Senior Policy and Planning Specialist (National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program)

Defenders of Wildlife; Denver (CO); Remote; USD 101,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization seeks a Senior Policy and Planning Specialist to drive initiatives for wildlife habitat protection and species recovery. This role involves strategic advocacy, collaboration with various stakeholders, and developing legal strategies to influence policy. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in ecology and public planning, along with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 8 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Advocate for habitat protection and hold federal agencies accountable.
• Engage in land management planning processes and develop positions on legislative proposals.
• Research topics and produce advocacy materials.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Partnering

Change Management

Problem Solving

Ecology

Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence

Public Planning

Respect

Oral and Written Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD

Job description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Senior Policy and Planning Specialist (National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program)

SALARY: $101,000 - $115,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Land and Habitat Conservation

LOCATION: Denver, CO, Washington DC or Remote

REPORTS TO: Director, National Wildlife Refuges and Parks Program

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: April 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional-level position is responsible for implementing Defenders of Wildlife’s federal lands portfolio and major campaigns to increase wildlife habitat protections and advance imperiled species recovery on the lands and waters of the National Park System and National Wildlife Refuge System. This position develops and executes strategies to defend and secure conservation protections, working with agency decision-makers, influencing Congress, building coalitions, and supporting advocacy efforts and litigation. It collaborates with staff across the organization, including the Species Conservation & Coexistence Department, Government Relations, Communications, Biodiversity Law Center, and the Center for Conservation Innovation.

The specialist will support the Refuge System Program implementation and lead the visioning, development, and execution of the new National Park System Program, shaping initiatives related to parks, preserves, monuments, and other units, and advocating for policies that benefit biodiversity and listed species.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Spearheads and coordinates efforts to advocate for habitat protection, oppose threats to at-risk species, and hold federal agencies accountable under laws such as the Endangered Species Act, National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, and the National Park Service Organic Act.
2. Tracks policy development affecting at-risk species and habitats within the National Park and Refuge Systems.
3. Engages in land management planning processes, providing expertise, building relationships with agency staff, supporting partner engagement, and assisting with legal and litigation strategies.
4. Develops positions and comments on legislative and administrative proposals affecting parks and refuges, coordinating with Government Relations and other departments.
5. Researches relevant topics, producing white papers, memos, reports, blogs, and other advocacy materials, collaborating with Communications and the Center for Conservation Innovation.
6. Maintains comment templates and training materials aligned with current policies.
7. Coordinates with the science team to incorporate research and data into planning processes.
8. Works with attorneys from the Biodiversity Law Center to develop legal strategies.
9. Mobilizes citizen activists and supporters on issues related to the Refuge and Park Systems.
10. Initiates and participates in multi-department teams to fight harmful proposals and promote beneficial policies.
11. Develops and participates in external coalitions as needed.
12. Serves as an internal and external point of contact with media, coalitions, and policymakers.
13. Some travel is required.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.), JD strongly encouraged.

Experience: 8 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Strategic Thinking
• Partnering
• Change Management
• Problem Solving
• Ecology
• Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence
• Public Planning
• Respect
• Oral and Written Communication

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities: Check all that apply: ascending/descending ladders, moving in various positions, remaining stationary, moving between worksites, adjusting objects, communicating, repeating motions, operating machinery, operating vehicles, assessing work quality.

Environmental Conditions: Check all that apply: low/high temperatures, outdoor elements, noisy environments, hazardous conditions, poor ventilation, small/enclosed spaces, none expected.

Physical Demands: Select only one: Sedentary, Light, Medium, Heavy work.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply. All employees must perform essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities. Defenders of Wildlife is an equal opportunity employer and this position is union-eligible.