Conservation Advocate

Wisconsin Environment is a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization working to tackle the most profound problem of our time: a way of living that is destroying the natural world. We are seeking a Conservation Advocate to run our campaigns to conserve and protect Wisconsin’s special places, defend the wildlife that call our state home, move beyond single-use plastics, and promote clean energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Our Conservation Advocate will lead our efforts to protect the places that make Wisconsin a special place to live. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

Program

Participate in policy development, research, and messaging to determine our priorities and policy positions for environmental protection in Wisconsin.

Advocacy and Coalition Building

Bring environmental problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers, including federal, state, and local officials with influence in Wisconsin.

Develop appropriate messages and materials to make the case for our policy solutions.

Build relationships with key players in the state, region, and at the federal level.

Identify, reach out to, and work with partners who can help us win campaigns, including unlikely allies who might agree on one issue even if we disagree on others.

Campaign Strategy

Develop plans to win campaigns.

Assess opportunities for building political support through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage, endorsements, and message development.

Communications

Serve as the public spokesperson for campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings, and other outreach.

Build name recognition for the organization, educate the public about our issues, and demonstrate support for our positions.

Fundraising and Grassroots Support

Write grant proposals and meet with foundation staff and donors to bring more resources to our campaigns.

Recruitment and Training

Recruit and train new interns and volunteers to increase impact and build organizational power.

Participate in the recruitment of new staff.

Qualifications

You are:

Passionate about the environment and using grassroots organizing to win campaigns.

A campaign advocate or grassroots organizer with at least 2 years of advocacy or organizing experience. Advanced degrees may count toward experience.

An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills. Experience securing traditional and digital media coverage is a plus.

Creative and effective at solving complex problems; a strategic thinker who can take advantage of new opportunities.

A people person and good listener with a track record of successful access-building; willing and interested in working with people who think differently than you.

Well-organized and able to work on multiple legislative and administrative proposals at once.

Additional Helpful Experience

Experience in the state legislature, other government offices, or environmental/public health advocacy organizations is a plus but not required.

Fundraising experience, particularly in grant-seeking from charitable foundations.

Details

Compensation and Benefits

Starting annual compensation range for someone with 2–5 years of relevant experience: $38,250–$42,000. Candidates with less experience should expect the lower end; those with more experience the higher end.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid time off, commuter benefit program, 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long-term disability insurance, and potential needs-based student loan assistance.

Opportunities for training and advancement.

Location

Madison, WI preferred. Other Wisconsin locations will be considered.

Why Work with Wisconsin Environment?

10 reasons to work with us

Our Mission and Values

Wisconsin Environment and Environment America are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Learn more about our network values

Wisconsin Environment is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19: Employees must follow COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided as required by law.

About Environment America

Mission: To protect the natural world.

We advocate ideas and actions to guide our country onto a greener, healthier path.

Our network of 30 state environmental groups promotes clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate.

Our members put grassroots support behind research, public education, advocacy, and litigation.

Core belief: Infinite economic growth on a finite planet is neither wise nor possible. We must shift from deplete to preserve, from disposable to sustainable, from “never enough” to “enough.”

Together, staff, members, and supporters are committed to winning changes that allow nature to thrive and children to live healthier, more enriching lives.

Apply here