Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. The National Wildlife Federation believes that in order to save wildlife and ourselves, we need to ensure that everyone in America has clean air and water, safe communities, easy and equitable access to the daily benefits of nature, and protection from the ravages of climate change. These basic needs, equally necessary and urgent for all people, are foundational to bringing the conservation movement and ethos into the 21st century.
Our organization operates from offices across the country, including our headquarters in Reston, Virginia; a National Advocacy Center in Washington, D.C.; and seven regional centers. The Federation also works with 52 state and territory affiliates-autonomous, nonprofit organizations that take the lead in state and local conservation efforts and collaborate with the National Wildlife Federation to conduct grassroots activities on national issues.
Through conservation policy oversight, program development, fundraising, collaboration and personnel management, the Regional Executive Director (RED) provides organizational leadership in the South Central Region. The RED collaborates with affiliate partners and other organizations within the region in support of the National Wildlife Federation's strategic plan and vision. The RED strategically engages NWF Board members and collaborates with regional center staff to help identify and cultivate potential new leaders for NWF.
The RED reports to the Vice President, Conservation Programs and works collaboratively with other senior leaders to advance the strategic direction of the organization.
About our Region
The South-Central Region hosts a rich abundance of natural ecosystems including rivers, mountains, forests, deserts, coastal wetlands, estuaries, and ocean waters that are home to thousands of wildlife species, from bears and songbirds to whales and oysters. Spanning a large and diverse geographic landscape from the Gulf states of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida, the forested southeast states of Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. This network is anchored by offices in Austin, New Orleans, and Atlanta, with additional staff spread across the region.
In collaboration with decision-makers, coalition partners, state affiliates, corporations, and volunteers, the Federation's South-Central team is helping advance conservation solutions in many forms. We advocate for wetlands restoration, water conservation, and the protection of fresh-water flows for rivers and estuaries, as well as a wide range of practices to increase coastal resilience. We work to protect native prairies and forests, and we conduct large-scale programs to educate young people, particularly youth of marginalized identities, on conservation and help foster their connection to nature and the outdoors while building leadership skills. https://www.nwf.org/South-Central-Region
Principal Duties:
The RED is accountable for developing and implementing programs and strategies that enable the National Wildlife Federation to achieve outcomes articulated in our Vision and Strategic Plan, advance our One Federation affiliate partnerships, and support our equity and justice work, including regional Environmental Justice Action Plans and NWF's Tribal and Indigenous Partnerships Enhancement Strategy. The position serves as an important "face and voice" for the organization in the South Central Region.
Additionally, the RED:
Basic Qualifications:
Strong candidates for this position will bring experience in organizational leadership and managing through times of internal and external change, including demonstrated proficiency in personnel management, teambuilding and delegation; strategic planning and program implementation; conservation advocacy and policy advancement; developing and engaging partners from diverse communities; non-profit fundraising, and working with non-profit boards, government and Tribal agencies, and corporate entities.
The position requires a commitment to, and strong skills related to: collaboration, strategic thinking, interpersonal relational skills, teamwork, diplomacy, decision making and the mentoring of staff. Strong communication and leadership skills are required, as well as a demonstrated ability to collaborate and coordinate effectively and efficiently across a large, geographically dispersed organization with individuals at a variety of organizational positions and in different organizations.
These proficiencies are typically consistent with approximately ten years of professional experience.
Desired Competencies
Conservation Policy, Advocacy and Implementation
Fundraising and Fiscal Accountability:
Self-Awareness & Learning
Authentic Relationships & Community Partnerships
Direct Communication
Supervision & Power Sharing
Innovation
Equity Analysis & Action:
NWF Values:
Your actions are expected to reflect the staff values of the National Wildlife Federation: collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus. Your competencies should include:
Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation's required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.
Travel:
Significant travel will be required to connect with regional offices, national meetings, and NWF affiliates. Anticipate an average of 5-8 days every month, 30-60 nights per year.
Physical Requirements:
Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).
Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Please Note:
This job description sets forth the job's principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word "may," the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are "essential functions" of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Location and Work Mode:
The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. This hybrid position is based within a commutable distance to one of our offices within the region: Austin, TX, New Orleans, LA, or Atlanta, GA. If that is a concern, please still apply and the final work arrangement would be decided in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers
Compensation and Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $140,000 - $150,000, commensurate with experience.
We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America's best small employers! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting. We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.
We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health:
In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:
Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation's benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.
Application:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.
For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers
We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work and with our partners to support the interdependent needs of wildlife and people in a rapidly changing world. We recruit, employ, train compensate, and promote regardless of race, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity (including gender nonconformity and status as a transgender individual), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at nwf.org/equity.
We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job, therefore our job descriptions are guidelines, not hard and fast rules. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. Therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions.
Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org or 703-438-6244.
If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.