the office computer systems, in coordination with local network support vendor and the Washington, DC office.
- Support the Southwest Regional Office in the collection of media clips, documents, and key information for use by Southwest as well The Wilderness Society's Washington, DC office. Establish and maintain a schedule of routine transmissions and communications.
- Support the Southwest Regional office staff on priority programs including research, attending public hearings/meetings, meeting with agency representatives on issues pertaining to the Southwest program, and dealing with public requests for information.
- Assist the Southwest Regional Director to maintain consistent communications with donors and institutional funders by maintaining donor database and generating periodic correspondence.
- Other tasks as identified and assigned by the Southwest Regional Director.
Qualifications
- Position requires an experienced, highly motivated, well-organized professional who can work quickly with close attention to detail and priority with a minimum of supervision. Ability to work effectively and diplomatically under pressure with a wide variety of people.
- Must have excellent administrative and computer skills and possess strong verbal and written communication skills, proven problem-solving abilities, and a friendly, positive attitude.
- Must be a team player, willing to respond quickly and flexibly to changing events and work assignments in a dynamic and challenging work environment.
- Prior office management experience is desirable, as is experience in planning and completing special events.
- Applicants must have a solid working knowledge of computer applications and operating systems.
- Strong proficiency in the use of MS office i.e. WORD and EXCEL is essential. Experience with Netscape and Power Point is a plus.
- Strong concerns for the environment a real plus.
We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.
Please mail or email cover letter and resume to:
Deanna Archuleta
Southwest Regional Director
The Wilderness Society
600 Central SW, Suite #237
Albuquerque, NM 87102
deanna_archuleta@tws.org
No phone calls please.
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Conservation Advocacy Associate (Washington, DC)
General Description
The Conservation Advocacy Associate will assist David Moulton, the Director of The Wilderness Society's newly-established Climate Policy and Conservation Funding Program, on high-priority funding and legislative issues. The Associate will play a key role in climate and conservation policy research, campaign development, budget tracking and advocacy during the legislative process, with a focus on budget and appropriations issues. The Associate also will be involved in fighting attacks on our national environmental laws and our forests, refuges, and parks that are launched through legislative 'riders' on appropriations bills.
Program Overview
The Wilderness Society's Climate Policy and Conservation Funding Program within the Public Policy Department is responsible for developing, coordinating and advocating the Society's policy initiatives on climate change, federal budget, public lands funding and anti-environmental riders. It also leads coordination of multi-group coalitions on budget policy, environmental funding and anti-environmental riders. Our goal is to help ensure that our nation's most valuable wild lands are permanently and effectively protected and maintained.
The Conservation Advocacy Associate will help to prepare and advocate the Program's legislative and policy initiatives before Congress and Executive Branch agencies; communicate these policy initiatives with media; assist TWS Regional Offices with various appropriations goals; and coordinate TWS initiatives with other organizations.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Program Director with legislative, appropriations and budget research, analysis and advocacy.
- Monitor Congressional hearings and mark-ups.
- Establish and maintain Congressional and Administration staff relationships.
- Develop written materials, such as fact sheets, action alerts, correspondence and internet-based communications.
- Assist with the coordination of our Congressional and Administration advocacy with The Wilderness Society's Regional Offices and other organizations.
- Take a leadership role in The Wilderness Society advocacy against anti-environmental legislative riders.
Education
- BA or BS required. Graduate-level degree in relevant discipline encouraged.
Experience
- Previous advocacy or legislative policy experience required
- Must have effective verbal, written, quantitative and research skills.
- Must be flexible in daily work schedules.
- Initiative, independence and effective time management essential.
- Ability to work as part of a team in a collegial but occasionally stressful atmosphere is necessary.
- General knowledge of the federal government and legislative process required. Advanced knowledge of the key programs of the federal land management agencies, the budget and appropriations process, Congressional legislative workings, and familiarity with the development and execution of issue campaigns is preferred.
