Executive Director

National Wildlife Federation

7h•Hybrid

About The Position

NWF Action Fund is hiring an Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for the NWFAF’s primary purpose and electoral activities in federal, state and local elections. The Executive Director also oversees NWFAF’s connected National Wildlife Federation Political Committee. This includes developing programmatic and electoral work, supporting the board of directors, developing and managing budgets, and compliance. NWFAF builds political power to embolden and support elected officials and candidates from both parties to take strong wildlife and conservation action, and serves as a central force uniting communities, organizations, and leaders from across the political spectrum around a common conservation vision. During a critically important electoral cycle, the Executive Director has an exciting opportunity to grow NWFAF’s work and impact.

Requirements

10+ years of experience with federal or state political affairs.
5+ years of experience working in affiliated c3/c4 organizations.
Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Political Management, Economics, Business or related field
Strong understanding of operating affiliated 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and connected PAC organizations, federal and state compliance, including compliance with Federal Election Commission (FEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), government ethics, and LDA and state lobbying rules, regulations and laws.
Strong fundraising background, including foundation and major donor experience.
Deep integrity and excellent values with a strong commitment to ethical action in relation to public policy work, lobbying, political engagement, grassroots organizing and campaign finance.
Experience managing budgets of at least $1million.
Experience supporting boards of directors.
Strong ability to assess critical issues and trends, distill core elements and recommend appropriate political engagement and messaging.
Excellent project management skills and ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent computer and technology skills, including a working knowledge of social media and database management.
Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information, policies, and concepts
Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solve, and make decisions in situations involving ambiguity or competing priorities
Ability to maintain focus and sustained attention and manage multiple tasks or work-streams
Ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately in discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders
Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods of time while working at a computer or attending meetings
Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, keyboards, monitors, telephones, and video conferencing tools
Ability to communicate and exchange information in person, via telephone, and through electronic or virtual platforms
Ability to read, review, and produce written and electronic documents, including prolonged use of computer screens
Ability to move within an office or remote work environment to access files, meetings, or equipment as needed
Must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S.

Responsibilities

Grow NWFAF’s profile and influence with elected officials at all levels of government.
Working with the Chief Advocacy Officer, oversee and strategically grow NWFAF’s primary purpose work, which includes public policy, advocacy, and campaigns in agriculture, climate, water, and public lands.
Develop and execute NWFAF’s bipartisan electioneering strategies related to candidates, ballot measures and voter education to support efforts to protect wildlife and wild places and connect people with nature and the policies that support it.
Identify a bipartisan slate of candidates for elected office who may be appropriate for support or opposition, and manage endorsement program in partnership with NWFAF Board, NWFAF CEO, and NWFAF senior staff.
Organize efforts in support of endorsed candidates, including both coordinated and independent expenditures.
Coordinate with NWFAF Board, NWFAF CEO, relevant NWFAF senior staff, and affiliates to identify ballot measures that may be appropriate for support or opposition.
Build a broader conservation constituency.
Build and secure meaningful, lasting grasstops and state (affiliate) advocacy programs on a cross-section of issues that support protection of wildlife and communities.
Coordinate with the affiliated 501(c)(3) National Wildlife Federation staff to align conservation priorities.
Execute critical fundraising responsibilities including but not limited to: In addition, this position requires strong nonprofit management skills including maintaining appropriate legal separation from the 501(c)(3). It also requires the ability to work with key stakeholders to ensure that NWFAF fulfills its 501(c)(4) and PAC reporting and compliance requirements, including laws governing lobbying and campaign finance.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering collaboration, trust, accountability, and open and clear communication.
Model values-based leadership grounded in respect, transparency, and inclusion.
Foster a culture that recognizes the One Federation model, upholds the We Believe, We Envision, and We Commit statements, and works collaboratively with affiliates to advance our common priorities.
Expand our impact through authentic relationships with affiliates and with partners, while dedicating effort to reconnect and engage with partners and communities who have previously been excluded or who are under-represented.
Cultivate partnerships across the political spectrum.
Ensure disciplined financial planning, resource allocation, and performance accountability.
Partner with Philanthropy on identifying and cultivating foundations and major donors to support the efforts of NWF.
Build program business strategies to inform resource allocation and fundraising efforts.
Work with the Chief Advocacy Officer and NWFAF board of directors to develop budgets to carry out the work of the Action Fund.

Benefits

Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays
We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
Therapist available at no cost
Pet insurance and discount perk program
Annual wellbeing allowance
Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
Annual year end retirement contribution
Tuition Reimbursement
Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
Pet adoption stipend
Student Loan management
flexible scheduling