Vice President & Chief Conservation Officer

TITLE:                             Vice President and Chief Conservation Officer

DIVISION:                      Field     

REPORTS TO:               CEO     

SUPERVISES:                Director of Bison Operations, Director of Asset Management, and Sr. Wildlife Restoration Manager

LOCATION:                   Lewistown, Montana 

FLSA STATUS:              Exempt

GROUP:                        Core

HOURS:                        Full-Time averaging 40 hours per week

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Employees are expected to be responsible for and assist with additional tasks and duties as needed. Job descriptions may change to meet the business needs of the organization.

JOB PURPOSE: The VP & Chief Conservation Officer serves as the executive responsible for overseeing all aspects of American Prairie field and conservation operations as well as guiding and evolving the strategic planning process used to realize American Prairie’s vision. This position advises the CEO and Executive Team on how to best position American Prairie’s Field programs – Rewilding; Bison Reintroduction; Land Management – utilizing innovation and optimism to address likely changes in the coming years and beyond. The individual plays a critical role in fulfilling American Prairie’s goal: assembling a multi-million-acre nature reserve that permanently preserves the species-rich grasslands of Montana’s legendary Great Plains for the enjoyment of future generations. 

The VP & CCO is expected to serve as a primary spokesperson for American Prairie’s objectives, our rewilding efforts and to serve on relevant boards, councils, and other groups that affect American Prairie’s mission. The individual is expected to cultivate meaningful relationships with various partners across the project landscape, including but not limited to:  federal/ state agencies, nonprofits, tribes, universities, and community members.      

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES: 

Leadership and Management of Field Division (80%)

• Oversee current operations and lead long term development, expansion and implementation of the field division including but not limited to: 

  • Policy development

  • Field assets (including but not limited to physical infrastructure, , vehicles,  equipment.. )

  • Habitat management and restoration 

  • Bison reintroduction 

  • Property management

  • Staffing decisions

• Co-lead the development of an updated and compelling roadmap for achieving American Prairie’s vision, while gaining buy-in and support from various federal and state agencies, tribal partners, and community groups as well as key individuals. 

• Provide direction and leadership to the field team to ensure short and long-term planning adheres to and furthers organizational goals. 

• Guide management of natural and cultural resources.

• Ensure adequate focus is placed on collaboration with tribes and other local communities as a key part of our conservation program development.

• Develop and steward relationships with public, private, and nonprofit entities to plan and/or execute projects and ensure land management that is guided by science and aligned with American Prairie’s ultimate vision.

• Partner with the External Relations division to support the visitor and volunteer experience.

• Model and reinforce American Prairie’s commitment to a safe work environment and safety culture. 

Organizational Leadership & Business Management (10%) 

• Responsible for the Field division budget to ensure annual goals are met. 

• Work with the Executive Team and the National Board of Directors to make both strategic and daily business decisions.

• Collaborate with Director of Land Acquisition and Executive Team members in designing and implementing strategies to shape the future of American Prairie. 

• Act as an expert resource for donors, staff, Directors, and others regarding all aspects of the field program, our overall vision and goals, and our opportunities and challenges.

Donor and Public Relations (10%)

• Provide property tours and support and act as a representative of American Prairie to guests, donors, media and representatives of agencies as needed. 

• Build and maintain positive relationships with neighbors, agencies, local government, and the surrounding communities.

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QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Demonstrates enthusiasm for American Prairie’s mission, goals and culture.

• 10 years related experience required, 15 years of experience preferred

• Strong executive presence: proven ability to effectively interact with CEO, executive team members and board; able to contribute as part of a strong and collaborative executive leadership team.

• Demonstrated ability to foster collaboration and communication in a diverse, dispersed, and interdisciplinary team.

• Demonstrated experience managing people and complex projects.

• Experience giving public presentations to neighbors, organizations, partners/collaborators, and others to promote an organization's mission and goals.

• Ability to interact and collaborate positively and productively with internal and external stakeholders.. 

• Demonstrates highly developed critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to communicate issues and concerns clearly, accurately and in a timely manner.

• Ability to evaluate information and determine compliance with standards and regulations.

• Ability to follow and enforce safety and compliance guidelines and policy.

• Proficient in G Suite, ESRI, Keynote, and other related software.

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.

• Deep familiarity with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation.

• Familiarity with state/ federal agency policy. 

• Strong knowledge of grazing management practices required.

• Natural resource management, ecology, environmental policy, and/or other related degree(s) required (advanced preferred) or the equivalent based on experience

• Ability to travel.

Preferred

• Familiarity with rural communities politics and government agencies.

• Experience in landscape-scale planning and implementation.