- MS Office software (i.e. word processing and Excel) skills are required.
We offer a very competitive salary and benefits packages, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.
Submit résumé, cover letter, and references to:
Mr. Kelly White
Director of Human Resources
The Wilderness Society; 1615 M St., NW
Washington D.C. 20036
Kelly_White@tws.org
Fax 202-454-2546
No phone calls please.
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California Public Lands Program Director (Palm Springs, a California Desert community, Los Angeles or San Francisco)
General Description
The purpose of the California Public Lands Program is to monitor and positively influence management of federal lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), particularly units of the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS). The California Public Lands Program Director is a mid to high level policy position that is responsible for the strategic development of the program, implementation, and management of other program staff.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the California Public Lands Program, provide strategic vision and leadership, assist in fundraising, and manage other program staff.
- Develop policies, programs, and projects that result in improved management of NLCS units in California, support expansion of the NLCS system, and positively influence management of BLM lands throughout the state.
- Provide leadership to the grassroots organizations and individuals working on NLCS issues in the state. Serve as a critical link between California activists and national coalitions working on NLCS and other related public land issues.
- Educate the public and the press about the importance of protecting these lands and expanding the NLCS.
- Maintain regular communications with Bureau of Land Management officials.
- Cultivate political champions at the local, state, and federal level, who support protection of the NLCS and BLM lands overall.
- Develop new partners, both within and beyond the conservation community, who will advocate for the protection of these areas and expansion of the NLCS.
Qualifications
- Requires at least 4-5 years experience overseeing a conservation advocacy campaign (grassroots or legislative).
- Must have knowledge of federal land management policy and conservation issues relevant to the American West.
- Familiarity with the California conservation community and the Bureau of Land Management is highly desired.
- Understanding of Congressional legislative process.
- Ability to work with diverse interests and coalitions.
- Some managerial experience preferred.
- Experience working successfully with the media to place stories, op-eds, Letters to the Editor, and editorials.
- Excellent writing and editing skills. Good verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills and ability to work independently.
- Ability to travel as needed.
- Willingness to work nights and weekends as needed.
- Proficient computer skills; knowledge and experience with word processing (MS Word), database and communications software.
We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair and equal treatment of its employees and constituents regardless of differences based on culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, or sexual orientation.
Submit résumé, cover letter, writing samples and references to:
The Wilderness Society
Attn: Public Lands Director Position
Presidio Building #1016
P.O. Box 29241
San Francisco, CA 94129
Fax 415-561-6640
PublicLandsDirector@tws.org
No phone calls please
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Director of Development Operations (Washington, DC)
General Description
The Director of Development Operations (DDO) works with the Vice President and Directors in the Development Department to initiate and direct supporting functions for development activities including: financial management and budget; database systems; information management; prospect management; gift processing and acknowledgements; analysis, and evaluation and reporting of revenue performance toward meeting annual revenue goals. This position initiates and directs the department's operating policies, procedures, and practices to facilitate effective and efficient fulfillment of objectives and goals. As needed, recommends and directs the planning and implementation of major initiatives in support of Development operations.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
Financial Management
- Directs the management of all information regarding restricted and unrestricted revenues, including the creation and maintenance of analysis and reports to be coordinated and communicated with Development and Finance.
- Designs and implements the annual planning process for the execution of restricted and unrestricted revenue projections and expense budgets. Coordinates the budget process with the VP for Development and works closely with Finance. Oversees reconciliation of accounting reports.
- Monitors, analyzes, reports and provides projections on the status of restricted and unrestricted fundraising performance by Development program on regular basis.
- Monitors, analyzes, reports and provides projections on the department's fundraising progress toward specific program goals, including cash flow, pledges, pledge payments, and projected results. Directs the preparation of special reports for the senior management team, the Development Committee of the Governing Council, and the wider Governing Council, as appropriate, integrating performance trends and financial analysis.
- Manages the expense budget for the Development department. Provides assistance to the VP and Directors in preparing annual expense budgets. Evaluates expense budgets to ensure they support proposed level of fundraising activity. Review and evaluate contracts and expenditure requests; approve items for payment.
Information Management
- Works closely with IT to directs the management of Team Approach database including workflow management and documentation; report generation; and ongoing training for the development department. Identifies short and long term issues relating to information systems, and oversees or performs analysis of issues and provides analysis and proposed solutions to VP. Ensures optimal integration of Development systems with finance and membership databases.
- Oversees the maintenance and organization of all information systems, paper and electronic, of the development office. Leads the reduction of paper files in DC office and the transition to electronic storage of donor information and files.
- Evaluates internal business processes and recommends proposed solutions to VP.
Gift Processing and Accounting
- Oversees all gift acknowledgments, and ensures timely and accurate receipts to donors and reports to appropriate TWS staff.
- Ensures proper recording of gifts; analyzes existing gift processing procedures and accounting procedures. Implements improvements involving technical advances, and changes in accounting practices and laws.
- Oversees the processing of gifts of securities. Communicates these transactions to appropriate TWS staff.
- As appropriate, researches and implements TWS procedures for following IRS and FASB regulations regarding charitable giving.
Supervisory Responsibility
- Supervises one staff member, Major Gifts Coordinator
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required. Graduate degree in accounting, finance or business administration preferred.
- Minimum 5 years experience in financial and/or administrative management, with demonstrated ability to facilitate the development of budgets, successful project management skills, and the ability to analyze fundraising performance.
- Must possess the ability to communicate complex information effectively, take a team approach, and initiate work. Experience within a Development office strongly preferred.
- Position requires excellent organization, time management, analytical, and problem solving skills.
- Must work effectively with a wide range of staff across several departments. Good judgment and a high degree of confidentiality a must..
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer; diversity is a core value for TWS.
Submit resume, cover letter, at least two writing samples, and references to:
Mr. Kelly White
Director, Human Resources
The Wilderness Society
1615 M St., NW
Washington D.C. 20036
Kelly_White@tws.org
Fax (202) 454-2546
No phone calls please.
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Vice President, Ecology and Economics Research Department (EERD) (Washington, DC)
General Description
The Wilderness Society's Ecology and Economics Research Department (EERD) is responsible for providing science and research leadership within the organization and the conservation community more broadly by strategically employing ecological, economic, and legal and landscape analysis to advance and leverage wildland conservation, public land stewardship, and related public education goals. The Vice President facilitates that role both by fostering leadership among EERD staff within their disciplinary and programmatic responsibilities, and by fostering effective relationships within The Wilderness Society (TWS) and with outside partners and key constituents, including academic, agency and independent scientists, conservation organizations and foundations and other financial supporters.
Success in this position requires integration and synergy with TWS' regional programs, national policy work, education, outreach, and development efforts across the organization. The Vice President will also use an understanding of how science is brought to bear to leverage and influence U.S. conservation policy, building effective short-term and forward-looking analysis to serve long-term public wildland conservation and stewardship needs in an era of global change. Work should support the organization's long-established tradition of a strong blend of analytical work, advocacy, and education in conservation.
EERD's Vice President directly oversees a team of 5 senior staff (scientists and resource policy analysts) and the department's Research Project Coordinator. The senior staff, in turn, oversee the remaining members in the 21 person department including professionals in ecology, economics, law, and landscape analysis. Members of staff are highly qualified in their areas of expertise. Staff is located in the Washington, D.C. headquarters and the Alaska, Vermont, Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and California field offices, and further expansion of staff is anticipated. The program and operating budget of EERD is approximately $2 million and has potential for growth, particularly through grant funding.
As a member of The Wilderness Society's senior management team, the Vice President of the Ecology and Economics Research Department (EERD) reports directly to the Senior Vice President for Conservation and works closely with other Vice Presidents, senior EERD staff, regional directors, and program team leaders. The Vice President will also be expected to build strong and effective relationships with members of the TWS Governing Council (board) and participate in all Governing Council meetings.
