Mighty Earth is accepting applications for a Vermont-based State Director as we expand our efforts to rewild native ecosystems and reintroduce keystone species with an initial focus on catamounts. We are seeking a campaigner with the drive, creativity, and initiative to manage this new campaign to rewild the Northeast U.S.
Mighty Earth’s Rewilding Campaign: We know every species has a role to play in a healthy ecosystem, but catamounts, wolves, lynx, and other keystone species were eradicated in the Northeast by early settlers. The forests of the northeast have regrown substantially, but a lack of large predators means that these ecosystems are still out of balance.
Rewilding can have significant trophic effects that remove and sequester carbon that otherwise contributes to atmospheric warming. Additionally, overpopulation of deer is diminishing forest health, causing deadly vehicle crashes, causing chronic wasting disease, and spreading Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. However, the Northeast is one of the most pro-conservation regions in the country. Catamounts enjoy strong cultural support in the region and are recognized as an animal that has a rightful place in Northeastern forests. We are on the cusp of a great rewilding moment and the Campaign Manager will be critical to the success of this work! (Read more about the vision of rewilding the East here).
The Role
As the State Director, you will bring the vision and leadership to the campaign in the Northeast, with a focus on Vermont. You will help develop the campaign, drive the strategic direction of the work, and carry out the work on the ground. This position will not include staff management responsibilities but may in the future. Specifically, your responsibilities will include:
Strategy and Leadership
Developing and executing Mighty Earth’s advocacy campaign to win approval for a scientifically sound, well-managed reintroduction of mountain lions in target states, with a focus on Vermont initially;
Producing reports, briefings, and other campaign materials in consultation with scientific experts, allied organizations, and coalition members;
Maintaining expertise on rewilding and species reintroduction efforts;
Communications and Engagement
Meeting directly with state officials and legislators;
Developing relationships with local groups to build a supportive in-state coalition;
Planning, recruiting, and building visibility for local community events to build support for rewilding;
Researching and preparing messaging guidance on species reintroduction to make a case for rewilding, while also anticipating opposition;
Working with the communications and digital teams to drive media coverage and online support and awareness. Regularly reporting progress to Mighty Earth, our partners, and funders;
Organizational Support
Working closely with other Mighty Earth communications, investigations, policy, and campaign staff;
Identifying opportunities for funding our work and participating in discussions with funders and the development of grant proposals;
Fulfill all compliance requirements, including supporting grant reporting, expense reporting, and time tracking;
What we are looking for in you:
Required qualifications:
You have experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, and/or campaigning.
You thrive working independently
You are passionate about wildlife and protecting and restoring Nature more broadly.
You have experience developing, planning, and implementing successful campaigns.
You can balance competing priorities. You thrive in a highly dynamic environment where changes in politics, economics, and other external events can impact your work and plans.
You are comfortable working with various internal and external stakeholders and networking and building coalitions across constituencies.
You have experience with and a commitment to working with people from a variety of backgrounds, including different ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds and the LGBTQ+ community.
You write well and can take complex information and distill it into understandable products such as blog posts, press releases, social media, reports, talking points, and letters.
Preferred qualifications:
A minimum of 5 years of work experience.
You are adept at communicating and working with the media.
You have experience building and working in coalitions.
You have an existing network in Vermont politics or conservation circles.
You have experience in wildlife conservation, rewilding, or other related issues.
You have worked as a lobbyist, legislator, or in state government.
We strongly encourage all interested individuals to apply and allow us to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and abilities you demonstrate using an intentional equity lens. Research suggests that candidates from under-represented communities are less likely to apply for positions unless they are confident they meet 100% of the listed qualifications. If you are interested and meet some of our qualifications, we want to hear from you.
Details: This is a full-time remote position based in Vermont. This position will involve some travel throughout New England and New York State. You will report to our Vice President of Campaigns and Investigations.
This position requires an initial one-year commitment, with the possibility to extend, depending on funding.
Compensation and benefits: The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $100,000, depending on experience. We have a generous benefits package including group health insurance, dental benefits, unlimited vacation time, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan.
