Application Guide
How to Apply for Alaska State Director
at The Wilderness Society
🏢 About The Wilderness Society
The Wilderness Society is a storied conservation organization with a 90-year legacy of protecting America's wild places through science, advocacy, and partnerships. For someone passionate about public lands and Indigenous collaboration, this role offers a chance to lead conservation efforts in Alaska, one of the last great wilderness frontiers. The organization's commitment to uniting diverse stakeholders makes it a unique place to drive impactful policy change.
About This Role
As Alaska State Director, you will lead The Wilderness Society's strategic priorities in the state, including conservation campaigns, land planning, and stewardship. This role is impactful because you'll be at the forefront of protecting iconic landscapes like the Arctic Refuge and Tongass National Forest, while building relationships with Tribal leaders, industry, and policymakers. Your work will directly shape the future of Alaska's public lands and the communities that depend on them.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a call with the national policy team to align on messaging for a new land planning proposal, followed by a meeting with a tribal council to discuss co-management opportunities. After lunch, you could brief reporters on a pending decision about the Arctic Refuge, then review a contractor's stewardship plan. Evenings often involve virtual donor calls or attending a community event in Anchorage.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Wilderness Society Is Looking For
- A seasoned advocate with 10+ years in issue advocacy, political campaigns, or public policy, specifically at the state or federal level, with a proven ability to influence decision-makers.
- A relationship-builder with deep cultural competency working with Alaska Native communities, and experience forging collaborations among Tribal, industry, and government stakeholders.
- An expert on Alaska's public lands and conservation issues, including knowledge of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Tongass National Forest, and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA).
- A strategic leader who has managed teams, contractors, and budgets, and can effectively represent the organization in high-stakes media and fundraising settings.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Wilderness Society
Tailor your resume to highlight specific Alaska conservation campaigns or policy wins you've contributed to, such as work on ANILCA, the Arctic Refuge, or the Roadless Rule.
In your cover letter, explicitly name an Alaska Native community or organization you've collaborated with and describe the outcome of that partnership.
Research The Wilderness Society's current Alaska priorities (e.g., the 'Alaska's Wild Lands' campaign) and reference them in your application to show you've done your homework.
Include examples of how you've managed a geographically dispersed team or contractors in a remote setting like Alaska.
Prepare a brief statement on how you would approach balancing conservation goals with economic interests (e.g., mining, oil) in a way that aligns with TWS's mission.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Emphasize your direct experience with Alaska public lands policy and your relationships with key stakeholders (e.g., Alaska Federation of Natives, BLM, USFS).', 'Highlight your leadership in building diverse coalitions, especially with Tribal entities, and your ability to navigate complex political landscapes.', 'Showcase your fundraising and donor engagement experience, as the State Director is expected to support development efforts.', "Convey your passion for The Wilderness Society's mission and your vision for advancing conservation in Alaska while respecting local communities."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read The Wilderness Society's latest reports and press releases on Alaska issues, especially the 'Alaska's Wild Lands' campaign and their work on the Arctic Refuge.
- → Familiarize yourself with key Alaska stakeholders: the Alaska Federation of Natives, Doyon Limited, the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, and the state's congressional delegation.
- → Study the history of ANILCA and the current status of land designations like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Tongass National Forest.
- → Review TWS's organizational structure and how the Alaska office collaborates with national teams on policy, communications, and development.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid generic environmental advocacy language without specific Alaska context—this role demands deep local knowledge.
- Don't overlook the importance of fundraising; failing to mention donor engagement or development experience can signal a lack of understanding of the role.
- Steer clear of portraying Alaska Native communities as monolithic or without agency; show respect for tribal sovereignty and self-determination.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Wilderness Society!