The Vice President has the opportunity to work on the interface between conservation science and public land policy to shape science programs that will advance the state of knowledge and understanding around regional and national conservation issues. Further, this will be done in a department of highly skilled, motivated and dedicated scientists and legal specialists.
Responsibilities
- Continue to build and strengthen a dynamic program that produces and deploys high-quality scientific information and analysis to advance public wildland conservation, improve wildland stewardship, and foster sustainable communities in wildland-rich areas so as to achieve the conservation goals in TWS' 10 year strategic plan.
- Partner with EERD's senior staff and other leaders across the organization to ensure that all areas of analytical expertise (ecological, economic, legal and landscape analysis) are strategically and effectively employed and are well integrated with one another and with The Wilderness Society's regional and national conservation programs, including wilderness protection, ecological restoration, and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Work with the President, Senior Vice President for Conservation, VPs, Governing Council, senior EERD staff and other leaders across the organization to develop and implement major national and regional objectives and tasks and provide creative and long range planning to develop new programs consistent with the goals in TWS' annual and 10 year strategic plans.
- With the President, Senior Vice President for Conservation, Governing Council, Vice Presidents, senior EERD staff, regional directors, and program team leaders, foster strong internal communications and an approach to program development that integrates short-and long-term policy goals with the process and products of EERD's research operations.
- Join with the Development Department to creatively and strategically secure funds for TWS' scientific and analytical program. Develop and maintain contacts with key funding organizations, including foundations and major donors. Foster a high degree of integration and synergy between development and programmatic work. Provide grant management and oversight for science grants.
- In partnership with the Communications Department and EERD senior staff, develop new strategies to communicate the scientific basis for wildland conservation to both internal and external audiences.
- In partnership with the Public Policy Department and EERD senior staff, develop innovative strategies to inject science into federal land management policy developed through legislation and through administrative processes.
- Supervise and provide performance evaluations for EERD senior management team and Research Project Coordinator.
- Review overall allocation of department staff resources, salaries, staff functions, and areas of research effort.
- Engage effectively in the annual TWS planning and budget process. Work with EERD senior management team and other leaders around the organization to ensure that analytical work is well thought out and integrated into program and budget plans.
- Participate in regular meetings with the President, Senior Vice President for Conservation, and Vice Presidents.
- Serve as spokesperson for the department and the role of science within the organization.
- Serve as a spokesperson for the role of science in public wildland conservation and management policy externally and help build awareness for The Wilderness Society's efforts to define and fulfill that role.
Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years experience in natural or social scientific research or analysis related to public land conservation and/or management.
- Demonstrated success in leading a staff of 10 or more professionals in scientific, legal or technical disciplines, and in preparing and managing budgets sufficient to cover that staff's operations.
- Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, including the ability to set priorities and balance short- and long-term demands for information and technical resources.
- Experience and interest in public land management and policy. Firsthand familiarity with the processes of federal land management policymaking in the management agencies, Congress and through the judicial branch of government, and knowledge of the roles that science and analytical work play in those processes. Experience with policymaking at other governmental levels is desirable.
- Demonstrated success in developing financial support for scientific and analytical programs related to land conservation and/or management. Experience preparing proposals, developing and maintaining contacts with funders, and good judgment on balancing grantee and funders' priorities. The ideal candidate will come with established relationships with foundation, individual, and corporate funders.
- Experience and interest in communication of technical information to non-technical audiences. Ability to work with communication staff to develop and promote the science of the organization through conventional and electronic media.
- Experience working in an advocacy or public policy environment.
- A Ph.D., J.D., or equivalent terminal degree is required.
Personal Characteristics
- Personal commitment to the conservation of America's public wildlands and the ecological, social, cultural and economic values they provide.
- Ability to think creatively and strategically.
- Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with a particular ability to express scientific, legal or technical concepts into language accessible to policy makers, media contacts and the general public.
