Overview

General Description

As the leading conservation organization working to unite people to protect America’s wild places, The Wilderness Society (TWS) envisions a future where people and wild nature flourish together, meeting the challenges of a rapidly changing planet. Our principles include striving for equity and justice in all we do, seeking to reflect on the many communities with whom we work, and viewing access to nature as a basic right. To achieve our mission, vision and be true to our principles, we must work in new, transformative ways.

TWS is seeking an Independent Consultant to serve as a West Valley (Organizer). This part-time position (estimated average of 20 hours per week) will be contractual and last six months from the start date with potential for another six-month renewal. The hourly rate would be between $40-$50/per hour depending on experience. The Organizer should be based in in Phoenix metro and be able to provide their own transportation to from the west valley communities and the adjacent public lands.

The West Valley Organizer serves in a collaborative role supporting the organization’s Great Bend of the Gila conservation campaign (Campaign). The Campaign seeks to permanently protect public lands in Phoenix’s West Valley that are culturally, historically, and naturally significant (See RespectGreatBend.org for more information). The Organizer’s efforts will be focused on engaging West Valley community members and organizations, building local support for protecting these public lands for future generations.

 

Scope of Work

Community Engagement

  •  Identify range of community organizations (clubs, HOAs, outdoor recreation groups, school groups, etc.) that hold educational or social meetings; initiate contact with these groups requesting opportunities to present to leadership and/or members. Maintain list of outreach opportunities with contact tracing to be reported monthly on invoice.
  •  Compile expressions of support via letters from groups/individuals and support petitions or postcards. Secure 100 expressions of support by the end of the contract.
  • 5-10 presentations to West Valley community groups and organizations by the end of the contract.
  •  Build and maintain a supporter spreadsheet from event sign sheets, one-on-one meetings, and organizations presentations.  This spreadsheet shall contain contact information of each support or organization and will be digitally shared with TWS as a product of this contract.
  • Develop presentations, factsheets, and supporting materials as needed.

Events

  • Organize a panel discussion around the story map roll out at a local university or other relevant venue by the end of the contract.
  • Organize three community events at supportive local businesses by the end of the contract.
  • Coordinate with campaign team to support 1-2 field tours with interested leaders and/or community members by the end of the contract.
  • Support 2 RGB coalition partner events by organizing turnout for the event and attending the event by the end of the contract.

Media Engagement

  • Coordinate with campaign team to draft, identify a signee and publication, and place at least 3 Op-eds by the end of the contract.
  • Coordinate with campaign team to draft, identify a signee and publication, and place at least 5 letters to the editor by the end of the contract.
  • Identify 2-3 volunteers who could be spokesperson to feature in communications by the end of the contract.

Respect Great Bend (RGB) Coalition Engagement

  • Facilitate bi-monthly meetings of the coalition, including setting the agenda, hosting the call, and sending action-oriented notes after each meeting
  • Participate in executive committee meetings when requested
  • Coordinate with the communications committee on events and outreach activities as needed

The Wilderness Society (TWS) Staff Engagement

  • Participate in bi-monthly TWS staff check-ins
  • Provide a short summary of achievements when submitting monthly invoices

 

Inquiries

Interested individuals should email a resume and one paragraph statement of interest to Mike Quigley at mike_quigley@tws.org.  Statements of interest are due no later than March 15.  No calls please.

Tagged as: advocacy, community organizing, conservation

About The Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society is the leading American conservation organization working to protect our nation’s shared wildlands. Since 1935, The Wilderness Society has led the effort to permanently protect nearly 110 million acres of wilderness in 44 states. We have been at the forefront of nearly every major public lands victory.

The Wilderness Society's mission is to protect wilderness and inspire Americans to care for our wild places. We contribute to better protection, stewardship and restoration of our public lands, preserving our rich natural legacy for current and future generations.