JOB OPENING
Title: Director - Wildlife & Habitat Conservation, National Fish & Wildlife
Foundation, Washington, D.C.
Summary: The Keystone Initiatives are a centerpiece of the Foundation's strategic plan and
drive our work on some of the most important conservation issues in North America. The goal
of the Keystone Initiatives is to create and implement a core portfolio of select, issue-specific
programs that will achieve long-term impact with measurable outcomes. Keystone Directors
work with program staff and evaluation scientists to create and implement programs that have
the potential to influence conservation well beyond the Foundation's own resources. The
Keystone Director is expected to be a thought-leader in his/her field and strengthen the
Foundation's position as a leader in the conservation community. Keystone Directors are also
expected to play a leadership role in securing federal and private funding for their programs.
For the Wildlife & Habitat Director, the Foundation seeks an individual with an entrepreneurial
spirit and a broad knowledge of the challenges facing terrestrial ecosystems, large-scale and
trans-boundary conservation issues. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrable record as an
innovator in his/her field and serve as a catalyst within the Foundation to create new
combinations of people, processes, methodologies, and ideas that will expand successes in
outcome-based conservation. The Foundation is particularly interested in individuals with
expertise in one or more of the following issues: innovative land conservation (acquisition and
restoration) techniques, ecosystem services, wildlife corridor design and conservation, and/or
energy development impacts on wildlife. The Wildlife & Habitat Director should have a strong
scientific background and thorough understanding of the cutting-edge issues in terrestrial
conservation as well as the ability to raise funding.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
 Implementation of and evaluation of existing Wildlife and Habitat Keystone Initiatives, which
include: Sierra Meadows, Sky Island Grasslands, Northern Rockies Wildlife Corridors, and
Early Successional Forests (more detail on these Initiatives is available at www.nfwf.org; click
on "Keystones.").
 Working with Chief Science Officer and science team, lead the development of new Initiatives
as appropriate, integrating these into a common framework for delivering institutional
outcomes and monitoring the success of the foundation's investments
 The ability to coordinate and facilitate groups of partners to work collaboratively on on-the-
ground implementation of Initiatives;
 Communicating effectively and persuasively with a diversity of audiences including the
Foundation's Board of Directors, Members of Congress, scientists, landowners and
government agencies across the country.
 Diligently pursuing innovative public and private partnerships to secure operational and
programmatic funding for this initiative in coordination with the Development and
Government Relations staff and regional offices.
 Demonstrating thought leadership with the public, scientific, and/or conservation
communities.
 Coordinating with Foundation staff on all aspects of development and implementation of the
Wildlife & Habitat Conservation Initiative to ensure strong integration of existing and new
programs with this effort.
 Managing applicable funding source(s) as appropriate, including preparation of grant
applications and amendments, preparation and submission of financial and programmatic
reports, and coordination with project officers to ensure compliance with all funding source
requirements.
 Preparing briefing materials and recommendations to support decision making by the
Foundation's Board.
 Representing the Foundation at appropriate meetings, conferences, etc.
 Conducting site visits in accordance with Foundation policy.
 Willingness to travel with moderate frequency and sometimes on short notice.
Qualifications
 PhD or masters degree with equivalent experience in natural resource management.
 Demonstrated thought leadership within area of expertise.
 Five to eight years experience in conservation program management.
 Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a broad range of staff to create a highly
integrated program.
 Demonstrated ability to lead others and get desired results.
 Demonstrated ability to facilitate productive exchange among government and non-
government agencies and organizations.
 Extensive experience and confidence to discuss conservation priorities and projects with Board
members, 'grasstop' donors, Congressional staff and senior members of federal agency
directorates.
 Proven success in fundraising or program development.
 Experience working with federal resource agencies and in managing cooperative agreements
preferred.
 Experience in grant management and administration preferred.
 Ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests for information.
 Ability to organize and prioritize work and meet short deadlines.
 Strong interpersonal skills, particularly ability in working with the public and institutions.
 Strong attention to detail and follow-through skills.
 Ability to think strategically and plan for the future.
 Flexibility in a rapidly changing environment.
 Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
 Computer proficiency with databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
 Commitment to Foundation values.
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Location: Washington, DC
To apply, please send an e-mail, with attachments in Word format, containing your cover letter
describing your interest and qualifications, resume, one to two page writing samples, three
professional references and your salary requirements to Marla Carter, Human Resources
Coordinator, at HR2@nfwf.org. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is an equal opportunity
employer.