The Alaska State Director is a senior member of The Wilderness Society’s Conservation team.  The Director will develop and lead the organization’s work in Alaska and is responsible for developing strategic partnerships, fundraising, directing and/or assisting campaigns, and managing staff and budget. In addition to directly managing staff in the Anchorage office, the Director also provides support, strategic guidance and direction to additional staff, within and outside of the regional office, who contribute to work in the state.  The Director plays a critical role in cultivating and managing relationships with a wide range of partners (including Indigenous individuals and groups) as well as with federal, state, and tribal government officials and their staffs to advance conservation outcomes and other shared goals developed with partners.   

The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced leader and strong project manager who works collaboratively and will ensure The Wilderness Society’s Alaska conservation work is well integrated within the larger organization.  This person will bring strategic focus in helping to achieve the organization’s priorities in Alaska and ensure we approach our conservation work in a manner that is equitable in terms of who benefits from conservation outcomes and inclusive in terms of the partners we engage. 

The Alaska State Director plays a critical role in establishing and reinforcing an inclusive organizational culture grounded in trust and accountability to shared goals and outcomes.  TWS has made diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic priorities for the organization.  This leader will integrate these priorities throughout our Alaska work, from expanding our partnerships to bringing an equity lens to all facets of our outreach, communication, and advocacy in the state.  Across our team, we aspire to be campaign oriented, nimble, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.   

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Develop and execute strategic program priorities for the state in furtherance of TWS’ overarching goals and vision. 
• Lead and/or help oversee implementation of campaigns in Alaska, striving to position TWS as a trusted collaborator with partners and decision makers. 
• Participate in, and at times lead, broad local or national coalitions that advocate for policy and/or place-based management connected to TWS’ goals related to climate adaptation, fossil fuel emission reductions, community-led conservation, and large landscape protections that enhance the ecological health of the land and community well-being.  
• Work effectively with a wide range of diverse individuals and organizations, from lawyers, scientists, tribal leaders, agency leaders, and policy specialists to grassroots activists to local elected officials, members of industry and other public land users.  
• Cultivate existing relationships and further build a network to educate and influence Alaska decision makers and opinion leaders on TWS’ state and national conservation priorities.  
• Manage Alaska field staff and provide leadership to multi-disciplinary teams of TWS staff contributing to Arctic and Alaska work. 
• Ensure TWS’ commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is part of our work in Alaska, including having equity embedded into the development and implementation of our in- state goals.  
• Ensure early and effective engagement with BIPOC partners and, when possible, elevating communities that have been historically marginalized.  Specifically, see that TWS works closely with and supports our tribal partners, emphasizing the impact development in the Arctic would have on their way of life. 
• Help secure major gifts from philanthropic foundations and major donors in close coordination with Philanthropy staff.  
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

QUALIFICATIONS 

 Experience and Competencies: 

• At least 8 or more years of experience leading issue advocacy or place-based campaigns and/or working to advance public policy changes at the local, state, or federal level.  
• Direct experience with environmental/conservation law and policy and an understanding of agency land management planning and federal legislative processes. 
• Proven cultural competency and experience working with Alaskan Native people and communities and a solid understanding of Alaskan Native culture, traditions, tribal governments, and issues. 
• An effective leader, capable of meaningful engagement with a wide range of diverse audiences in the Alaska region, including Alaskan Native communities, Alaskan Native Corporations, rural community leaders, recreationists, and industry representatives.   
• Strategic thinking skills and demonstrated ability to craft a compelling vision and set priorities to achieve advocacy, policy, or campaign goals.  
• Experience leading and managing teams representing a rich mix of talent, backgrounds, and perspectives.  This includes a track record of successful recruitment, cultivation, and retention of highly skilled staff across race and gender. 
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships and networks among TWS’ internal national staff, key stakeholders, government officials, donors, and partner organizations.  
• Commitment to supporting others in accomplishing our goals in an equitable and inclusive manner.  
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in public with donors, partners, elected officials, and the media.  
• Experience working with the media is preferred.  
• Experience in fundraising from individual donors and/or foundations is preferred. 
• Good time management skills, with the ability to aptly balance short- and long-term demands.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.  

WORK ENVIRONMENT