- Ability to develop a vision and share it with others.
- Inclination and ability to work in teams.
- Good interpersonal skills.
- Trustworthiness and discretion.
Other requirements
- The position location is Washington, DC; and frequent travel to regional and field offices is necessary.
- Weekend and evening work expected.
The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and Diversity is a core value. The Wilderness Society offers a competitive compensation and benefits package.
Please submit resume, cover letter to:
EERD VP Search
The Wilderness Society
1615 M Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
or via email to: staffing@tws.org
No telephone calls please.
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Planned Giving Officer (Washington, DC)
General Description
The Wilderness Society, founded in 1935, and built upon the commitment of hundreds of early wilderness advocates, seeks a Planned Giving Officer to join well-developed Planned Giving program. This position is based in the Washington, DC, headquarters office, and reports directly to the Director of Planning Giving.
The Planned Giving Officer will work with the Director of Planned Giving to develop personal relationships with planned gift prospects and donors. The Officer is responsible for following up with individuals who have inquired about planned gift opportunities with The Wilderness Society, with a goal of increasing the number of known bequests as well as annuities and other planned gifts.
The Officer will manage all aspects of the relationship with a selected group of prospects, from responding to planned giving inquiries, making personal visits and regular telephone contact, to maintaining a computerized inquiry tracking system. The Officer will develop and implement specific cultivation and stewardship strategies for these inquirers and donors, involving where appropriate the president, program staff, and regional development directors. The Officer will also assist with publications and programs of the planned giving club known as the Robert Marshall Council.
Responsibilities
- Telephone and face-to-face follow-up with inquirers.
- Produce written inquiry fulfillment material
- Develop and coordinate stewardship activities including acknowledgment letters and other donor recognition projects
- Develop specific planned gift proposals utilizing planned gift software
Qualifications
- The idea candidate will have three to five years of relevant work experience. Bachelor's degree or paralegal training required. Personal commitment to wilderness preservation important is a plus.
- Communication: Must have excellent face-to-face and telephone manner, strong verbal and written communication skills and capacity to build strong relationships.
- Organization/Analysis: Strong analytical ability, meticulous attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and facility for mathematical and financial concepts required. Must possess excellent time management skills, and be able to manage several projects simultaneously.
- Computer Literacy: Expertise in spreadsheet and database management, and Word Processing necessary. Windows, Word, Excel and Access or comparable application software. Exposure to planned giving software is helpful.
- Planned Giving/Major Gift Background: Basic background is needed in the principles of planned giving, with demonstrated aptitude for learning more advanced aspects of gift planning. Eagerness to conduct personal, one-on-one fundraising is imperative.
The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer; diversity is a core value for TWS.
Submit resume, cover letter, at least two writing samples, and references to:
Kelly White
Director, Human Resources
The Wilderness Society
1615 M St., NW
Washington D.C. 20036
Kelly_White@tws.org
Fax (202) 454-2546
No phone calls please.
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Regional Associate (Pasadena, CA)
General Description
The Wilderness Society (TWS) is a national non-profit conservation organization dedicated to protecting America's wild landscapes. Founded in 1935, TWS has over 300,000 members, 170 staff and an annual budget of $25 million.
TWS seeks an experienced field representative to implement public outreach and education efforts in support of wilderness and wild rivers protection as well as enhanced recreational opportunities in the San Gabriel Mountains in northern Los Angeles County. This field representative would join a strong and diverse multi-organization coalition that is working to protect and improve the management of important lands in the Angeles and San Bernardino National Forests.
The Regional Associate will focus on building a strong and active network of grassroots supporters by engaging existing volunteers, as well as recruiting, training, and retaining new volunteers. They will also help develop campaign strategy, conduct outreach to key business and community leaders, elected officials, and land managers, as well the media.
