Southern Colorado Wildlife Coordinator

The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is one of America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organizations, with more than six million supporters and 51 state-level affiliate organizations throughout the U.S. and its territories. NWF’s programs focus on conserving wildlife, restoring habitat and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities for all, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

NWF is seeking an independent qualified contractor (1099 position) to work with the NWF Public Lands Team, Colorado Wildlife Federation (CWF) and New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF). This position will implement a focused advocacy campaign designed to bring about long-term landscape connectivity in the Upper Rio Grande region, as well as protection of specific places in the Rio Grande National Forest that are essential for wildlife, watersheds, hunting and angling and recreation. The Coordinator will help implement a campaign to achieve interagency and multi-jurisdictional collaboration that results in the long-term protection of wildlife connectivity, migration and movement corridors in the Upper Rio Grande. The Coordinator will engage with the planning and management processes of federal and state agencies, build and develop a sustainable coalition in support of wildlife connectivity, and educate, equip and engage diverse communities in Southern Colorado about the importance of connectivity within the Upper Rio Grande Area in order to generate public and political support.

This contractor will report to the Public Lands Field Director based in New Mexico and works in close collaboration with the Rocky Mountain Regional Connectivity Coordinator and the Colorado Wildlife Federation in performing the key responsibilities below. This position will spend significant time in the field and in travel.

Key responsibilities:

Coordinate and Execute the Upper Rio Grande Connectivity Campaign Strategy

Work with the Public Lands Field Director, CWF, NMWF, and other partners to implement the comprehensive campaign strategy for wildlife connectivity in the Upper Rio Grande.
Build a strong grassroots campaign in Southern Colorado to promote wildlife connectivity and get the public to engage in the Rio Grande, Carson and Santa Fe National Forests Planning Processes. Provide input for public comments and create opportunities for public engagement, support and advocacy as part of the federal agency planning processes. Promote protection of special interest/management areas focused on wildlife connectivity and generate public support of these areas through earned media, sign on letters, local resolutions, social media, public events and public participation in agency public meetings.
Organize public events and meetings focused on promoting wildlife connectivity and key special interest/management areas. Host events and meeting in key Southern Colorado communities including, Alamosa, Antonito, Conejos, San Luis, Pagosa Springs, Monte Vista, and Creede.
Promote wildlife connectivity in the Upper Rio Grande through on the ground organizing of local communities including working with hunters and anglers, traditional land users, tribal leaders, small businesses, private landowners, ranchers, veterans, guides and outfitters, federal, state and local elected officials, faith leaders and agency permitees.
Regularly coordinate and communicate with organizational partners to assure a cohesive and efficient campaign. Participate in weekly check in calls and populate a shared database of campaign progress.
Represent NWF and CWF (if not otherwise represented) at Forest Service and local, state and regional public and legislative meetings to advocate for the long-term protection of wildlife corridors in the Upper Rio Grande area.
Coordinate and work with NWF staff and affiliate communications staffs to develop and implement a comprehensive communications plan. Develop op-eds, LTEs, one-pagers, social media, videos and other relevant media resources to promote the campaign and generate broad public support.
Lift up the voice and stories of wildlife values from local residents, small businesses, hunters and anglers. Work to ensure that that these voices are heard in both the planning process and in the media.
Work with staff from Colorado Parks and Wildlife as well as local, state and federal elected officials to promote initiatives and policies supporting wildlife corridors.
Provide public presentations on connectivity as needed.

Qualities we’re looking for include:

Demonstrated success in community organizing and an understanding of the communities and cultural and political landscape of Southern Colorado.
Success implementing core tactics of organizing, including: grassroots mobilization, community leader engagement, earned and opinion media generation, and coalition-building
A self-driven and motivated individual who is willing to make relationships and build a wide and diverse network of community stakeholders to support wildlife and wildlife corridors.
Proven ability to work successfully with internal and external partners
Strong interpersonal skills and an effective communication style, both face-to-face and in writing
Flexible, innovative, and collaborative to identify priorities and complete work independently
Shares thevaluesof the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and dedication to wildlife conservation,
Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and travel
Licensed driver with access to a vehicle
If you meet most of the qualifications of this description and are passionate about change-making and movement-building, we support your application.

This contract will run through the end of 2019 with the contract being $20,000. Work related travel expenses will also be covered.

Interested parties should submit a cover letter and resume to: Meaghan Olwell, National Wildlife Federation, 303 E. 17^th Ave., Suite 15, Denver, CO 80203 or email olwellm@nwf.org