Sea Otter Fund - Senior Manager

Organizational Background

The Wildlife Conservation Network is a rapidly growing leader in wildlife conservation, working with over 125 species in more than 84 countries across the world. WCN uses its collaborative, entrepreneurial, innovative, and philanthropically generous approach to wildlife conservation to reverse crises facing threatened species. In support of WCN’s mission to protect endangered species and preserve their natural habitats by supporting entrepreneurial conservationists who pursue innovative strategies for people and wildlife to coexist and thrive, WCN gives entrepreneurial leaders access to donors and a range of resources and tools they need to be successful.

WCN’s dedicated and diverse team values the people and relationships behind conservation as much as the science and strategy to save wildlife. We are looking for an experienced conservationist to develop conservation strategies, manage grant making, collaborate closely with conservation partners, and participate in the program’s fundraising and marketing. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Conservation Programs, and can be hybrid/remote.

WCN’s Sea Otter Fund

Sea otters, once abundant from Baja California across the north Pacific Rim to Japan, were nearly eliminated by the fur trade in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, they inhabit some areas of their historical range but are still absent from a substantial portion of the U.S. Pacific Coast.

Their absence has created significant ecological imbalances. Without them, the health of kelp and seagrass systems are at risk, and the loss of these systems reduces habitat for numerous species and diminishes these ecosystems' ability to sequester carbon and maintain water quality. A coalition of conservation groups, scientists, Tribal nations, government agencies, and communities supports sea otter reintroduction along their historical U.S. Pacific Coast range. However, current efforts lack coordination and sufficient resources.

WCN is uniquely positioned to advance this work through our proven Wildlife Fund model by a) serving as an ‘honest broker’ to convene and align key stakeholders; b) providing sustained, flexible funding to support critical conservation work; and c) leveraging our donor and professional network to bring new resources to sea otter conservation.

The Sea Otter Fund will advance critical scientific research and technical planning to lay the groundwork for successful sea otter reintroduction. It will also convene conservation groups, scientists, Tribal nations, government agencies, and other communities to develop solutions that advance sea otter restoration and are aligned with local community priorities.

The Sea Otter Fund represents an unprecedented opportunity to restore a keystone species and revitalize coastal ecosystems by supporting and building the capacity of sea otter conservationists.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Strategy and Granting

1. Develop and implement the Sea Otter Fund strategy.
   1. Guide the development and ongoing refinement of WCN’s Sea Otter Fund and its strategy, with close input from WCN leadership, external advisors, and potential collaborators.
   2. Lead the program’s grantmaking and ensure it is executed effectively. Seek and vet potential grantees to identify opportunities for effective projects; advise grantees on strong project design, and assist them to submit strong proposals for consideration.
   3. Travel to visit partner project sites, when appropriate.
2. Build collaborations that have the potential to advance the goal(s) of the Sea Otter Fund.
   1. Position WCN as a neutral convener to support sea otter conservation groups and help align conservation strategies, solve problems, and build capacity.
   2. Design and hold strategic convenings on various key issues of conservation relevance.
3. Engage and inspire donors to support the Fund.
   1. Actively engage new and existing donors to secure funding for the Sea Otter Fund, with support from WCN’s donor engagement team. Serve as the lead ambassador for the program, participating in donor calls, events, site visits and updates.
   2. Track program metrics to report back to program funders and WCN leadership.
   3. Work with WCN’s marketing team to design and execute compelling program communications for both donors and conservation partners, including progress reports and other collateral.

Member of the WCN Conservation Programs Team

1. Support WCN's California Wildlife Program and/or other conservation programs.
2. Contribute to the development of the overall WCN conservation strategy, with input into the Wildlife Funds, Partner Network, and Rising Wildlife Leaders programs.
3. Participate in WCN’s Expos, workshops, and other events in support of WCN’s conservationists and donors.

Skills Desired:

• A minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience, including significant experience with conservation issues.
• Experience in marine and/or coastal biodiversity conservation, natural resource management, and/or related discipline.
• Knowledge of or experience working within United States regulatory systems.
• Experience with grantmaking, from either the funder side or from the implementer side.
• Experience performing due diligence to proactively and reactively recognize potential grantmaking opportunities and assess a proposal.
• Expertise directly related to sea otter conservation and management is a plus.
• Experience working with Tribal nations is a plus.
• Expertise with wildlife reintroductions/translocations is a plus.
• Strong project management skills and highly organized to manage a growing pipeline of projects.
• Strong people skills and communication skills, with a strong partner and donor-oriented ethic.
• Proficient facilitator and convener, with demonstrated ability to design and execute strategies that sustain high levels of engagement from diverse stakeholders and groups.
• Passion for wildlife conservation.
• Strong natural alignment with WCN’s Core Values.
• Entrepreneurial and self-directed. Ability to make decisions swiftly and work in a fast paced environment.

Compensation and benefits:

The salary range is $95,000-$115,000 annually, based on qualifications and experience. Salary may vary for applicants residing outside the San Francisco Bay Area based on location and cost of living considerations. In addition, benefits include: medical, dental, vision insurance contributions, chiropractic/acupuncture, basic life insurance, AD&D, Health FSA and Dependent care (pre-tax payroll dollars), a retirement plan where WCN matches 100% of employee’s contribution up to 6% of employee’s salary, 11 paid holidays with 1 paid floating holiday, 15 days of paid vacation in the first year (+1 day per year worked), paid sick leave, and an employee discount program.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to slou@wildnet.org