Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.
The National Wildlife Federation believes that in order to save wildlife and ourselves, we need to ensure that everyone in America has clean air and water, safe communities, easy and equitable access to the daily benefits of nature, and protection from the ravages of climate change. These basic needs, equally necessary and urgent for all people, are foundational to bringing the conservation movement and ethos into the 21st century.
The National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Senior Manager to lead and expand its Coastal Resilience Program across the Mid-Atlantic Region. The Senior Manager will work to advance the practical application of natural and nature-based infrastructure to help protect wildlife, natural systems, ecosystem services and human communities from coastal impacts that are being exacerbated by climate change. The position will report to the Mid-Atlantic Regional Executive Director and will collaborate with regional and national colleagues, NWF affiliates, and partner organizations/agencies.
In this role you will:
- Provide strategic direction to accelerate the application of nature-based coastal infrastructure to help people and wildlife adjust to and cope with current and projected climate impacts;
- Build authentic partnerships across the Mid-Atlantic region to ensure community needs are centered in resilience planning, project design and implementation;
- Lead efforts, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy, to identify and secure foundation and government funding opportunities to advance the program and work with partners to effectively and efficiently meet grant deliverables;
- Manage on-the-ground, multi-partner natural infrastructure projects, including but not limited to: living shorelines, dune nourishment, oyster reefs, and coastal habitat restoration projects;
- Provide strategic input to state, local, and federal coastal resource managers, affiliates and other partners and represent NWF on relevant advisory committees and working groups;
- Identify state, local, and federal policies that impede natural and nature-based coastal resilience actions, and work with the broader NWF team to achieve strategic policy reforms;
- Plan and organize events, including expert panels, workshops, and conferences;
- Prepare reports and other written products, and disseminate key findings to professional and general audiences;
- Contribute to national efforts to achieve NWF’s coastal resilience goals and strategies;
- Oversee contractors and fellows/interns as needed. Pending program growth and resources, may assume future staff supervisory roles.
Qualifications:
- Approximately 6-8 years of relevant experience, with a working knowledge of natural and nature-based infrastructure, coastal management issues, environmental justice, and conservation. (An advanced degree in environmental policy or science, natural resources, environmental justice, engineering, or relevant fields can count towards experience)
- Competency in securing and managing consistent foundation and government grant funding
- Capacity to strategically conceive and execute programs with clear objectives, benchmarks, and deliverables in accordance with deadlines; demonstrable project management experience
- Robust written and oral communications skills, including strong attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility
- Able to work independently and cooperatively; ability to accomplish projects with little supervision
- Effective problem-solving skills and ability to meet unanticipated needs
Strong candidates for this position will have demonstrated proficiency in developing and managing strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Candidates must be able to manage multiple projects, work well with others, take initiative, and contribute to a culture of quality, innovation, and passion. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, self-starter with a positive attitude.
Compensation: $72,000 - $85,000, commensurate with experience
