World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Senior Specialist, Strategic Engagements & Operations

Major Function

The Senior Specialist leads complex project management, communications, and operational duties to ensure the team is aligned and resourced to accelerate WWF’s global goals in Climate & Energy, Food, Forests, Freshwater, Oceans and Wildlife. Our interdisciplinary Global Science Team works closely with partners across our Network and with academic and research partners to advance a coordinated effort that will deliver science and technology for tangible conservation results. This position will be a key partner on the team to strategically engage with staff to coordinate technical input for resource development and scientific agreements, using organizational and writing skills, together with a detailed knowledge of the organization and its programs and policies.

• Lead and coordinate the program stewardship of external and WWF Network grants and agreements. Develops statements of work for technical leads; provides input for budgets and budget narratives; drafts concept notes, reports, and updates; and communicates with consultants and partners. Ensures compliance with donor requirements and guidelines.
• Develop agendas and lead collaborative meetings to advance program and proposal development objectives.
• Facilitate partnership and resource development activities, including aiding team Global Science Leadership Team members with the development of outlines and calendars; scheduling, coordinating, and convening meetings and workshops with internal and external stakeholders; organizing and tracking external opportunities and internal inputs.
• Partner with cross-functional teams and work groups to manage the development of proposals, under the supervision of the VP/Deputy Director and a resource mobilization lead.
• Drafts and edits concept notes, proposals, and reports in close coordination with scientists and resource mobilization partners for various audiences, including donors and supporters, partner organizations, and research and academic institutions.
• Coordinate preparation of research and briefing materials for Global Science Leadership partner and supporter meetings.
• Maintain partnership databases, tracking systems, and files and collate input to CRM records.
• Contributes to key engagement and science outreach communications (internal and external).
• Keep abreast of relevant programmatic issues and funding priorities, in areas in which Global Science has an ongoing interest, and communicate updates with team members, WWF Network partners, and resource mobilization partners.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree required (e.g., communications, publishing, journalism, or English) with 4-6 years of experience. Graduate degree with at least 2 years of experience preferred.
• Demonstrated success and progressively responsible experience in program and project management required, in a conservation context a plus.
• Demonstrated knowledge of project management for program design and development, proposal coordination and development, and progress and impact report writing.
• Excellent editorial management, editing and writing skills.
• Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, to meet deadlines and commitments.
• Ability to work on initiatives with multiple and competing priorities with strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Strong, demonstrated interpersonal skills, with direct experience in international contexts.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of individuals, across cultures, disciplines, and time zones.
• Demonstrated ability to work with both Microsoft 365 and Google suites. Strong PowerPoint and graphic design skills are a plus.
• Committed to building and strengthening a culture of inclusion within and across teams.
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration:
  • Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
  • Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
  • Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
  • Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

To Apply:

• Submit cover letter and resume through our Careers Page, Requisition #23136
• Due to the high volume of applications we are not able to respond to inquiries via phone

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status. WWF values diversity and inclusion and welcomes diverse candidates to apply.