AFWA’s Management Assistance Team (MAT)
698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Tel: 304-876-7988
Position Announcement
Position Title: Professional Development Programs Manager
Location: National Conservation Training Center (NCTC); Shepherdstown, WV
About Us
The Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) (www.fishwildlife.org), founded in 1902, represents
North America’s fish and wildlife agencies to promote sound management and conservation and speak
with a collective voice on important fish and wildlife issues. The Association has approximately 25 staff
members, which includes an Executive Director, Legislative Director, Operations Director, Wildlife Policy
Director, International Resource Director, Communications & Marketing Director and Legal Counsel in
addition to program/project/species-specific personnel and administrative staff. AFWA’s headquarters is
in Washington, DC.
The Management Assistance Team (MAT) (www.matteam.org) is a small, high-performing team within
the Association that is charged with developing and delivering professional development training
opportunities to AFWA members. MAT products and services concentrate on the agency administration
or the “people part” of the conservation equation, specifically in the areas of leadership and
organizational development. MAT is funded by a multistate conservation grant of the Wildlife and Sport
Fish Restoration Program and is located in Shepherdstown, West Virginia on the campus of the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service’s National Conservation Training Center.
The National Conservation Leadership Institute (NCLI) (www.conservationleadership.org) is
conservation’s premier world-class experience for developing tomorrow’s natural resource management
leaders. Established in 2006, the NCLI is staffed by the MAT. Participants (Fellows) are selected through
a rigorous evaluation of nominations submitted by agency, NGO and industry directors/CEOs.
Internationally acclaimed instructors from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government and other
renowned leadership experts help deliver the incomparable program during each cohort’s two
residencies.
Position Overview
The Professional Development (TPD) Programs Manager is a key member of the Management
Assistance Team (MAT) and reports to the Director of Professional Development. MAT is the
Association’s professional development (PD) unit which supports state fish and wildlife agency
management, leadership, and other programmatic needs. In this role, the incumbent is responsible for
research, planning, design, development, and evaluation of PD programs, as well as the facilitation of
those programs, including instruction. In addition, the incumbent manages operations and supervises
two staff.
Duties & Responsibilities (The following duties and responsibilities will be performed in close
collaboration with the Director of Professional Development)
Professional Development Programs
The PD Programs Manager will be expected to implement comprehensive PD programs, develop PD
curricula, apply instructional design best practices, and implement the Conservation Leadership Program
of Study (CLPS). In doing so, the PD Programs Manager will identify and respond to the professional
development needs of state fish and wildlife agencies and their partners, and seek and maintain an
awareness of current issues, trends, theories, and research in agency management and leadership. He
or she will develop and instruct courses, and provide training as necessary, including but not limited to
the facilitation of face-to-face leadership workshops and the training of extended faculty in the delivery
of MAT online courses and webinars. In addition to the research, development, facilitation, and
instruction of PD programs, the PD Program Manager will evaluate all PD programs on an ongoing basis,
recommend modifications, and ensure that modifications are implemented.
The PD Programs Manager will also plan programs, services, and events in support of PD objectives
based on AFWA’s strategic plan and MAT’s business plans. He or she will keep a finger on the pulse of
the professional development needs of AFWA/MAT clients by supporting the development and
maintenance of a nationwide interagency network of professionals that contributes to the
understanding and use of management assessment, agency effectiveness, leadership development,
organizational development, resource assessment, and planning methodologies.
The PD Programs manager will serve as staff to the Association’s Leadership and Professional
Development Committee (LPD), and to the National Conservation Leadership Institute.
Operations
The PD Programs Manager will research and implement new delivery mechanisms for programs and
services, including the incorporation of new technologies, as well as develop PD budgets and ensure
budget execution and monitoring. The PD Programs Manager will write RFPs, Scopes of Work and
contracts, and provide oversight for all MAT contractors. He or she will manage all federal grant
processes and reporting requirements, including writing grant requests and interim and final
performance reports.
The PD Programs Manager will ensure close collaboration and coordination between MAT staff and
AFWA communications staff in support of AFWA’s brand identity, and monitor projects pertaining to the
development and maintenance of MAT and NCLI web resources.
In addition to these responsibilities, he or she will implement project management systems for staff,
contractors, and extended faculty, and perform tasks and assume responsibilities as assigned by the
Director of Professional Development.
Supervision
The PD Programs Manager will oversee the responsibilities of MAT’s Communications and Media
Coordinator and Training and Information Systems Administrator. He or she will provide necessary
resources, tools, professional development, and mentorship, and develop performance plans and
conduct performance evaluations for these direct reports.
Qualifications
A degree (advanced degree preferred) in education and/or instructional design, business administration,
or equivalent work experience, with a minimum of 7-years’ total experience including at least 3 years of
supervisory experience. An understanding of training and professional development standards and
requirements is desired along with a working knowledge of leadership development. Must be able to
demonstrate the ability to foster and maintain positive working relationships with partners, clients, and
staff. Working knowledge of non-profit organization operations and state fish and wildlife agency
experience is desirable and preference will be given to candidates that meet those qualifications.
Compensation
Salary:
The salary is negotiable, commensurate with experience and other qualifications.
Benefits
AFWA’s benefits package includes medical and dental insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term
disability; worker’s compensation; a 401(k) plan with employer match; annual and sick leave; and paid
holidays.
Selection Process
Qualified candidates should submit a resume and a letter of interest that includes information about
availability to start a new position by email to Amanda Myers, Training and Information Services
Administrator (amandam@matteam.org) Candidates should also address the attached
questions/topics, either within their letter of interest or in a separate written document.
The successful candidate must pass a federal background check in order to work at the National
Conservation Training Center.
Candidates selected for an interview will be notified of the time and place of the interview and are
expected to pay their own travel costs to the interview.
The anticipated starting date is August 2015.
Amanda Myers
Management Assistance Team
698 Conservation Way
Shepherdstown, WV 25443
Email: amandam@matteam.org
Deadline to Apply: June 5, 2015 or until filled.
The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies is an equal opportunity employer. We will extend equal opportunity to
all individuals without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, disability, age,
genetic information, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Our policy reflects
and affirms the Company’s commitment to the principles of fair employment and the elimination of all discriminatory
practices.
Questions / Topics:

Please elaborate on your involvement or role in developing professional development training
material and/or curricula.

Identify the audience(s) for which you have developed training products.

What delivery methods and mediums have you utilized for training/professional development?

Please tell us about your experience facilitating or instructing training material or delivering
presentations.

Detail for us your supervision experience and related duties.

Share with us an example of when you have exhibited leadership. How would you describe the
difference between a leader and a supervisor?

Do you have any project management expertise? If so, please explain.

Do you have any event planning/management experience? If so, please give us an example.

Please address budget management experience and contract management experience.

Highlight any experience you have working with non-profit organizations and/or state fish and
wildlife agencies.