Director, Field Conservation

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE POSITION DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Director , Field Conservation CLASSIFICATION : Professional 6 SALARY: $98,000 - $110,000 FLSA: Exempt DEPARTMENT: Field Conservation LOCATION: Washington, D.C. REPORTS TO: Vice President, Field Conservation NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 1 LAST REVISED: August 202 2 POSITION SUMMARY The Director, Field Conservation is responsible for working closely with the Vice President , Field Conservation to ensure the efficient and effective oversight and support of Defenders Field Conservation programmatic efforts, with a particular focus on human-wildlife coexistence efforts. The Director is a trusted advisor to the V ice P resident, Field Conservation and a critical part of the core management team for all Field Conservation activities . The position will work closely with the VP and S enior V ice P resident, Conservation Programs to formulate conservation strategy, track progress, incorporate equity considerations, evaluate program effectiveness, and make recommendations on the allocation of resources . The Director coordinates and promotes Defenders human-wildlife coexistence work to protect imperiled species through solutions intended to reduce human-wildlife conflicts or address the unintended consequences of human activities/infrastructure . This position plays a lead role in expanding the public profile of Defenders coexistence work, integrating Defenders multiple on-site coexistence activities into a unified, consistent strategy. The Director is responsible for providing strategic direction to coexistence staff and ensuring consistent and science-based implementation and evaluation. The position supervises the Field Conservation Program Assistant and also may supervise relevant coexistence staff, fellows , contractors and interns . In collaboration with the Vice President, Field Conservation, field staff, and interdisciplinary teams , the Director , Field Conservation develops and coordinates field conservation strategies, initiatives , work plans, programs, projects, publications, funding proposals, communications and budgets. Based in Washington, D.C., they work closely with F ield C onservation staff and other Defenders departments including the C enter for Conservation Innovation , L egal, C ommunications, I ntegrated M arketing, D evelopment, F inance and G overnment R elations staff in Defenders headquarters office , ensuring smooth and efficient operations, resolving process problems and resource gaps, and ensuring timely information is shared. A qualified candidate is an expert at managing, analyzing, and communicating program goals with an ability to advocate those goals to various audiences, including landowners, government policy makers , NGO partners and Defenders member s and supporters . ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES With the V ice P resident , Field Conservation, develop and track detailed work plans for all Field Conservation priorities, that ensure coordination across regions and with other departments. With the V ice President, Field Conservation, manage Field Conservation s operating and grant budgets Develop and implement strategic plans and annual work plans for Defenders national human-wildlife coexistence efforts, contributing to the achievement of key goals and benchmarks under those plans. Work with development staff to identify new funders and continually raise funds to support coexistence and other Field Conservation efforts. Provide a national perspective on the development and implementation of in-region wildlife conservation program activities to ensure consistency in internal policy and organizational advocacy. Assist and advise the Vice President , Field Conservation and Senior Vice President , Conservation Programs & General Counsel in problem-solving regarding Field Conservation activities. In coordination with F inance and D evelopment staff, track and manage annual coexistence budgets, including restricted grants and contributions. Influence and enhance federal wildlife coexistence policies and procedures regarding imperiled species by agencies such as USDA Wildlife Services, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service and Department of Defense . Assist field staff and others with development of public comments, letters, litigation, lobbying, and alerts related to imperiled species coexistence activities. Support field staff with assessing sustainable coexistence models, protocols, evaluation tools, data collection, criteria, funding, and more as appropriate. Engage and partner with a network of nonlethal wildlife coexistence practitioners. Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice strategies into Defenders Field Conservation work. Follow all internal administrative procedures, including timely approval and preparation of all administrative reports. Perform all other related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education: Bachelor s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent Experience: 10 year s of relevant experience ; 5 years supervisory experience An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. Required Qualifications and Experience: Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others, build and manage diverse teams, and drive results Demonstrated ability to build consensus throughout a complex organization and community Outstanding interpersonal skills, discretion, judgment, professionalism, and initiative Demonstrated project management and planning skills, program evaluation and assessment skills, and strong organizational abilities/attention to detail Outstanding written and verbal communications skills Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills, including ability to respond quickly and effectively to unforeseen challenges, juggle multiple projects simultaneously, and resolve conflict Must have a flexible approach to work, with a willingness to travel nationally as needed Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Grade 6 Administrative Ability to accurately maintain electronic and physical records Anticipate and meet the needs of internal and/or external stakeholders delivering excellent service Communication Ability to clearly and accurately communicate with internal and external stakeholders Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely Ability to convey effective messages to broad and diverse constituencies Ability and willingness to effectively represent Defenders interests in external environments Ability to exert influence and build consensus with internal and external stakeholders Critical Thinking Ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters with discretion Strong research and data analysis skills, including ability to gather and synthesize information from multiple sources to produce high quality work products in a consistent, efficient, accurate, and timely manner Creative problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with willingness to experiment and innovate new methods. Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into Defenders work Ability to independently exercise appropriate judgment in response to complex and/or fluid environments Strategic thinker with the ability to take high-level strategy and translate into relatable points and action steps. Project Management Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines while balancing competing assignments Ability to remain flexible and adaptable to shifting priorities while remaining responsive to urgent requests Ability to take ownership of a project or process and to use problem solving skills to resolve issues Ability to manage deadlines on multiple cross-functional projects in a dynamic environment Demonstrated ability in managing competing interests on complex issues Ability to independently initiate project and initiative ideas; managing projects and initiatives through to completion Coalition and Community Engagement Strong interpersonal skills and ability to form effective working relationships with diverse constituencies including federal/state agencies; elected officials and their staff; Defenders members and donors; private landowners; hunters and anglers; community leaders; religious, scientific, and academic communities; and /or the general public. Ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities, to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations within Defenders, other organizations, and coalitions. Networking skills to engage with leaders in the conservation community, federal and state agencies, NGOs, and other organizations. Conservation Knowledge Expert-level knowledge of Defenders legal, scientific, and/or political issues Expert-level knowledge of national and regional social, political, and ecological landscapes Leadership and Management Ability to foster a team culture which models the tenets of the Commitment Statement Ability to connect employees and their work to Defenders mission Ability to set and maintain clear expectations, ensuring clarity of roles, accountabilities, and responsibilities Ability to ensure that staff have the skills and support required to perform at the highest level Working knowledge of Defenders business and people systems and processes Ability to create and maintain a diverse, inclusive, and high-functioning environment Ability to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion in team/department-level decisions Ability to manage employee conflict and resolve escalations in an inclusive and healthy manner Ability to effectively lead and manage change Ability to develop staff to their highest capabilities, through delegation, coaching, empowerment, and professional growth opportunities Ability to provide effective feedback in real-time Ability to create and implement team/department strategies in support of Defenders Strategic Plan Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Director, Field Conservation Demonstrated ability to engage with senior leaders in the conservation community, federal , state and tribal agencies, agricultural interests and rural communities. Experience overseeing, contributing to, implementing and/or evaluating programs to reduce human-wildlife conflict. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse stakeholders and nontraditional partners in collaborative activities. Track record and professional judgment to initiate project ideas as well as to manage them through to completion. Demonstrated awareness of and experience with the concerns and needs of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations. Knowledge of non-profit budgeting and grant tracking. Ability to respond constructively to unexpected change and to exercise appropriate judgment in complex situations. PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical Activities Check all that apply Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like. N Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces. N Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. C Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another. O Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions. N Communicating with others to exchange information. C Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. C Operating machinery and/or power tools. N Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment. O Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned. C Environmental Conditions Check all that apply Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly Low temperatures. O High temperatures. O Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind. O Noisy environments. N Hazardous conditions. N Poor ventilation. N Small and/or enclosed spaces. N No adverse environmental conditions expected. C Physical Demands Check only one Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing. X Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds. Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more. Visit to apply. All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Defenders of Wildlife requires employees who engage in in-person work activities, including business travel or onsite work, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. An applicant ( i ) who is disabled or pregnant or who has a qualifying medical condition that contraindicates a COVID-19 vaccination or (ii) who objects to being vaccinated on the basis of a sincerely held religious belief, observance or practice may request an exemption from this vaccination policy. This determination will be made on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with applicable law. Any medical information concerning an applicant''s disability will be treated as a confidential medical record in compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws. It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, creed, religion, sex national origin, ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, personal appearance, family/parental status, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic in all personnel actions. Please be advised this position is non union -eligible.

Created: 2025-11-15