Northeast Coastal Resilience Manager

National Wildlife Federation

National Wildlife Federation

Montpelier, VT, USA
USD 72k-80k / year
Posted on Aug 28, 2025

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and stripes. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Northeast Coastal Resilience Manager to join our Conservation Team working out of our Northeast Regional Center in Montpelier, VT. The Coastal Resilience Manager will work to advance the practical application of natural and nature-based infrastructure to help protect wildlife, natural systems, ecosystem services and human communities from coastal impacts that are being exacerbated by climate change. The position will report to the Northeast Director of Coastal Resilience and will collaborate with regional and national colleagues, NWF affiliates, and partner organizations/agencies.

Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility):

  • Collaborate with team members to accelerate the application of nature-based coastal infrastructure to help people and wildlife adjust to and cope with current and projected climate impacts;
  • Build authentic partnerships across the Northeast region to ensure community needs are centered in resilience planning, project design and implementation;
  • Support efforts, in collaboration with the Program Director and Director of Philanthropy, to identify and secure foundation and government funding opportunities to advance the program and work with partners to effectively and efficiently meet grant deliverables;
  • Manage on-the-ground, multi-partner natural infrastructure projects, including but not limited to: living shorelines, dune nourishment, oyster reefs, and coastal habitat restoration projects;
  • Provide strategic input to state, local, and federal coastal resource managers, affiliates and other partners and represent NWF on relevant advisory committees and working groups;
  • Identify state, local, and federal policies that impede natural and nature-based coastal resilience actions, and work with the broader NWF team to achieve strategic policy reforms;
  • Plan and organize events, including expert panels, workshops, and conferences;
  • Prepare reports and other written products, and disseminate key findings to professional and general audiences;
  • Contribute to national efforts to achieve NWF’s coastal resilience goals and strategies;
  • Oversee contractors and fellows/interns as needed. Pending program growth and resources, may assume future staff supervisory roles.

Qualifications:

  • Approximately 5 years of relevant experience, with a working knowledge of natural and nature-based infrastructure, coastal management issues, environmental justice, and conservation. (An advanced degree in environmental policy or science, natural resources, environmental justice, engineering, or relevant fields can count towards experience)
  • Competency in securing and managing consistent foundation and government grant funding
  • Capacity to strategically conceive and execute programs with clear objectives, benchmarks, and deliverables in accordance with deadlines; demonstrable project management experience
  • Robust written and oral communications skills, including strong attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and flexibility
  • Able to work independently and cooperatively; ability to accomplish projects with little supervision
  • Effective problem-solving skills and ability to meet unanticipated needs

Strong candidates for this position will have demonstrated proficiency in developing and managing strategic partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders. Candidates must be able to manage multiple projects, work well with others, take initiative, and contribute to a culture of quality, innovation, and passion. The successful candidate will be a self-motivated, self-starter with a positive attitude.

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s required equity competencies at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Travel Requirements:

This position requires regional travel to project locations and for partner meetings, as well as national travel for conferences and training programs. Travel is anticipated approximately 20% of the time. Additionally, this role may require some weekend and after-hours work.

Location and Work Mode:

This position is a member of the Northeast Regional Center team which has physical offices in Montpelier, Vt. The location of this position is flexible within the region. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in the office, in a hybrid manner, or completely remotely, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

Physical Requirements of the Job:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet).

Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis.

Please Note:

This job description sets forth the job’s principal duties, responsibilities, and requirements; it should not be construed as an exhaustive statement, however. Unless they begin with the word “may,” the Essential Duties and Responsibilities described above are “essential functions” of the job, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $72,000-$80,000, commensurate with experience.

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America’s best small employers! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting. We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week.

We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health:

  • Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays
  • We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family.
  • Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave
  • Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates
  • Therapist available at no cost
  • Pet insurance and discount perk program
  • Annual wellbeing allowance

In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances:

  • Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting
  • Annual year end retirement contribution
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption and Surrogacy assistance
  • Pet adoption stipend
  • Student Loan management

Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers.

Application:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law.

For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers

We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S.

Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at hrhelp@nwf.org or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.