Field Manager, Healthy Waters Coalition

National Wildlife Federation
National Wildlife Federation

Ann Arbor, MI, USA

USD 72k-80k / year

Posted on Sep 3, 2026

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 51 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven 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.

The National Wildlife Federation is seeking Field Manager for the Healthy Waters Coalition to seek out new and engage existing coalition members in our collective work to elevate Ohio River restoration and protection as a national priority. The Healthy Waters Coalition and its more than 160 members work to protect and restore the interconnected waters of the Ohio River Basin, which supply drinking water to more than 30 million people in portions of Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, as well as the federally recognized Tribal Nations of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and Seneca Nation of Indians.

Principal Duties:

  • Develop and implement annual Coalition field plans, priorities, and deliverables in collaboration with coalition members and leaders.
  • Establish field processes, procedures, and tracking mechanisms to support effective field operations.
  • Build and maintain relationships with local, state, regional, and national partners, including environmental, hunting and fishing, public health, civic, labor, youth, and other interested organizations across the region.
  • Collaborate with Coalition staff and members in building, maintaining, and supporting existing and new relationships with federally recognized Tribal Nations.
  • Keep Coalition members updated on key events, milestones, and opportunities though newsletters, listserv updates, talking points, and other communications.
  • Support Coalition convenings and events, which can include community listening sessions, annual Ohio River Summit, and Ohio River Hill Day in Washington, D.C.
  • Work with Coalition partners and allies to populate story bank of local examples of the threats to local waters as well as the successful efforts to restore fish and wildlife habitat, clean up of toxic pollution, remediate mine waste, manage invasive species, reduce flooding, etc.
  • Share member engagement opportunities, including sign-on letters, webinars, funding opportunities, and other resources.
  • Develop talking points, fact sheets, website content, and other materials to support Coalition outreach and communications.
  • Support Coalition social media channels to communicate core messages and that amplify aligned messages from our members and partners.

Qualifications

  • Minimum 2-5 years of professional experience or equivalent working experience in issue advocacy, with a focus on building and strengthening partnerships and coalitions. Familiarity with conservation and environmental issues preferred.
  • Curiosity to learn about, and commitment to help, the communities, partners, and allies with whom we are working to advance shared priorities.
  • Successful track record establishing trust-based relationships with internal and external partners across a broad, diverse, and complex landscape.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities to meet deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently in the execution of responsibilities while collaborating with other staff and organizations.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Highly flexible with demonstrated ability to assess rolling tasks in a fast-paced environment and prioritize accordingly.
  • Proven ability to use good judgment in working independently, showing initiative, and responding to inquiries.

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

Travel:

Occasional travel (1-3 times per month) for Healthy Waters events, professional development, NWF events, or team meetings.

Location and Work Mode:

Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Ohio River watershed, preferably in one of the states with the most land area in the watershed (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or West Virginia).

The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. The position is a part of the National Wildlife Federation’s Eastern Waters team.

Physical Requirements:

Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods of time; 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 workspace. The position requires mobility, including the ability to move 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 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits! 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, 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 10 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, resume and two writing samples, which can be a mix of written papers, reports, fact sheets, articles, or presentations. 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.

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