[Hiring] Director of Conservation Partnerships @National Wildlife Federation

Role Description

The Director of Conservation Partnerships (DCP) serves as a dynamic leader and strategist. This 360-degree role cultivates and maintains strong, trusted relationships both within NWF and across its affiliates and external partners, serving as a connector who strengthens communications, alignment, and capacity for collaboration toward durable conservation outcomes. The role enables impactful partnerships between our national organization and state and territorial affiliates to achieve our shared vision as a cohesive conservation movement working at local, state, regional, and national levels.

The Director of Conservation Partnerships reports to the Associate Vice President of Affiliate Partnerships and works closely with other DCPs and Affiliate Partnerships staff across the country, as well as national advocacy, program, and development staff across NWF teams and departments.

Principal Duties

• Federation Liaison
  • Serve as a bridge builder, ensuring two-way communication between NWF and its affiliates.
  • Connect affiliate staff directly to NWF subject-matter experts, scientific resources, and federal policy teams.
  • Facilitate affiliate-to-affiliate partnerships.
  • Proactively identify funding opportunities and national-state shared funding options.
  • Act as a force multiplier toward achieving conservation outcomes.
  • Support or lead the convening of affiliates through regional, programmatic, or operational opportunities.
• Thought Partner and Advisor
  • Serve as a trusted advisor and coach to affiliate leaders, boards, and staff.
  • Help affiliate leaders and boards navigate sector standards and organizational sustainability.
  • Build trust and alignment by maintaining a regular presence in the state as appropriate to each affiliate.
  • Facilitate relationships and communication lines between NWF board members and affiliates.
• Organizational Growth Partner
  • Use an entrepreneurial mindset to enhance progress on affiliate priorities.
  • Work with affiliate and NWF leadership to address specific growth challenges.
  • Evaluate affiliate bandwidth before new program initiatives, grant awards, or sub-awards are finalized.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated proficiency in building and maintaining authentic partnerships.
• Experience facilitating coalitions or networks.
• Strong communication skills.
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage work independently.
• Well-developed strategic thinking and prioritization skills.
• Foundation in environmental, environmental justice, and/or conservation principles.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Requirements

• At least ten years of professional experience.
• Executive-level emotional intelligence.
• Adaptability to customize relationship and support models.
• Conflict mediation and advocacy skills.
• Motivated by values of equity and responsibility.
• High level of empathy and social skills.
• Passion for and commitment to NWF's mission and values.

Measures of Success

• Embodiment of the One Federation approach.
• Strong relationships built on trust and good communication.
• Successful connections between affiliate leaders and NWF staff.
• Increased meaningful collaboration among affiliates.
• Identification and advancement of opportunities for collaboration.
• Contribution to stronger, more resilient, and influential affiliates.
• Facilitation of opportunities for greater results together.
• Strengthening collaboration and coordination across national teams.

Travel

Periodic travel to affiliates, national and/or regional meetings is expected. Anticipate 5-8 days every month, 30-60 nights per year.

Location and Work Mode

This position is fully remote; however, candidates must reside in or within an adjacent state to the Northeastern or Mid-Atlantic United States.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and problem-solve.
• Ability to maintain focus and manage multiple tasks.
• Ability to communicate and exchange information in various formats.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $85,000-$100,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
• Paid time off: Vacation, unlimited wellbeing, half-day Fridays, and 11 holidays.
• Paid winter break between December 25 to January 1.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave.
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Annual wellbeing allowance.
• Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Adoption and Surrogacy assistance.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) in all elements of our work.