POSITION SUMMARY 

This professional-level position is responsible for developing, overseeing, and implementing assigned Defenders’ strategic plan conservation goals and objectives in the Northwest, with a focus on implementing the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and improving various state and federal lands management and environmental laws, policies and plans to protect and recover imperiled species and mitigate threats impacting them.  As such, this position fulfills Defenders’ mission to protect all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. This is a full-time, nonsupervisory position with potential opportunities to manage contracts and intern projects. 

The Representative will design and lead initiatives to proactively protect and recover imperiled species and mitigate threats using a variety of approaches including advocacy; project review and comment; decision-maker and public outreach; coalition building; project development and implementation; application of best available science; and litigation. Key strategies to achieve these goal(s) involve: engaging with state and federal agencies and decision-makers to advance conservation initiatives; developing and promoting improved wildlife policies; building coalitions and partnerships to establish appropriate prioritization, resourcing and science-led application of conservation initiatives; and engaging with communities to empower and equip them with knowledge, skills, and tools to contribute to conservation initiatives. Program objectives are achieved by collaborating with a variety of partners including state and federal agencies and officials, Tribes and other conservation and community organizations. This position requires an ability to maintain productive working relationships with community leaders and decision makers.  This position requires knowledge and experience in wildlife biology and conservation; pertinent best practices in the field; strategic plans and their implementation; advocacy in the private, public and governmental sectors; public outreach; media relations, fundraising and project evaluation.

The Representative serves the 2 state Northwest region, though primarily Washington State.  The Representative will collaborate closely with the Northwest Senior Advisor and Senior Alaska & Northwest Director to develop strategy and set priorities, and along with other Northwest staff, to implement and communicate outcomes. The Representative is also expected to collaborate with other Defenders programs and departments (e.g. Landscape Conservation and Climate Adaptation, Center for Conservation Innovation, Biodiversity Law Center, Communications, Marketing, Government Relations, and other regional Field Conservation Programs) and lead inter-department and external working groups when opportunities arise.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist with the development of assigned strategic and annual work plans of the Northwest Program, contribute to the achievement of the goals and milestones therein, including implementation of key strategies. The focus will be on species listed under the ESA and state listings, apex predators and keystone species; initiatives related to climate change adaptation, habitat connectivity and restoration; fostering the participation, engagement and decision-making of diverse communities in these conservation issues.
• Identify key information relating to policy, strategy, and decision-making, and communicate it as appropriate and in a timely manner to the Director and other relevant field and headquarters staff members.
• Actively promote and develop Defenders’ work in the Northwest through best available science, field-based projects, presentation of testimony and formal comments on pertinent state and federal proposed policies, direct engagement with decision-makers and community leaders and representatives, and media development. These tasks will be accomplished using a wide range of strategies including:
• Reviewing, recommending and facilitating species recovery, critical habitat restoration projects as appropriate.
• Initiating partnerships and developing and implementing activities with diverse communities to advance conservation goals.
• Participating in direct and grassroots lobbying of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures and agencies.
• Advocating before state fish and wildlife commissions.
• Recommending litigation where appropriate and providing technical support.
• Recommending reforming or modernizing state wildlife agencies and commissions where appropriate.
• Engage with Northwest Program and other regional program staff to develop and execute conservation initiatives for endangered species, apex predators and keystone species as assigned.
• Work with other Northwest Program staff to mobilize a broader constituency to advance the conservation goals by:
• Facilitating and promoting the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders’ programmatic and outreach work in the Northwest.
• Working closely with Communications and Marketing staff to develop relevant local messaging and storytelling (through alerts, blogs, videos, publications, etc.) to promote conservation and coexistence to a wide audience including rural and urban communities, current and prospective members, and decision makers.
• Working closely with Northwest Program staff to engage and grow our regional base of members and supporters – including identifying how our programs can better include communities historically marginalized by the conservation movement.
• Working with Development staff to provide information to funders and help identify and develop potential sources of funding to support local coexistence work.
• Serving as a spokesperson for Defenders on Northwest wildlife and habitat conservation issues and community engagement; represent Defenders and Defenders’ interests to the public, the media, and key decision-makers, and in working groups, committees, and processes.
• Collaborate with other Defender’s staff and departments as needed to further Defenders’ mission.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

 QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.