This individual must be willing to work on many projects, juggle competing priorities, and be able to demonstrate leadership and initiative. Strong communication skills, flexibility, and a "can-do" attitude are essential. Experience working in a coalition setting is highly desirable.
Responsibilities
The Regional Associate will play a central role in the San Gabriel Mountains Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers Campaign by:
- Establishing a positive working relationship with regional Congressional offices and other local elected officials.
- Building and maintaining active grassroots networks dedicated to protecting the San Gabriel Mountains and increasing recreational opportunities. These efforts will initially be focused in Pasadena, La Canada-Flintridge, Arcadia, Rancho Cucamonga, Claremont, and Glendora but may expand into other communities in northern Los Angeles County.
- Building visible support for the campaign's goals among businesses, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, elected officials and non-traditional allies.
- Working with and reaching out to local media outlets to garner attention for the campaign.
- Helping develop outreach and educational materials for the press, general public, community leaders and decision makers.
- Working with the Forest Service and other municipal agencies to garner support for wilderness and wild & scenic river protection.
- Recruiting, training and developing a team of volunteer leaders to assist with campaign work.
- Organizing and leading hiking tours of proposed wilderness areas and wild and scenic rivers.
- Working closely with coalition members to assist in strategic planning and implementation.
Qualifications
- Excellent volunteer recruitment, management and leadership development skills are required; Two or more years of grassroots organizing experience preferred;
- Experience working with businesses, sportsmen, religious organizations, and property owners a plus;
- Experience working with elected officials preferred;
- Experience working with the media desired;
- Commitment to land protection required; Knowledge and experience in conservation preferred;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to tailor messages to specific audiences, build relationships with and mobilize a wide variety of individuals;
- Excellent organization and time-management skills;
- Ambitious and motivated self-starter with strong critical thinking skills;
- Ability to work well independently and as part of a team;
- Ability to keep a level head when responding to rapid changes in campaign strategies and plans;
- BA/BS Degree or equivalent experience.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer; diversity is a core value for TWS.
Submit résumé, cover letter, writing samples and references to:
Sam Goldman
The Wilderness Society
655 Montgomery Street, Suite 1000
San Francisco, CA 94111
sam_goldman@tws.org
No phone inquiries please.
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Regional Director of Development, Northeast (Washington, DC or Northeast)
Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a national nonprofit membership organization devoted to protecting America's wilderness. Based in Washington, D.C. and with ten regional offices, The Wilderness Society seeks a senior development professional to play a key role in advancing the organization's mission and strategic plan. There are approximately 250,000 members of TWS.
The Wilderness Society is in the quiet phase of a $200 million fund raising campaign. This position will be responsible for raising funds for regional fundraising priorities and national priorities as part of this campaign.
The major gifts program includes five other development officers, in Montana, California, Seattle and two in Washington, DC. The major gifts department includes two coordinator positions, two prospect research staff, two development associates, one in San Francisco and one in Seattle. Additionally, the Development Department includes two operations staff, seven foundation relations staff and three planned giving staff members.
The Regional Director of Development for the Northeast is responsible for the oversight, coordination and strategy development for the solicitation of major gift and planned giving prospects in New York and New England. This results-oriented and experienced development professional will work closely with the VP for Development, program staff and senior staff of The Wilderness Society, and high level volunteers including board members, and other members of the development team. This position will provide support to foundation staff in Washington DC, and will collaborate with foundation staff on cultivation activities for northeast foundation donors.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 Major Gift donors and prospects in New York and the northeast, focusing on campaign prospects and donors at the $50,000 and above capacity level
- Set fundraising goals and plans supporting them, within the context of a major gifts campaign and national campaign efforts.
- Work with the VP and Deputy VP for Development, the President, the Governing Council, President's Council, program staff and the rest of the major gifts team to implement the major gifts campaign
- Engage volunteer leaders, including members of the Governing Council, President's Council and others to meet our capital giving goals and expand our volunteer leadership.
- Support the activities of the foundations team by cultivating foundation prospects and other duties as needed.
- Achieve competence using Team Approach to track relationships and contacts in support of the fundraising strategies within his/her portfolio
- Travels frequently locally, regionally and nationally for fundraising activity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required
- Proven track record in closing major gifts and ability to close six and seven figure gifts
- A minimum of five years of major gifts fundraising required
- Familiarity with planned giving vehicles and methods highly desirable
- Extensive experience in working with volunteer leaders required
- Conservation/environmental knowledge preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Demonstrated successful supervisory experience
- Proven ability to be a collaborative team member; ability to work well within the development department, a regional office, with the leadership of the organization, and with donors.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Self-motivated with strong work ethic and able to work with considerable independence within the context of a team environment and network of relationships.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills
- Ability to mentor and support other staff on team
- Strong organizational skills, attentive to detail, results-oriented and ability to handle deadlines and shifting priorities with good judgment
- Respect for confidentiality
- Must be able to travel frequently
- Ability to communicate with staff and volunteers at all levels of the organization
- Excellent computer skills, Word, Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with donor databases.
The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Submit cover letter, resume, writing sample to:
Kelly White
Director of Human Resources
The Wilderness Society
1615 M St NW
Washington DC 20036
fax 202-454-2546
Kelly_White@tws.org
No Phone Calls Please
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Regional Director of Development, Southwest and Midwest (Denver, CO)
Description
Founded in 1935, The Wilderness Society is a national nonprofit membership organization devoted to protecting America's wilderness. Based in Washington, D.C. and with ten regional offices, The Wilderness Society seeks a senior development professional to play a key role in advancing the organization's mission, which is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places, and to advance our strategic plan. There are approximately 250,000 members of TWS.
The Wilderness Society is in the quiet phase of a $200 million fund raising campaign. This position will be responsible for raising funds for regional fundraising priorities and national priorities as part of this campaign.
The major gifts program includes five other development officers, in Montana, California, Seattle and two in Washington, DC. The major gifts department includes two coordinator positions, two prospect research staff, two development associates, one in San Francisco and one in Seattle. Additionally, the Development Department includes two operations staff, seven foundation relations staff and four planned giving staff members.
The Regional Director of Development for the Southwest and Midwest is responsible for the oversight, coordination and strategy development for the solicitation of major gift and planned giving prospects focusing on the states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, Minnesota, Illinois, Ohio, and to a lesser extent, a number of other states in the Midwest. This position will carry a portfolio of approximately 150 prospects. The expectation is approximately 30% of time will be spent traveling. This results-oriented and experienced development professional will work closely with the VP for Development, program staff and senior staff of The Wilderness Society, and high level volunteers including board members, and other members of the development team.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 150-200 Major Gift donors and prospects in Southwest and Midwest, focusing on campaign prospects and donors at the $25,000 and above capacity level.
- Set fundraising goals and plans supporting them, within the context of a major gifts campaign and national campaign efforts.
- Work with regional staff to cultivate prospects in the Southwest and Midwest, and set and meet regional fundraising goals.
- Work with VP for Development, the President, the Governing Council, President's Council, program staff and the rest of the major gifts team to implement the major gifts campaign.
- Engage volunteer leaders, including members of the Governing Council, President's Council and others to meet our capital giving goals and expand our volunteer leadership.
- Support the activities of the foundations team by cultivating foundation prospects and other duties as needed.
- Achieve competence using Team Approach to track relationships and contacts in support of the fundraising strategies within his/her portfolio.
- Travels frequently locally, regionally and nationally for fundraising activity.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required
- Proven track record in closing major gifts and ability to close six and seven figure gifts
- A minimum of five years of major gifts fundraising required
- Familiarity with planned giving vehicles and methods highly desirable
- Extensive experience in working with volunteer leaders required
- Conservation/environmental knowledge preferred
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Demonstrated successful supervisory experience
- Proven ability to be a collaborative team member and work well within the development department, the regional office, with the leadership of the organization, and with donors.
Skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills required to relate to donors, volunteers, and colleagues.
- Self-motivated with strong work ethic and able to work with considerable independence within the context of a team environment and network of relationships.
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills
- Ability to mentor and support other staff on team
- Strong organizational skills, attentive to detail, results-oriented and ability to handle deadlines and shifting priorities with good judgment
- Respect for confidentiality
- Must be able to travel frequently
- Ability to communicate with staff and volunteers at all levels of the organization
- Excellent computer skills, Word, Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with donor databases.
The Wilderness Society offers a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a pension plan. The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer and diversity is a core value. Women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please submit cover letter, resume, and writing sample to:
RDD- Southwest and Midwest Search
Attn: Kelly White, Director of Human Resources
The Wilderness Society
1615 M Street, N.W.
Washington, DC, 20036
Email to staffing@tws.org
Fax to 202-454-2546
No phone calls, please.
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Rapid Response Policy Advisor, Climate Change and Public Lands (Washington, DC)
General Responsibilities
The Wilderness Society works to protect America's public lands, wilderness and wildlife through public education, scientific analysis and advocacy. Climate change -- and in particular the relationship between public lands and climate change-is a high priority issue for TWS. This work requires rapid response to a changing political and policy environment to identify and promote a positive policy agenda and to ensure that inappropriate policies are not enacted.
This professional-level position will be working with TWS's Senior Climate Team of policy analysts, ecologists, economists, and communications experts. Given that timing is often a critical component of success or failure in this area, this position will be focused on anticipating the emerging issues and opportunities, and ensuring that the research, communications and policy work is in place to address them in a timely manner. The Advisor's work will be focused in particular on policy development to assist in the adaptation of ecosystems, wildlife and wildlands to climate change. As TWS develops and broadens its work on global climate change issues, the Policy Advisor's responsibilities will include working with the TWS Climate Team to help define our evolving work on climate change issues as it affects our nation's public lands, and to assume responsibility for specific tasks related to our climate change work as described below.
Specific Duties
- Identify emerging issues in the climate policy/public lands area, including the impacts of climate change on various public land values, and help identify and produce necessary research, policy proposals, and other materials to address these issues quickly.
- Through contacts in congress, the agencies, the media and other sources, identify legislative, administrative or other threats to climate change policy and the public lands and assemble the data and responsive materials in a timely manner so as to rebut inaccurate representations and marshal support for rejection of negative proposals.
- Assist in ensuring that climate policy work is well-coordinated throughout the organization, with the Climate Working Group, and that TWS's research and policy skills are fully utilized on priority policy initiatives.
- Prepare policy memos, briefing papers, action alerts, public testimony, lobby materials and other written materials as necessary in support of policy initiatives related to the impacts of climate change on public land values.
- Work with policy, communications and research staff to educate the public and decision makers on TWS positions and data on relevant issues and to respond to or initiate contact with the media, congressional staff and the general public.
- Represent TWS in legislative and administrative proceedings and participate in conferences, seminars and other activities designed to inform the public and decision makers of relevant information and policy positions.
Qualifications
- Law, PHd or other graduate degree desirable.
- At least 7 years experience in policy analysis in government, non-profit or business required, with some emphasis on general public lands or climate change policy.
- A working knowledge of congressional and administrative process and experience in lobbying at the federal level strongly preferred.
- Experience working with the media desirable.
- Excellent analytical, written and verbal communications and strong advocacy skills required.
Position requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, willingness to take initiative, creativity, and ability to work quickly and effectively under pressure and collegially with a team with a combination of skills .
Some travel may be required. Working hours must be flexible enough to adapt to congressional schedules and to carry out rapid response initiatives on short notice.
The Wilderness Society is an equal opportunity employer. Please submit resume and cover letter to:
Kelly White
Director of Human Resources
The Wilderness Society
1615 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
fax 202-454-2546
kelly_white@tws.org
No Phone Calls Please
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