Sheep Mountain Alliance is seeking an experienced and energized leader to help manage, grow, and strengthen the impact of our dynamic non-profit environmental advocacy organization. The ideal candidate has experience in the non-profit sector, specifically with donor engagement, development, and community-based environmental work, as well as relevant experience working with environmental policy and conservation efforts. The Director of Strategic Initiatives role is a 30-32 hrs/week leadership position at the forefront of environmental advocacy in the Telluride region. The role will engage closely with SMA’s donor and membership outreach, finances and board management, and contribute to SMA’s goal of advancing environmental policy and advocacy in the Telluride region. The Director of Strategic Initiatives will use their passion, skills, and foresight to help direct SMA in its strategies, projects, partnerships, fundraising, and activism.

About Sheep Mountain Alliance:

Founded in 1988, Sheep Mountain Alliance remains dedicated to protecting the natural environment in and around the Telluride and Western Slope region of southwestern Colorado. We use grassroots organizing and policy advocacy to protect public lands, wildlife and water. In our community, we elevate inclusivity and equitable access to the outdoors to ensure that our approach is intersectional and community centric. Since its formation, SMA has been the primary environmental voice for our region.

Initial Goals Include:

• Strengthen existing partnerships while constructing new opportunities for allied growth. 
• Work directly with the Program Director and the Board of Directors to lead and reshape development efforts. 
• Work to increase SMA’s external messaging and outreach.
• Bolster SMA’s capacity through engaging in current and ongoing environmental advocacy and community outreach projects as well as shaping new projects as needed.
• Contribute to the core principles of SMA’s mission to advance environmental policy development through stakeholder engagement, public comment writing, and outreach efforts.

Requirements/Qualifications:

• Passion, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and a self-directed, entrepreneurial spirit.

• Experience with fundraising and nonprofit management.
• Experience with environmental policy advocacy and grassroots organizing, and an interest in working on topical environmental issues in the Telluride region. 
• Public relations skills, including writing and distributing press releases and public speaking 
• Ability to prioritize and organize multiple tasks and projects
• Excellence in organizational management with the ability to set and achieve strategic objectives and manage a budget.
• Willing to take initiative, be resourceful, problem-solve, learn new skills, and offer creative ideas
• We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including members of indigenous communities, people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

Compensation:

Starting salary for 25 hours per week: $48,000 

With opportunities for additional hours 

Additional benefits:

Monthly health insurance stipend

Paid vacation and sick leave

Federal holidays

Flexible work hours