Conservation Director

## Position: Conservation Director
**Classification:** Exempt employee
**Location:** League Headquarters, Gaithersburg, MD
**Supervisor:** Executive Director
**Salary Range and Benefits:** $110,000–$120,000 annually; eligible for employer‑sponsored health and dental plans, retirement plan, 12 paid holidays/year, and up to 2 days/week of telework.

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## 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.

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## 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 is also responsible for supervising senior staff directing the League’s conservation programs and, in this capacity, playing a leadership role in current and future program development.

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. This position is based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

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## DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
– **Legislative agenda** — In conjunction with the Executive Director, other senior management, conservation program staff, and the board, establish the League’s legislative and public policy agenda.
– **Campaign planning** — Lead the planning and implementation of issue‑based legislative, regulatory, and other campaigns, and develop grassroots advocacy capability and involvement.
– **Staff supervision** — Supervise 7–10 conservation staff, oversee development and implementation of conservation program budgets, and ensure compliance with lobbying rules.
– **Issue leadership** — Take a lead role for the League and the broader conservation community on selected high‑priority issues.
– **Program oversight** — Use a team‑oriented approach to overseeing conservation programs and developing new ideas and initiatives.
– **Government relations** — Develop and maintain working relationships with key congressional and federal agency staff.
– **Coalition representation** — Represent the League on coalitions that advance the League’s policy agenda.
– **Field engagement** — Make periodic visits to the League’s state divisions and chapters.
– **Communications support** — Actively contribute to internal and external communications, including supporting member engagement with the media on priority public policy issues.

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## QUALIFICATIONS
– Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy/administration, natural resource management, or other relevant field; postgraduate degree preferred.
– Eight to ten 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, policies, and statutes.
– Demonstrated experience managing professional and administrative staff and preparing and implementing annual budgets.
– Demonstrated ability working with the media.
– Ability to establish priorities, think strategically, and independently manage multiple tasks in a high‑workload environment.
– Ability to work as a team leader with a diverse array of colleagues, League staff, volunteer leaders, and members.
– Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex issues in clear, compelling language for a general audience.
– Willingness and ability to travel up to five consecutive days.
– Strong personal commitment to advancing conservation and natural resource stewardship.

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## HOW TO APPLY
Please email cover letter, resume, and writing sample to **[email protected]** with the subject line **CONSERVATION DIRECTOR** by **May 31st**. No phone calls please.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.