Denver, CO

Position Title: Conservation Finance Director

Organization:Western Landowners Alliance

Location: Denver, CO

Position Overview: The Conservation Finance Director will develop and implement strategies to strengthen economic support for the conservation and stewardship of working lands in the American West. This will include working with landowners, state and federal agencies, businesses and the philanthropic community to develop and promote market opportunities, economic incentives and regulatory support.

Duties:

•  Develop and implement finance strategies to strengthen economic support for the conservation and stewardship of working lands in the West. 
• Work with landowners, partners and decision makers to evaluate, inform and advocate for relevant economic policies, financial and regulatory incentive programs, and ecosystem service markets. Ensure landowner perspectives and interests are well represented in program and policy development.
• Develop and manage relationships with corporate and philanthropic partners to generate ecosystem service market opportunities.
• Identify and establish collaborative relationships with government agencies (i.e. US Fish & – – Wildlife Services) to support data collection and development of regulatory assurances.
• Support landowners in assessing and engaging in ecosystem payment programs and markets through educational outreach, referrals, peer-to-peer learning, and advocacy. Serve as a subject matter expert on behalf of WLA.
• Communicate the opportunities, successes, challenges, landowner perspectives and lessons learned in the quest to secure economic support for ecological stewardship on private and working lands.
• Manage and implement conservation finance projects and related grants.
• Collaborate and help advance public policies related to conservation finance on working lands.
• Oversee, hire and manage program-related staff and contractors.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in related field from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience required
• Significant experience in the areas of conservation finance and ecosystem service markets
• Strategic thinking and business mindset with a proven ability to plan, organize and execute
• Experience working with landowners, governments, businesses and other stakeholders on landscape level agricultural and environmental policy and strategy
• Experience in coalition building and leadership
• An experienced and influential communicator with ability to engage and build credibility up to senior levels both internally and externally
• Collaborative leader and team member, committed to learning and personal development, and to developing understanding, skills, confidence and capacity in colleagues
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required
• Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite

Salary/Pay: $80,000 – $100,000 

How to Apply:  Please submit your resume and cover letter via our website. 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.