About FLTWS
The Florida Chapter of The Wildlife Society (FLTWS) is a nonprofit professional organization dedicated to advancing science-based wildlife conservation and management in Florida. Our members include wildlife professionals, biologists, land managers, researchers, and students working to protect Florida’s unique ecosystems and biodiversity. FLTWS provides professional development, networking opportunities, and educational events, including our Spring Conference and Fall Workshop, which bring together conservation leaders across the state.

he COO plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of FLTWS, helping to plan events, coordinate communications, and support our 250+ members. A basic understanding of Florida’s natural resource conservation issues is a plus, but not required.

Position Overview
FLTWS seeks a part-time Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee the coordination of events, membership communications, and administrative operations. This is an independent contractor role with flexible hours, varying workload intensity, and a primary focus on organizing the Spring Conference and Fall Workshop. The COO works closely with the President, Board, and committees to ensure that FLTWS functions smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

1. Event Planning & Coordination (Major Responsibility)
    • Lead the planning and execution of the FLTWS Spring Conference and Fall Workshop in     collaboration with the President-Elect and Program Planning Committee.
    • Negotiate venue contracts, ensuring cost-effective hotel, catering, and AV arrangements.
    • Manage event logistics, including registration, name badges, merchandise sales, and on-site support.
    • Coordinate technical sessions and speaker arrangements with the Program Planning Committee.
    • Ensure all event details are updated on the FLTWS website.
2. Membership & Communication Management
    • Serve as the primary contact for FLTWS inquiries and member services.
    • Send email communications to the membership (~250 members) using Google email.
    • Distribute the biannual FLTWS newsletter (content is provided by others).
    • Send membership renewal reminders and promote membership benefits (in coordination with the Membership Committee).
3. Website & Technology Management
    • Update FLTWS website (Squarespace) with event details, deadlines, and relevant announcements.
    • Manage electronic voting for Board elections and other business decisions.
    • Schedule Zoom meetings for key committees (Membership, Fundraising, Conservation).
    • Assist with basic website edits and troubleshooting, as needed.
4. Board & Committee Support
    • Assist with scheduling Board meetings (held quarterly: two via Zoom, two in-person).
    • Attend all Board meetings (encouraged but not required at committee meetings).
    • Assist the Secretary in preparing meeting agendas and minutes, as needed.
    • Provide administrative support to the Membership, Fundraising, and Conservation Committees.
5. Financial & Contract Management
    • Work within the established budget for event planning expenses.
    • Ensure event-related invoices and payments are processed (in coordination with the Treasurer).
    • Oversee vendor contracts related to FLTWS events.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in event planning or conference coordination (required).
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation to manage workload independently.
• Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with members, vendors, and partners.
• Basic website management experience (Squarespace preferred).
• Proficiency in email and scheduling tools (Google Workspace, Zoom).
• Comfortable handling administrative tasks for a nonprofit organization.
• Basic understanding of Florida’s natural resource conservation issues is a plus, but not required.

Workload Expectations

• Spring Conference (April) → Busiest period (planning starts months in advance).
• Post-Spring Conference → Slow period (wrap-up tasks).
• Fall Workshop & Meeting (September/October) → Moderate workload (simpler than Spring event).
• Winter & Summer → Light administrative duties (Board meetings, membership emails).

Compensation & Reimbursement

• Fixed salary of $12,000/year ($1,000/month) – pay is not tied to hours worked but to completion of responsibilities.
• Travel reimbursed at Florida’s state mileage rate, when pre-approved.
• Event-related lodging and travel costs are covered (if pre-approved by the FLTWS Board).
• No additional benefits (contractor position).