The Conservation Program Specialist provides coordination, project management, and administrative support to conservation teams. They will work to support the strategic priorities of the Washington Conservation Team and Emerald Edge Program - a whole system program supporting community-led conservation across coastal Washington, Canada, and Alaska. This role will involve a significant amount of scheduling and coordination for various meetings, and the ideal candidate will be comfortable with details and managing follow-up from meetings.
The Conservation Program Specialist works toward meeting the strategic priorities of the Washington Conservation and Emerald Edge programs by supporting senior staff, coordinating internal and external teams, and providing specific project management support. The Conservation Program Specialist will interface with staff in various programs across the Conservancy, as well as with donors, partners, volunteers, vendors, and business relations. The Specialist will be part of the Washington Conservation team and the Emerald Edge team, reporting to the Director of Conservation with a dotted line to the Emerald Edge Program Director, and work closely with conservation, philanthropy, finance, and operations staff.
Specific functions may include:
Project and Team Coordination (60%)
- Scheduling, material development, and logistics support for multiple internal team and external committee meetings.
- Coordinate team meetings and information flow (including document management and task tracking).
- Track and research data, produce and review reports, and perform analysis to support the Emerald Edge Philanthropy Team.
- Communicate or distribute information to assist in decision making, solving problems, and improving workflow.
- Track emerging issues for team/broader discussion.
- Implement processes and practices to improve effectiveness.
Executive Assistance (10%)
- Calendar management
- Supports Washington Director of Conservation and Emerald Edge Program Director
Project Management & Execution (30%)
- Planning and execution of logistics for special events and meetings
- Provide specific project management support as needed (e.g. campaigns, strategic plan development)
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Level of Position: This is a junior position with the opportunity to grow and develop project management and program management skills. Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines.
- May supervise administrative and/or volunteer staff, including training and professional development.
- Financial responsibility may include purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget preparation.
Within the scope of the position, the Conservation Program Specialist will:
- Coordinate projects with several variables, working within a defined timeline and budget.
- Act independently on assigned tasks and exercise independent judgment based on analysis and experience, referring difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor.
- Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
- Perform non-routine analysis, research and follow-through.
- Ensure compliance with Conservancy policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
- Provide input through project teams for the improvement of existing programs.
- Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
Work Environment and Schedule
- Work is performed in a professional office environment and involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
- Willingness to travel (sometimes overnight) within Washington State, British Columbia, Southeast Alaska, and occasionally elsewhere in the United States for meetings, work extended hours, and work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Experience coordinating administrative processes.
- Experience generating reports and interpreting data.
- Experience in writing, editing, and proofreading.
- Experience organizing time and managing diverse activities to meet deadlines.
- Experience working across teams and communicating with a wide range of people.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated, particularly with Indigenous communities.
- Ability to analyze information for the purpose of coordinating and planning activities, and solving problems.
- Strong organization skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
- Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
- Experience working independently and being a self-starter.
- Flexibility and comfort with balancing multiple projects and priorities.
- Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
- Experience working with donors/trustees/VIPs is desirable.
Estimated starting salary: $53,000 - $57,000/annually, dependent on qualifications and experience.