Wildlife Restoration Foundation

www.wildlifeandparks.org 

 North American Bison Summit Event Planner

The North American Bison Summit (NABS), themed on “A New Chapter for Grasslands Conservation & the Rural Way of Life,” will be the most cutting-edge and inclusive event in April 2025 drawing conservationists, recreationists, ranchers, tribes, and others together toward grasslands restoration across the continent. As drivers of grasslands ecological health and associated with the recovery of many species dependent on the grasslands ecosystem, bison are the focus of a variety of conservation models. The Summit will also focus on models of livestock ranching where other grazers benefit grasslands restoration. Uniquely, models at the Summit will make the connection between conserving wildlife, habitat, recreational opportunities, and Tribal and Western culture—all which depend on stable and expansive grasslands. https://www.nabsummit.org/

The Wildlife Restoration Foundation (WRF) is facilitating diverse Organizing and Program Committee partners to implement NABS mechanisms that will tangibly elevate, examine, and generate support for: (1) Models & Methodologies with best practices for bison conservation in harmony with ranching; (2) Collaboration at landscape unit, cross-sector, and multi-jurisdictional scales; (3) Recognized benefits of wild and managed grazers for ecological restoration and climate resilience;  (4) Buffalo culture revitalization and food sovereignty by Tribal/First Nations; (5) Bison disease mitigation, genetic variability, and whole herd health; (6) Ecological, cultural and economic valuation woven into conservation and management goals; (7) An uplifting of the U.S. National Mammal and historical meaning of the bison to Canada and Mexico and Tribal/First Nations, generating new partnerships. Bison is the U.S. National Mammal, and Summit themes connect to National Mammal principles of Unity, Resilience and Health.

WRF seeks a talented NABS Event Coordinator committed to the vital role of NABS Event Coordinator to ensure the success of this groundbreaking Summit. As a leading member of the NABS team, you will have a direct impact on Summit organization and results and serve in a highly visible role amongst hundreds of government, Tribal, conservation NGO, ranching community, and documentary filmmaker colleagues. This position is an unpaid, volunteer position with a number of perks and the opportunity to earn a small stipend after 2 months.

Key Position Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the overall event timeline and run-of-show
• Coordinate the involvement of participants and workgroup leads
• Manage The Ranch Events Complex relationship and logistics alongside venue staff leading up to the event (catering, audiovisual equipment, exhibits, and more)
• Coordinate on-site event activities and troubleshoot issues that arise
• Assist with preparing post-event attendance and attendee feedback reports.

WRF requests a dedicated 16 hours per week (flexible schedule) and an agreement to work with WRF for 5 months leading up to the event and availability to be on-site for the April 1-4, 2025 North American Bison Summit in Loveland, Colorado. The Event Coordinator must be a self-starter, highly organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about WRF's mission and bison. Upon completion of two months of quality performance, a small monthly stipend will be awarded to recognize your contributions and dedication to our events team. Ideally the Event Coordinator will be based in proximity to Larimer County/Fort Collins, Boulder, or Denver, Colorado, but not mandatory. Any necessary travel costs will be covered by WRF.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, business, or field related to event management and hospitality
• Proven experience in planning and executing large-scale events or conferences
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Proficiency in Word, Excel and E-Brite event management software and tools
• Experience working with Tribes a plus
• Experience working for a film festival helpful
• Passion for wildlife, conservation and ranching required!

The NABS Event Coordinator will report to Julie Anton Randall, WRF President, and Keith Aune, NABS Co-director. Hours are flexible within the week, but participation in the North American Bison Summit core team and vendor/venue meetings via Zoom is mandatory.