Florida Wildlife Federation – Vice President of Conservation Policy
Click HERE to view the position on the FWF Website
About Us
For 90 years, the Florida Wildlife Federation (Federation) has been Florida’s voice for wildlife,
working to protect the state’s water, wildlife, and wild spaces. We bring together diverse
stakeholders to find common ground solutions that benefit Florida’s natural legacy. As a statewide,
non-profit, non-partisan organization, the Federation’s mission is to safeguard Florida’s water,
wildlife, and wild spaces by taking action today to prevent irreversible loss tomorrow.
Position Summary
The Federation is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to serve as Vice President of
Conservation Policy. The role is responsible for developing and executing the Federation's policy
agenda and leading advocacy efforts to advance land conservation, wildlife protection, and healthy
waterways. The VP will drive legislative and regulatory success through strategic coalition building,
stakeholder engagement, and relationship development at the local, state, and federal levels.
The VP will build and manage a team of policy staff, ensuring that the Federation’s advocacy efforts
are grounded in science, aligned with organizational values, and positioned to achieve measurable
conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate is a seasoned government relations professional with a
track record of legislative and regulatory success who thrives at the intersection of policy, strategy,
and coalition building.
The Vice President of Conservation Policy will collaborate across departments and with external
partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to advance integrated conservation strategies. This role
reports directly to the President & CEO.
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks
Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
• Develop and lead statewide policy strategy on conservation land protection, wildlife
management, water quality, and habitat conservation
• Represent the Federation as a subject matter expert in conservation, enhancing our presence
in policy discussions, media, and stakeholder engagement
• Conduct legislative tracking, policy research, and regulatory analysis across multifaceted
conservation issues
Advocacy and External Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and conservation
partners statewide
• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and position papers on critical conservation issues
• Lead strategic advocacy campaigns, balancing grassroots organizing with strategic
relationship building
Organizational Leadership
• Develop and manage a team of conservation professionals
• Support internal coordination to ensure unified messaging and timely response on priority issues
• Guide messaging strategy for policy priorities, working closely with the Communications team
• Coordinate with the Development team to secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships
Qualifications
•7+ years of experience in Florida conservation policy, government relations, advocacy, or related fields
•Deep understanding of Florida’s legislative & regulatory processes and regional dynamics
•Demonstrated experience influencing policy outcomes or leading advocacy campaigns
•Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders and decision-makers
•Exceptional analytical, writing, and communications skills, ability to simplify complex issues
•Experience building and managing teams
•Commitment to science-based decision-making and long-term conservation of Florida’s natural resources
Pay and Benefits
•Salary: Starting at $95,000, negotiable based on experience and qualifications
•Health insurance offered by United Healthcare
•SIMPLE IRA with 3% employer match
•Accrued annual leave, sick leave, 10 federal holidays, and an end-of-year break for all staff from Christmas to New Year’s Day
•Cell phone and internet monthly reimbursement
•$200 annual fitness program reimbursement
•Long-term disability insurance
•The Federation qualifies under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Location
Preference for candidates based in or near Tallahassee. Qualified Florida-based candidates in other locations will be considered. The Federation is a remote organization, with frequent travel statewide.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to careers@floridawildlifefederation.org with ‘Vice President of Conservation Policy’ in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis beginning February 4, 2026. For priority consideration, please submit materials by February 18, 2026. The position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated start date of late March 2026.