Vice President, Species Conservation & Coexistence
Position Overview
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026
Salary: $165,000 – $185,000 Annually
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Experience Required: Fifteen years in conservation leadership
Description
Defenders of Wildlife is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of native animals and plants in their natural communities. Through science, policy, advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation, the organization advances strategies to conserve biodiversity and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
The Vice President for Species Conservation and Coexistence leads regional and field programs focused on conserving imperiled species and advancing national conservation policy. This role oversees strategic planning, program implementation, and advocacy initiatives while collaborating with senior leadership to drive organizational priorities across multiple conservation areas.
Responsibilities
• Provide leadership direction on organizational strategy, programs, and culture with executive leadership
• Lead and supervise species conservation and coexistence programs across regions
• Develop short- and long-term strategic plans, staffing structures, and program priorities
• Establish conservation policy positions aligned with organizational goals
• Oversee implementation of species conservation plans and wildlife programs
• Collaborate with federal, state, and tribal partners to develop national conservation policies
• Direct advocacy efforts influencing legislation, regulatory processes, and land management plans
• Represent the organization in public meetings, hearings, conferences, and media engagements
• Manage and oversee annual budgets across field conservation programs
• Support fundraising efforts in coordination with development and marketing teams
• Monitor staff performance and provide coaching, training, and performance evaluations
• Coordinate with human resources to address staffing and disciplinary matters
• Ensure effective communication and accountability across teams
• Travel regularly to support program and organizational needs
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Fifteen years of experience in conservation, policy, or related field
• At least seven years of supervisory experience
• Experience managing multiple levels of staff and organizational structures
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Experience in policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in conservation, environmental policy, or related field
Additional Notes
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States or Denver, Colorado, United States
• Remote work option available
• Full-time, exempt position
• Reports to Senior Vice President, Conservation Programs
• Requires regular travel
How to Apply
Submit an application through the employer’s application portal at https://defenders.org/about/jobs.
Application Deadline: June 12, 2026
Salary: $165,000 – $185,000 Annually
Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Experience Required: Fifteen years in conservation leadership
Description
Defenders of Wildlife is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection of native animals and plants in their natural communities. Through science, policy, advocacy, and on-the-ground conservation, the organization advances strategies to conserve biodiversity and promote coexistence between people and wildlife.
The Vice President for Species Conservation and Coexistence leads regional and field programs focused on conserving imperiled species and advancing national conservation policy. This role oversees strategic planning, program implementation, and advocacy initiatives while collaborating with senior leadership to drive organizational priorities across multiple conservation areas.
Responsibilities
• Provide leadership direction on organizational strategy, programs, and culture with executive leadership
• Lead and supervise species conservation and coexistence programs across regions
• Develop short- and long-term strategic plans, staffing structures, and program priorities
• Establish conservation policy positions aligned with organizational goals
• Oversee implementation of species conservation plans and wildlife programs
• Collaborate with federal, state, and tribal partners to develop national conservation policies
• Direct advocacy efforts influencing legislation, regulatory processes, and land management plans
• Represent the organization in public meetings, hearings, conferences, and media engagements
• Manage and oversee annual budgets across field conservation programs
• Support fundraising efforts in coordination with development and marketing teams
• Monitor staff performance and provide coaching, training, and performance evaluations
• Coordinate with human resources to address staffing and disciplinary matters
• Ensure effective communication and accountability across teams
• Travel regularly to support program and organizational needs
Minimum Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
• Fifteen years of experience in conservation, policy, or related field
• At least seven years of supervisory experience
• Experience managing multiple levels of staff and organizational structures
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills
• Experience in policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement
Preferred Qualifications
• Advanced degree in conservation, environmental policy, or related field
Additional Notes
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia, United States or Denver, Colorado, United States
• Remote work option available
• Full-time, exempt position
• Reports to Senior Vice President, Conservation Programs
• Requires regular travel
How to Apply
Submit an application through the employer’s application portal at https://defenders.org/about/jobs.