POSITION DESCRIPTION
Title:
Keep Whooping Cranes Safe Coordinator
Reports To:
Director of Communication and Education
Department:
Communication and Education
FSLA Status:
Exempt
Supervision:
No
Position Background and Summary:
The endangered Whooping Crane is the rarest crane species in the world and one of the rarest
bird species in North America. From a low of only 22 individuals in the early 1950’s, Whooping
Cranes are slowly coming back from the brink of extinction. Federal and state governments and
conservation partners have spent significant resources and used their best science to help
Whooping Cranes recover. However, now that Whooping Cranes are more prevalent, they are
being illegally shot at an increasing and unsustainable rate. ICF is launching a Keep Whooping
Cranes Safe (KWCS) 5-year initiative that intends to (1) create communities that care about
Whooping Cranes where the cranes are most at risk, (2) involve citizens in their protection, and
(3) work with partners and the criminal justice system to increase negative consequences of
shooting Whooping Cranes.
The KWCS Coordinator will provide leadership and coordination for the initiative and be
responsible for assuring progress toward the initiative’s three goals outlined above. This is
initially a two year position with the potential for extension to the full duration of the initiative
(envisioned for 5 years).
The KWCS Coordinator will spend the majority of her/his time working with communities to
foster awareness and caring for Whooping Cranes and involving community members in actions
to safeguard Whooping Cranes in their areas. Toward the first goal, creating communities that
care, s/he will work initially in several pilot communities (likely in Alabama, Wisconsin,
Indiana, and Texas) in areas where Whooping Cranes have been shot . During the first year, the
coordinator will learn about the communities, identify key players, engage outreach agents in
each community, and work with those outreach agents to develop social marketing pride
campaigns aimed at creating communities that care. During the second year, the coordinator will
work very closely with the outreach agents and other key players in the communities to
implement the pride campaigns, evaluate their successes, and translate what we learn into a plan
to expand efforts to other communities along Whooping Crane flyways. In addition, the
coordinator will work with others to design and develop “Migration Sensation”, an interactive
multi-media environmental education tool to help upper elementary and middle school age
children learn and want to do something about threats to Whooping Cranes.
Toward the second and third goals, involving citizens in their protection and increasing negative
consequences, the coordinator will form appropriate partnerships to assure hunters are educated
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to know how to identify Whooping Cranes in all conditions; to involve hunters, land-owners and
other citizens in monitoring and keeping “watch” over the Whooping Cranes in their areas; and
to work with many different groups to increase public outcry and negative consequences when
Whooping Cranes are shot.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Lead and coordinate the KWCS initiative. Coordinate actions and evaluate impact; identify
needs and gaps; build partnerships and support; and adjust actions to meet initiative goals.

Conduct assessments associated with pilot community projects. Assess community
members’ knowledge, values and behaviors towards Whooping Cranes and wildlife.

Communicate through written materials and presentations for different audiences about
Whooping Cranes and why the KWCS effort is important. Audiences will include school
groups, civic organizations, hunting groups and birding/conservation clubs.

Identify key players within each community.

Identify and engage community outreach agents.

Work with outreach agents to design and execute social media pride campaigns tailored to
each community.

Evaluate campaign/community project success in pilot communities. Evaluate changes in
knowledge, values, and behaviors.

Work with others at ICF and with outside partners/consultants to design and develop
“Migration Sensation”, an interactive multimedia activity to enhance outreach on Whooping
Crane issues in schools.

Develop annual work plans and budgets and update/adapt the KWCS 5-year plan.

Document in photos and writing KWCS for ICF’s internal and external communications and
fund raising.

Assist as requested to raise funding for the initiative.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Bachelor’s Degree in a biological field, communications, sociology, or other relevant field
and preferably three years related experience.

Demonstrated community leadership and ability to work with a diversity of stakeholders in
communities.

Demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings and coordinate the actions of diverse groups of
stakeholders using both in-person and remote access approaches.

Excellent verbal communication skills, including speaking clearly and persuasively to
individuals and groups; listening effectively; responding well to questions from the general
public.

Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively draft
correspondence and reports in a clear, concise, logical, and grammatically-correct manner;
and ability to vary writing style to meet the needs of the audience and media.
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
Ability to develop new ideas or approaches to engage, educate, and inspire behavior change
in community members.

Ability to travel up to 50% of the time, including travel in Wisconsin, Alabama, other
southeastern states, and possibly in Texas. During travel, work outside of normal business
hours will be required.

Valid state driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

Experience and comfort using word processing, spreadsheet, and power point software (MS
Office) and internet search engines.

Attention to detail and thoroughness.

Ability to quickly, effectively, and continually adapt to changes in work duties, processes,
and technologies.

Work as a constructive member of a team, and commitment to the free sharing of information
and technical expertise as needed.

Demonstrate respect and sensitivity for others; inspire trust; and work with integrity.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with volunteers to achieve desired results; delegate work; train and
encourage skill development; access and provide feedback on individual performance.

Experience working with youth audiences.

Experience with cameras/photography.

Experience working in film editing or the development of multi-media education tools.

Experience with grant writing or other forms of fund raising.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative
of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the
essential functions

Ability to use hands and fingers to type.

Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds; occasionally reaching, stooping and kneeling.

Ability to walk and sit for reasonable periods of time.

Ability to stand for long periods of time.

Ability to work outside a traditional office and in a variety of environments while traveling.
*ICF is an Equal Opportunity Employer*
Qualified candidates must submit a resume or CV along with a cover letter stating your interest in the
position and three job references to sjahn@savingcranes.org, please put KWCS Coordinator in the e-mail
Subject line.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted until a suitable candidate is identified.
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