About the Prairie Dog Coalition
The Prairie Dog Coalition empowers organizations and individuals with conservation tools that protect prairie dogs, restore their ecosystems, and reduce human-wildlife conflict. We envision a future in which prairie dogs are intrinsically valued and widely recognized as a critical species worth restoring to functional populations throughout their historical range. 

Position Summary
The Prairie Dog Coalition is looking for a Program Coordinator! The coordinator is responsible for bringing the Coalition’s strategic direction into action with the guidance and assistance of the Steering Committee. The Coordinator will help oversee the successful completion of projects and events, bring together coalition partners, and mobilize advocates for prairie dog conservation. Coordinator provides guidance, responses, and resources to all stakeholders of the prairie ecosystem; focuses on elevating the positive perception of the prairie dog; and collaborates with prairie dog advocates to amplify efforts when possible. This role is heavily administrative and interpersonal, with some opportunities for field work in the summer. We are looking for a self-starter who is enthusiastic about prairie dog conservation and coalition building.

Main Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate steering committee meetings:  schedule, develop agendas, take meeting notes, and implement their actions and efforts for the coalition.
• Carry out the efforts and actions outlined in our strategic plan.
• Assist with the development of effective social and multimedia educational efforts.
• Monitor and update squarespace website (www.prairiedogcoalition.org) as needed
• Assist with the development and facilitation of workshops and events.
• Handle and release rehabilitated or translocated prairie dogs.
• Serve as a knowledgeable point person for outreach efforts to diverse communities across the prairie dog’s range. 
• Develop new and ongoing partnerships with local community members and community-based organizations. Collaborate and coordinate conservation actions and campaigns with staff and other environmental community outreach partners engaged on similar issues.
• Pay bills, process donations, track and maintain the program budget.
• Monitor and respond to coalition emails and website form submissions, providing guiding documents & resources when appropriate.
• Manage google drive and update documents as needed.
• Facilitate and promote the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion strategies into program work.
• Research and remain up to date on prairie dog coexistence, and conservation issues.

Other Duties as assigned and available: 

• Coordinate and implement local, state and/or national strategies, campaigns, programs, projects, work plans, publications, educational materials and reports.
• Utilize mailing lists to mobilize and update supporters
• Represent PDC in coalitions and at public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, national forums, and in general communications with public officials, the media, PDC supporters and volunteers, etc.
• Help rebuild the coalition’s base of supporters and engage active members to participate in collective actions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Required

• Minimum commitment of one 6 month term with opportunity to extend into a second 6 month term
• Experience or strong interest in prairie dog conservation 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience or willingness to learn necessary software (Squarespace, instagram/facebook, canva, and google)
• Experience in social media management and communication campaigns
• Comfortable working with little to no oversight
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to build trust and rapport with diverse stakeholders
• Strong time-management and ability to manage your own schedule
• Ability to handle sensitive or stressful situations with tact and diplomacy
• Strong and creative problem-solving skills with attention to detail 

Desired

• Bachelors or associates degree in conservation biology, wildlife ecology, environmental education, communications, social science, or related disciplines 
• Experience working with prairie dogs and/or non-lethal conflict-mitigation tools
• Experience with animal husbandry or handling

Note: PDC is fiscally sponsored by Defenders of Wildlife; this is a contracted position with no benefits or housing.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to both Chamois Andersen at  candersen@defenders.org and Lindsey Sterling Krank at lsterlingkrank@humanesociety.org by May 22, 2023.