----- Original Message ----- 
From: George E. Wallace 
Sent: Tuesday, December 14, 2004 10:34 AM
Subject: Position Announcement: Director of Conservation Advocacy,
American Bird Conservancy

Thank you for sharing this with your colleagues.

DIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION ADVOCACY

Position Need

American Bird Conservancy (ABC) is the only conservation group whose
sole mission is to conserve native wild birds and their habitats
throughout the Americas.   ABC accomplishes its mission through
direct action and by engaging the people, groups, resources, and
strategies needed to succeed.  It undertakes the full spectrum of
bird conservation issues using advocacy and habitat conservation
strategies. 

ABC's advocacy programs advance the organization's mission by
informing and educating policy-makers and resource managers about
bird conservation needs and solutions, and influencing government
agencies and multilateral institutions regarding policy, resource
allocation, and international conventions.  The Director of
Conservation Advocacy leads ABC's efforts to improve policy
affecting birds in the U.S. and assists in related efforts
throughout the Americas.

Position Description

ABC's Director of Conservation Advocacy provides management and
oversight for ABC advocacy programs and staff, and leads in
developing ABC policy positions, projects, and programs.  The
Director of Conservation Advocacy works with ABC's Chief
Conservation Officer and other conservation staff to develop an
integrated conservation program and participates in issue selection
and strategic planning as a part of ABC's Planning Team.  S(he)
works in close collaboration with the ABC President, the Chair and
Director of the Bird Conservation Alliance (BCA), and other NGO
leaders and helps to determine how bird conservation advocacy can be
most effectively accomplished by ABC, partner organizations, and the
BCA.  The Director ensures that ABC monitors and acts on public
policy primarily at the national level, but also at the
international and state levels.  S(he) also ensures that ABC
develops and maintains effective liaisons with public agencies and
legislative staff regarding bird conservation issues, policies, and
funding mechanisms.  This position is supervised by the Chief
Conservation Officer and supervises all advocacy staff.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

1.  Work with ABC staff and board; BCA Chair, Director, and
membership; and NGO and other leaders to identify priority bird
conservation policy issues, primarily for the U.S., but also at
international and state levels.  Develop strategies, partnerships,
and agency liaison to address these issues.  

2.  Provide leadership, staff supervision, and management that
ensure the effectiveness of ABC advocacy programs following ABC's
long range plan.  Develop and lead ABC programs and coalitions
resulting in both successful conservation and ABC leadership in the
field of bird conservation.  

3.  Work closely with the Bird Conservation Alliance.  Assist in
developing strategies and continuously improving the effectiveness
of the BCA in accomplishing bird conservation in cooperation with
the BCA Chair and Director and ABC President.

4.  Serve as a primary liaison to administrators, staff, government
scientists, and experts to promote bird conservation activities by
federal agencies regarding national and international bird
conservation issues.

5. Help to integrate ABC advocacy programs with ABC programs for
international bird conservation and habitat conservation for maximum
effectiveness.  Assist other programs having advocacy components.
Also work to increase integration and collaboration with major bird
conservation initiatives outside of ABC.  

6.  Serve as a primary liaison with the ABC Board of Directors and
its Government Relations Committee.

7.  Assist ABC President and Chief Conservation Officer in
fundraising, donor relations, and other matters as needed and assist
in promoting ABC, its mission, and programs generally.

Position Requirements

1.  An advanced degree preferably in law, policy, or a natural
resources field.

2.  At least five years of experience in advocacy or policy-related
work pertaining to wildlife conservation or environmental issues.  A
commitment to bird conservation and a strong desire to make change.

3.  Excellent oral and written communications skills.  Willingness
to communicate frequently and with a wide range of staff, partners,
supporters, the media, and others.

4.  A talent for leadership.  An outgoing, positive, persuasive
manner and predisposition for collaboration.

5.  Demonstrable success in supervising staff, managing programs,
effectively advancing multiple projects at the same time, and
completing complex projects. 

6.  Ability to work both independently and as part of teams. Ability
to complete projects on deadline and a strong desire for
conservation results.  Tenacity in difficult or long term projects.

7.  Fundraising background, skills, and interest desirable.

By January 14, 2005, send resume, writing sample, and three
references to:
American Bird Conservancy
P.O. Box 249, 4249 Loudoun Avenue
The Plains, VA 20198
Or by e-mail to: