Working Lands Program Director

About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012, WLA is a West-wide, landowner-led organization dedicated to keeping the private and working lands of the American West whole and healthy for people and wildlife. Our mission is to advance policies and practices that sustain working lands, connected landscapes and native species.

Position Overview: WLA’s working lands program is designed to support and improve the health of working forest and rangelands across the West. The Working Lands Program Director will be responsible for the implementation and coordination of working lands program initiatives to support on-the-ground stewardship, public policy, and economics of working lands. The Working Lands Program Director will engage with land stewards across the West to identify needs on working lands, connect them to existing technical and financial resources and direct program and policy solutions in support of whole and healthy forests and rangelands.

Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday

Location: This position is remote with preference of residency in the American West. Periodic travel will be required.

Reports to: Chief Programs Officer

Supervises: Western Grazing Lands Coalition Manager and Eastern New Mexico Resources Coordinator; in-directly supervises California Grazing Lands Coalition Coordinator and Wyoming Grazing Lands Coalition Coordinator.

Compensation: $80,000-$100,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental and medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program.

Duties/Responsibilities Include: 

• In collaboration with executive leadership, create a strategic plan to guide working lands program work and evaluation.
• Develop and oversee working lands program plan and budget, annually.
• Manage and implement working lands projects and related grants, including Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative grants through USDA.
• Provide opportunities for peer-to-peer learning within the working lands community, connect land stewards with science, research opportunities, technical support and financial resources (including Farm Bill programs).
• Support and advise on public policies and economics related to working forest and rangelands.
• Work with WLA communications staff to deliver timely news, information, and technical and financial resources regarding forest and range management to landowners
• Inform WLA leadership, members, and partners on relevant forest and rangeland issues
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson on forest and range related issues to the media, decision makers, partners, funders and the general public
• Oversee, hire and manage program-related staff and contractors
• Serve as a member of the leadership team
• Create reports and perform benchmarking exercises as required
• Assist in grant writing and fundraising in support of Working Lands program.
• Other duties as assigned

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience required
• Strong working knowledge and experience related to land and natural resource issues in the West including ranching, range and forest management, ecological stewardship, conservation, and policies related to these issues.
• Knowledge of and experience with public agencies and policies related to private and public land management, including public lands grazing and forest management.
• Track record of successful collaboration in large landscape collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and projects
• Proven ability to develop positive relationships and effectively communicate organizational activities both internally and externally
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; detail oriented, strong independent work ethic; and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment
• Experience in land management and agricultural production
• Creative and positive approach to communication and problem solving
• Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office setting and outdoors. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day; conducting business over the telephone and via email; standing for long periods of time outdoors; traveling long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads). This position may also require moving agency materials up to 25 pounds. This position requires facilitation of meetings and interfacing professionally with the public.

Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter via the online application portal at the link below. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusiveness and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all team members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply.