ABOUT CONSERVATION X LABS

Conservation X Labs (CXL) seeks to solve the world’s most pressing conservation problems by supporting innovative solutions that address the underlying drivers of extinction. We achieve this by developing new technology in our labs, leading open innovation competitions, and empowering talented innovators across disciplines to create transformative products that serve people and our planet.

THE FIRE GRAND CHALLENGE

Driven by complex environmental and social factors, severe fires are now burning larger areas at a higher severity throughout the year, even in previously unaffected ecosystems. With these rising threats, the impacts of destructive fire have far outpaced solutions. CXL is developing the Fire Grand Challenge to identify and accelerate global, collective solutions to reimagine how we live with fire across three key geographies—the Amazon, Western North America, and Southeast Asia. At its core, the Challenge will braid together Indigenous, traditional, and rural knowledge with cutting-edge science, innovation, and technology.

CXL is launching the Western North America component of the Fire Grand Challenge this coming summer 2024. We are seeking a Community Outreach Lead to contribute to the success of the Challenge by spearheading outreach to Tribal and rural communities, innovation collaborators, and partners. Applicants with direct experience engaging with Tribal nations and organizations will be preferred.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Fire Grand Challenge team at Conservation X Labs is seeking a team player with a passion for conservation, Indigenous land stewardship, and innovation and technology. The Outreach Lead will work closely with the Manager of the Western North America region and the Director of Amazon and Fire Programs to develop and implement partnership and amplification activities to launch and run the Fire Grand Challenge. This role will include activities related to outreach to Indigenous and local communities, partner identification, innovator recruitment, and gathering information on the broader fire innovation landscape.

This opportunity is a part-time position (10 to 20 hours per week), with a contract running until the closure of the Fire Grand Challenge, currently slated for spring 2026. The exact start date and weekly hours will be discussed with the applicant input during the application process. This position is a remote opportunity, with preference for candidates located in Western North America, but with the option to work from the Conservation X Labs office in Washington, DC. The position will involve travel to relevant events and convenings.

The Fire Grand Challenge Community Outreach Lead will perform the following duties:

• Lead efforts to engage with Indigenous and rural community members and other innovators to encourage them to engage with and apply to the Challenge.
• Leverage connections to reach potential partners that can provide technical input, amplify and promote the Challenge, assist with scaling innovations, or provide additional resources.
• Assist in leading informational programming webinars and/or events during the open application period of the Challenge.
• Set up and facilitate external partnership calls, record notes, and manage essential follow-up for meetings.
• Maintain relationships with partners and applicants, and track engagement with partnership management systems or CRMs; report back to the team on potential engagement opportunities. 
• Identify events and reach out to event organizers to secure speaking engagements related to the Fire Grand Challenge.
• Aid the Manager with a variety of Challenge development and implementation processes that arise before and after the Challenge launch.
• As needed, assist with developing communications materials that support outreach.
• Engage with the CXL team in weekly meetings.

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. If you’re excited about this role with a willingness to learn but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Passion for addressing pressing conservation crises.
• 4+ years of experience working with Tribal nations and community organizations.
• Experience working with rural communities on land stewardship and/or local economic development.
• Ability to professionally and effectively represent Conservation X Labs and the Fire Grand Challenge in efforts to engage with and recruit potential partners and participants. 
• An understanding of the conservation space, Tribal forestry or land stewardship, and the involved parties within these fields.
• Ability to work across cultures and disciplines, and to listen and learn from a diverse set of perspectives and stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills: ability to prioritize and manage multiple deadlines and maintain a high degree of judgment and attention to detail.
• Strong writing and communication skills and ability to translate ideas, work plans, and technical information into relatable and inspiring text and presentations.
• Exceptional writing and communication skills in English. Spanish or other relevant languages are desirable but not required. 
• Smart, capable, and excited to learn.
• Self-starter with a track record of working both on teams and independently.
• Forward thinking, creative, and innovative.

EDUCATION

This position requires an undergraduate or associate's degree, or equivalent work experience, in forest management, Indigenous and cultural studies, ecology, environmental science, public policy, or other relevant fields. A graduate degree is desirable but not required. 

CXL is committed to creating and cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive environment where every employee and contractor has the right to work in surroundings that are free from all forms of unlawful or intentional discrimination. It is our policy to hire, promote, transfer, terminate, and make all employment related decisions without regard to race, creed, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.