Description
Public Lands Coordinator/Wyss Fellow
The Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) seeks an energetic Public Lands
Coordinator to help expand our impact and effectiveness in driving state and federal
policies that protect public lands and benefit Arizona wildlife, habitat, and
opportunities for outdoor recreation.
About AWF:
Founded in 1923 to promote the management of Arizona’s natural resources on a
scientific basis, the Arizona Wildlife Federation (AWF) remains one of Arizona’s
most trusted conservation organizations. Our programs focus on conserving wildlife,
restoring and protecting habitat, assuring access to public lands, and connecting
people with nature. Our members range from sportsmen to wildlife gardeners, and
share a common value in the importance of public lands, wildlife and wildlife
habitat. AWF is a state affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.
About the Position:
Some of the most important fish and wildlife habitats in the state of Arizona are
found on public land where intact habitat provides all the necessities for healthy
populations of non-game species, wild and native fish, as well as herds of elk, deer
and other big game animals. The Arizona Wildlife Federation is looking for a Public
Lands Coordinator to help us to ensure that public lands and resources are protected
and accessible to all. This individual will be part of the AWF staff and will work
with sportsmen, political leaders, local communities, and other conservation
nonprofits to build authentic bipartisan support for state and federal policies that
value and protect Arizona’s wildlife, habitat, outdoor recreation, and access to public
lands. The position is funded through a Wyss Foundation grant with the intent of
developing future conservation leaders. With that goal in mind, the ideal candidate is
an emerging leader in the conservation community with 1-2 years experience, or is
an experienced professional looking to make a career change into land and wildlife
conservation.
Priorities for this position:
Priorities for this position include: defense of federal public lands from sale or transfer; support for Arizona’s National Monuments including defense of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni; securing funding for public lands, wildlife connectivity and crossings; encouraging conservation-smart energy development and transmission, and increasing awareness of the importance of riparian protection and restoration.
Job Responsibilities:
Work with our Conservation Advocacy Director to develop and execute field strategies and tactics that grow support for public lands, wildlife and habitat protection, and outdoor recreation
Grassroots organizing with local and state hunters and anglers, nonprofit conservation organizations, local businesses and community leaders
Research environmental and economic studies relating to the benefits and challenges of public land related issues
Organize events (field trips, webinars, panel discussions, etc.) and create content (fact sheets, testimonials, infographics) that inform and inspire our supporters, relevant stakeholders, and other target audiences
Keep affiliates and supporters informed on public lands issues via multiple AWF channels including email, magazine, website, podcast, and social media
Build relationships and influence decision makers
Plan and coordinate meetings to educate Arizona’s state legislators, Arizona’s U.S. Senators and Representatives, and agency leaders with the U.S. Forest
Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Arizona Game and Fish Department and Arizona Parks and Trails departments on appropriate issues
Educate and empower our supporters and partners to take action. Create digital and printed content and share through our communications channels.
Plan and host educational events, coordinate action alerts, and organize meetings with decision makers, partners, and the public
Generate earned media in support of our campaigns. Write and publish press releases, media alerts, advisories, op-eds, LTE’s, blogs, social media posts.
Build strong local media relationships and manage radio and television media tours, press conferences and tele-pressers
Track and report the effectiveness of AWF campaigns and campaign deliverables
Requirements
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate has direct experience and a passion for hunting, angling, and outdoor recreation in Arizona, has prior experience with advocacy, and is flexible enough to assist in all aspects of AWF operations
Basic understanding and exposure to policies related to public lands, endangered species, mineral extraction, grazing, forest management, water conservation, climate change, and the North American Model of Wildlife Management
Energetic, creative self-starter, able to work independently and cooperatively with limited daily supervision
Excellent written and oral communication skills (including strong editing skills and attention to detail) and an ability to convey conservation messages
across a range of audiences and across the political spectrum.
Strong organizing skills and the ability to track multiple deliverables across programs and audiences
Flexible and comfortable in a dynamic environment where week-to-week work will range from coordinating press events, to grassroots advocacy, to organizing events and beyond! Must be willing to roll up their sleeves and do all levels of work
B.A. or B.S. degree
Available and flexible to be at the Arizona State Capitol 1-2 days/week during the legislative session for committee hearings
