Job Information
Defenders of Wildlife Director, National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program in Denver, Colorado
DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Director, National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program
SALARY: $120,000 - $140,000
FLSA: Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Land and Habitat Conservation
LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C., Denver, or remote
REPORTS TO: Vice President for Land and Habitat Conservation
NUMBER OF DIRECT REPORTS: 2
LAST REVISED: January 2025
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of the National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program leads Defenders of Wildlife’s work to increase wildlife habitat protections and advance imperiled species recovery on the lands and waters of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park System. The Director is responsible for advancing Defenders’ conservation mission in accordance with the organization’s strategic plan, conservation priorities and campaigns.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Direct Defenders’ advocacy efforts and major campaigns to protect and restore habitat on parks and refuges, to thwart and oppose policies and actions that threaten at-risk species, and to hold the management agencies accountable to their legal obligations, including under the Endangered Species Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, as amended, the National Park Service Organic Act, and other laws.
Develop Defenders’ positions on legislative and administrative proposals affecting the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park System, in coordination with Government Relations.
Facilitate internal coordination and interdisciplinary approaches to accomplish goals and objectives.
Serve as Defenders’ representative on National Wildlife Refuge System and National Park System issues to department and agency officials and represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders’ membership, the donor community, and the general public.
Research, write, and/or supervise the development of white papers, memos, blogs, reports, websites, action alerts, publications and other products for advocacy purposes, coordinating with other departments as necessary.
Direct program efforts to draft comments, appeals, and objections in response to proposed regulatory actions, plans and proposals on priority issues and in priority places; and when necessary direct program efforts to prepare to support litigation efforts.
Work with Development staff to raise operating funds for the program.
Develop short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements.
Develop and recommend the program budget.
Ensure optimum performance of group function. Recommend and implement techniques to improve productivity, increase efficiencies, cut costs and maintain state-of-the-art practices.
Recommend, review and approve employment actions, including interviewing, hiring, promotions and raises, in conjunction with Human Resources. Partner with Human Resources in the handling of disciplinary issues.
Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews. Review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
Ensure relevant Vice Presidents, the Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs and the President and CEO are kept apprised of significant issues related to policy positions and priorities of the organization.
Perform all other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Experience: 10 years 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.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders
https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Director, National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program
Strategic Thinking - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.
Performance Measurement – Knowledge of the principles and methods for evaluating program or organizational performance
Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.
Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.
Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.
Public Planning - Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural resource management, such as environmental impact analysis and land use planning and zoning.
Leveraging Diversity - Fosters an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization.
Oral and Written Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.
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.
N
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.
O
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.
N
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.
High temperatures.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Noisy environments.
Hazardous conditions.
Poor ventilation.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
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 10 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.
Visit www.defenders.org 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 accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
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.