Chief Conservation & Policy Officer

Socket.dev; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) in Missoula, MT, seeks a Chief Conservation Officer to lead conservation policy, advocacy, and partnerships. This full-time role reports to the CEO and works with the leadership team to advance mission initiatives.

The CCO will oversee federal/state advocacy, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and program management, representing RMEF with agencies, NGOs, donors, and the public. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources or a related field.
• Eight-plus years of experience working in natural resources.
• Five years of experience in a senior-level leadership position.
• Strong emphasis on land management, lands administration, natural resource policy, or environmental planning.
• Experience working with federal, state, or national conservation organizations and issues.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision, leadership, organizational management, and program management.
• Experience in public relations is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Advise the CEO and Executive Team on positioning of RMEF conservation programs.
• Provide strategic input in the development and implementation of mission initiatives.
• Oversee advocacy work of the organization on a federal, state, and local level.
• Serve as a co-liaison or advisor role with board committees, sub-committees, and working groups.
• Ensure that RMEF is informed, engaged and well-represented on issues and communications within relevant scientific, conservation, governmental and sportsmen communities.
• Represent RMEF at national, and some state, government meetings/events to sustain RMEF’s premium reputation, as well as secure organizational support and funding.
• Lead discussions regarding national conservation policies & issues and assist in decisions related to RMEF policies and positions that may be affected.
• Represents RMEF on national level groups, and as necessary at regional, including national meetings, seminars, and symposiums.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with corporations, private landowners, foundations, government agencies, and others to secure funds and position RMEF as a respected leader in the conservation world.
• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to other staff on how to establish these relationships and secure funding.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Fundraising

Policy advocacy

Supervisory experience

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in natural resources

Job description

The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) in Missoula, MT, seeks a Chief Conservation Officer to lead conservation policy, advocacy, and partnerships. This full-time role reports to the CEO and works with the leadership team to advance mission initiatives.

The CCO will oversee federal/state advocacy, stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and program management, representing RMEF with agencies, NGOs, donors, and the public. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.