Pennsylvania/New Jersey Organizing Contractor
Defenders of Wildlife
The national wildlife advocacy organization Defenders of Wildlife seeks an independent contractor with organizing, advocacy and/or environmental policy experience to implement an organizing initiative in Eastern Pennsylvania and Western New Jersey. The initiative supports Defenders’ ongoing work to maintain a strong and effective Endangered Species Act (ESA). The ESA is the strongest and most effective law for preventing wildlife extinction. However, the law is currently threatened by federal legislation that would eviscerate the statute as well as other administrative and legislative actions that would jeopardize the effectiveness of this critical wildlife conservation program. The contractor will increase awareness and support in the region for the value and policy threats to the ESA and generate an ongoing stream of communications from individual constituents and organizations to select Members of Congress. The initiative involves constituency building, public education, and grassroots lobbying. The effort will build on the deep public support that opinion research consistently demonstrates exists for the ESA and conserving wildlife. Education and mobilization efforts are expected to focus on constituencies including: Defenders of Wildlife’s large base of members, supporters and
activists in the region; other wildlife and land conservation organizations; sportsmen’s groups; faith-based organizations, and groups affiliated with area colleges.
The initial contract is anticipated to run from May through September 2025, with likely renewal until May, 2026. The weekly time commitment is estimated to be between 20-40 hours per week, depending on the final scope of work. Some outreach activities may occur during evenings and weekends. The project involves travel throughout the region.
Mission: Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.
Conservation Vision: Defenders of Wildlife envisions a future where diverse wildlife populations in North America are secure and thriving, sustained by a network of healthy lands and waters.
How to Apply
Interested individuals should send an email summarizing their interest, qualifications and experience, and availability along with a resume to Leah Terry at lterry@defenders.org.