ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE
The Izaak Walton League of America, founded in 1922, protects and conserves our shared heritage of wildlife, clean air and water, forests, and soils.  Our members and staff combine hands-on conservation action, policy work with legislatures and resource agencies, and public education to pursue our conservation goals at the local, state, and national levels.  As a strong, responsible voice representing hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreationists, we occupy a special niche in the conservation community.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
The Conservation Director serves in a senior position with diverse public policy, management, leadership, and communications responsibilities.  The Conservation Director is responsible for planning, oversight, and implementation of the League’s national legislative and public policy agenda and strategies.  This position, based at the League's national headquarters in Gaithersburg, MD, is also responsible for supervising senior staff directing the League’s conservation programs focused on agriculture, energy, and water.  As a member of the senior management team, the Conservation Director assists in the overall operation of the League, including communications, development, and chapter and member relations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with the Executive Director, other members of the senior management team, conservation program staff, and the IWLA Board of Directors, set the League’s legislative and public policy agenda.
• Lead the planning and implementation of issue-based legislative, regulatory, and other campaigns and develop grassroots advocacy capability and involvement.
• Supervise conservation staff, oversee development and implementation of conservation program budgets, and ensure compliance with lobbying rules.
• Take a lead role for the League and in the conservation and environmental communities on selected high-priority issues.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with key congressional and agency staff.
• Provide written and oral testimony on legislative matters and comments on agency actions as appropriate and consistent with League policy.
• Represent the League on coalitions consistent with advancing the League’s policy agenda.
• Actively contribute to League internal and external communications efforts, including by supporting member engagement with the media around priority public policy issues

QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in political science, public policy/administration, natural resource management, or other relevant field.
• At least 10 years of senior level experience in legislative, public policy, and advocacy fields.  
• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation, public land, fish and wildlife, and outdoor recreation issues.
• Demonstrated experience managing professional and administrative staff and preparing and implementing annual budgets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and historical development of natural resource policy and statutes, the legislative process, and an ability to work with the media.
• Ability to establish priorities, think strategically, and track multiple tasks in a high workload environment.
• Ability to work as a team leader with a diverse array of colleagues, staff, and League leaders and members.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and initiate project ideas as well as manage them through to completion.
• Understanding of nonprofit operations.
• Strong personal commitment to advancing the cause of conservation and natural resource stewardship.
• Willingness to travel.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
Compensation for the Conservation Director includes a competitive base salary commensurate with experience and a package of employee and health benefits.

HOW TO APPLY
Please email cover letter, resume, writing sample, and salary history to the attention of the Executive Director at executivedirector@iwla.org.  Please submit materials no later than February 15, 2013.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer