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DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: National Outreach Specialist

SALARY: $78,000 - $88,000

FLSA: Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Government Relations

REPORTS TO: Director, National Outreach

NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED: June 2025

POSITION SUMMARY

The National Outreach Specialist is responsible for growing and mobilizing grassroots support for Defenders of Wildlife’s national congressional and Executive Branch advocacy priorities. By mobilizing, cultivating, and growing Defenders’ members, supporters, and activists through a variety of traditional and digital efforts, the position strengthens the group’s advocacy of national issue priorities and supports efforts to build the base of support for wildlife conservation and recovery.

Beyond growing and mobilizing Defenders' supporters, the position also involves work with partner organizations to advance Defenders' advocacy priorities. It also involves organizing events such as congressional lobby days and implementing effective accountability measures for members of Congress.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

+ Works with the Director of National Outreach to educate, cultivate, and mobilize Defenders’ donors, members, Wildlife Defenders activist network, and e-mail activists nationally to support Defenders’ congressional and Executive Branch advocacy priorities.

+ Plays a lead role in developing and implementing Wildlife Defenders cultivation and rapid mobilization and cultivation strategies and tactics.

+ In collaboration with the Director of National Outreach, has the lead responsibility for implementing congressional issue accountability strategies through the rapid development and deployment of the Wildlife Defenders network, email alerts, and Quorum network.

+ In collaboration with the Director of National Outreach, has the lead responsibility for optimizing the utilization and effectiveness of the Quorum network.

+ Plays a leading role in organizing congressional lobby days, rallies and other events in support of Defenders’ advocacy priorities.

+ Implements advocacy projects and works with partner organizations to advance the group’s advocacy priorities in target states.

+ Develops, distributes, and/or presents necessary campaign materials such as talking points, factsheets, and multi-media presentations.

+ Stays current on legislative and administrative issues of priority interest to Defenders.

+ Travel to facilitate effective cultivation and mobilization of Defenders’ activists and supporters.

+ Perform all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 4 years of relevant experience with a proven track record of implementing traditional and digital grassroots growth, engagement and mobilization programs.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for National Outreach Specialist

+ Ability to represent Defenders to external entities and the public in a professional manner while exercising tact, diplomacy, and discretion.

+ Demonstrate a willingness and ability to productively engage and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders from different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives

+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills.

+ Analytical, strategic and problem-solving skills with the ability to function independently and as part of a team.

+ Strong knowledge of wildlife conservation issues.

+ Ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, accurately and concisely.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.

Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.

Communicating with others to exchange information.

Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Operating machinery and/or power tools.

Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.

Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions

Check all that apply

Frequency

(N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly

Low temperatures.

High temperatures.

Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

Noisy environments.

Hazardous conditions.

Poor ventilation.

Small and/or enclosed spaces.

No adverse environmental conditions expected.

Physical Demands

Check only one

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

It is the policy of Defenders of Wildlife to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.