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Advocacy Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Advocacy Coordinator is a full-time staff position with the Western Slope Conservation Center (WSCC) in Paonia, Colorado. This position provides a unique opportunity to make lasting positive change on the spectacular and diverse lands and waters on Colorado’s Western Slope.

The Advocacy Coordinator will develop and execute successful advocacy efforts aimed at protecting and enhancing the lands, air, water and wildlife of the Western Slope. The Coordinator will work closely with the Executive Director to shape strategic programmatic goals, design and implement effective advocacy initiatives, and help identify and manage potential funding opportunities to support our mission. The Advocacy Coordinator is ideally committed to environmental protection and skilled at research, storytelling and community organizing. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication, networking, and organizational skills, along with a creative mindset and the ability to manage multiple projects concurrently. The successful candidate is an enthusiastic self starter with strong teamwork skills and a desire to learn.

The Advocacy Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the Executive Director. The schedule is flexible (as coordinated with the Executive Director), varying day-to-day and week-to-week. Some nights and weekends are required due to meeting and event schedules. The position will include occasional travel within the region, as well as opportunities for professional development and networking within local, regional, statewide and national networks.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Advocacy Coordinator responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Campaign Development and Implementation: Collaborate with the Executive Director, Public Lands Committee, Watershed Stewardship Coordinator, and other partners to identify, develop and execute strategic advocacy efforts through:
  • Tracking and synthesizing policy issues 
  • Developing and implementing advocacy strategies and work plans
  • Participating in coalition groups relevant to advocacy efforts
  • Developing and strengthening partnerships across local, regional, and national organizations and coalitions

• Communication & Outreach: Achieve advocacy success through creative and strategic approaches to stakeholder outreach, community engagement and partnerships by:
  • Writing and creating engaging content for traditional and digital outlets, including social media, blogs, and articles
  • Communicating WSCC successes and vision via newsletters, social media and in-person events
  • Recruiting, engaging, and mobilizing local volunteers
  • Supporting our volunteer Public Lands committee during monthly meetings and as needed
  • Organizing outreach events and materials as appropriate

• Grant Management and Development: Work with the Executive Director to:
  • Identify and help secure new and renewed funding
  • Manage new and existing grants funds by working with the Executive Director, WSCC staff, and contractors to ensure accomplishment of proposals, deliverables, and reporting
  • Help ensure adherence to grant budgets

General organizational support as needed: support broader organizational efforts by assisting with organizational events, special projects, mentorship, strategy and board of directors engagement.

Required QUALIFICATIONS:

• Collaborative, personable, and enthusiastic, with energy and curiosity to dedicate to the organization and this role
• Excellent writing, speaking and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and office skills
• Ability to work independently and as a key member of a high-functioning team
• Flexible and creative approach to accomplishing work goals
• Strong commitment to environmental advocacy and stewardship
• A desire to work with community members to achieve the organization’s mission

Preferred QUALIFICATIONS:

• 3-5 years experience in environmental advocacy, communications, policy, conservation or related field
• Demonstrated ability to develop and lead effective advocacy initiatives
• Previous experience on the Western Slope of Colorado
• Familiarity with Delta County and/or the North Fork Valley
• Experience with grant writing, management, and reporting

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary range: $50,000-58,000 with salary and title depending on experience. This is a full-time position requiring some evenings and weekends. Benefits include a 35 hour work week, generous paid off (PTO) plan and holidays, flexible schedule, and a retirement savings plan. Candidates should be based within easy commuting distance of Paonia, CO. WSCC offers a flexible work model, with regular in-office days expected. A personal vehicle is required, with mileage reimbursed. Additional non-financial benefits include the opportunity to live and work in a spectacular rural mountain location that boasts a high quality of life and an active and engaged community.

We encourage candidates to apply even if they do not meet every listed qualification. We value diverse experiences and perspectives and believe that potential, passion, and a willingness to learn are just as important as formal requirements.

APPLICATION: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to jobs@theconservationcenter.org. 

Application deadline: Until the position is filled.

ABOUT THE WESTERN SLOPE CONSERVATION CENTER

The Western Slope Conservation Center is a fun and dynamic grassroots environmental organization that has been carrying out public lands and watershed stewardship, advocacy, and environmental education for the past 46 years. Our offices are located in the idyllic agricultural mountain town of Paonia, at the base of the West Elk Mountains in Delta County, Colorado. The North Fork Valley offers high-quality rural living with access to ample outdoor recreation, including backcountry skiing, rafting, hiking, running, and biking. It also boasts the highest density of organic farms in the state of Colorado, many wineries, and a creative community. The North Fork was featured in The Wilderness Society’s Too Wild to Drill campaign highlighting 15 remarkable wild places under threat of resource extraction in the U.S.

WSCC provides equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status, genetic information, or other protected statuses.