Habitat Connectivity Director

Description

The Habitat Connectivity Director (Director) will be responsible for protecting and improving the
connection of terrestrial and aquatic habitat in Virginia through advocacy, influence, and education.

The Director acts as an expert and leader on habitat connectivity in Virginia, a collaborator and convener
of multi-stakeholder groups, and empowers communities and individuals. The Director works closely
with policy makers, regulators, community members, and specialty groups of a variety of interests and
backgrounds, requiring strong interpersonal skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable adapting to
changing circumstances as needed to meet program goals. Candidates must be entrepreneurial, flexible,
creative, willing to think outside the box, and have strong leadership, collaboration, and listening skills.

The Director will report to the Executive Director and work closely with other staff. Some evening and
weekend work is expected. The chosen candidate will reside within the Commonwealth of Virginia or be
expected to relocate to Virginia within one month of accepting the position. Equipment necessary to
complete work, such as IT equipment, is provided by Wild Virginia.

Job Duties

Habitat Connectivity Program (75%)

● Provide leadership, vision, and strategy for the Habitat Connectivity Program (the program).
● Coordinate, implement, monitor, and evaluate progress toward the program’s goals, objectives,
and outputs.
● Convey the program’s vision through a written and spoken narrative that engages the
community, stakeholders, donors, and grant-makers.
● Serve as a spokesperson for the program with members, partner organizations, legislators, the
general public, and media.
● Manage interns and contractors who provide support for the program.
● Coordinate efforts to submit briefing book policy goals for habitat connectivity in the Virginia
Conservation Network Our Common Agenda briefing book each year.
● Collaborate closely with organizational partners such as the Wildlands Network.
● Co-lead and provide support for the Virginia Safe Wildlife Corridors Collaborative (VSWCC).
● Present at external meetings, conferences, and events (in-person and virtual) to advance the
program’s goals.
● Synchronize efforts, share lessons learned, and network with neighboring states and regional
efforts.

Internal Coordination and Organizational Support (20%)

● Participate in internal team meetings to assist with the advancement of outings and education;
outreach and publicity; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and development goals outlined in the
Wild Virginia’s Implementation Plan.
● Identify opportunities to involve volunteers in Wild Virginia’s programs.
● Present and/or host Wild Virginia webinars associated with habitat connectivity.
● Be active in the creation and review of Wild Virginia’s plans, and maintain accurate records for
reporting purposes and to ensure institutional memory.
● Collaborate with the Executive Director with regard to projects, priorities, and hours.
● Provide a progress report at each formal Board of Directors meeting.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Skills Required

Required Qualifications:

● Experience in conservation, environmental science, wildlife preservation, forest protection,
public lands and/or working with statewide and local government, policy makers, legislators,
regulators, and communities.
● Ability to envision a strong conservation future for Virginia, and an understanding of strategies,
policy changes, and public support required to reach that vision.
● Mission-driven team player with a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and the willingness to
pitch in and support colleagues.
● Knowledge of the science of habitat connectivity, wildlife corridors, and wildlife crossings.
● Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.).
● Flexibility, dependability, perseverance, and creativity in problem solving.
● Strong computer skills (including MS Office suite, Google Docs, and Zoom).
● Superior written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a timely manner.
● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work autonomously.
● Valid Virginia driver’s license or alternative travel accommodations and the ability to travel
within Virginia.

Desired Qualifications:

● Experience with donors and grant makers, as well as drafting grant reports and contributing to
grant proposals to highlight the importance and outcomes of the program.
● Master’s degree (M.S., M.A., or similar professional degree) or higher, but not required with
demonstrated experience.
● Experience with environmental advocacy work, conservation, and work in the nonprofit sector.
● Progressive community engagement experience, including organizing, directing, and supervising
volunteers in a collaborative work environment.
● Acceptable background check.
Desired Qualifications:
● Experience with donors and grant makers, as well as drafting grant reports and contributing to
grant proposals to highlight the importance and outcomes of the program.
● Master’s degree (M.S., M.A., or similar professional degree) or higher, but not required with
demonstrated experience.
● Experience with environmental advocacy work, conservation, and work in the nonprofit sector.
● Progressive community engagement experience, including organizing, directing, and supervising
volunteers in a collaborative work environment.

Work Schedule

40/week with occasional weekend and evening work required with advance notice.

Additional Info

To apply: Please complete this form