Application Guide

How to Apply for Southeastern States Conservation Manager

at The Wilderness Society

🏢 About The Wilderness Society

The Wilderness Society is a legacy conservation organization founded in 1935, known for its science-based advocacy and collaborative approach to protecting public lands. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that values partnerships with communities and policymakers to safeguard America’s wild places. It’s an opportunity to contribute to meaningful, long-term conservation impact across the country.

About This Role

As the Southeastern States Conservation Manager, you will be the on-the-ground leader for TWS campaigns across Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia, focusing on the mountain and piedmont regions. You’ll build coalitions, engage elected and agency officials, and coordinate outreach to protect public lands and connect communities to nature. This role is pivotal in shaping conservation outcomes in a biodiverse and rapidly changing region.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning call with a coalition partner to plan a grassroots outreach event, followed by drafting comments on a proposed forest management rule. In the afternoon, you could meet with a congressional staffer to advocate for public lands funding, then wrap up with a team check-in to align on campaign priorities. The work is dynamic, blending strategy, relationship-building, and advocacy.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who The Wilderness Society Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in conservation advocacy or campaign management, with a track record of working on public lands issues in the Southeastern U.S.
  • Strong coalition-building and partnership skills, able to unite diverse stakeholders including community groups, policymakers, and agency staff.
  • Excellent communication abilities, comfortable representing an organization in media, with elected officials, and at public events.
  • Deep commitment to equity and inclusion, with experience fostering respectful and accountable team cultures.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Wilderness Society

1

Highlight specific examples of campaigns or projects you’ve led in the Southeastern U.S., especially in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, or Georgia.

2

Demonstrate your ability to work remotely and across state lines by mentioning past remote work or multi-state coordination experience.

3

Show familiarity with TWS’s mission and recent initiatives in the Southeast, such as protecting the Appalachian Trail or expanding access to public lands.

4

Use your cover letter to tell a story about a time you built a coalition that achieved a conservation win, emphasizing your role and the outcome.

5

If you have experience working with elected officials or agency staff (e.g., Forest Service, Park Service), quantify your impact, such as policy changes influenced or funding secured.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter should emphasize: (1) your direct experience in the Southeastern U.S. and understanding of its conservation landscape; (2) your ability to build and sustain diverse coalitions; (3) your track record of engaging decision-makers and media to achieve conservation goals; and (4) your commitment to equity and inclusion in conservation work.

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review TWS’s recent campaigns and victories in the Southeastern states, such as efforts to protect the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forests or the Appalachian Trail.
  • → Understand the political landscape of the four states, including key congressional representatives and their positions on public lands.
  • → Learn about TWS’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by reading their statements and reports on the topic.
  • → Explore partnerships TWS has with local organizations in the region to understand the coalition landscape.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Can you describe a campaign you managed that involved multiple states or partners? What was your strategy and outcome?
2 How would you approach building relationships with elected officials in a politically mixed region like the Southeast?
3 What do you see as the biggest conservation challenges and opportunities in the mountain and piedmont regions of VA, NC, TN, and GA?
4 Tell us about a time you had to navigate a conflict between conservation goals and community interests. How did you handle it?
5 How do you ensure that your work is inclusive and respectful of diverse communities, especially in rural or underserved areas?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Avoid generic language about loving the outdoors without connecting it to specific policy or advocacy experience.
  • Don’t overlook the regional focus—applicants who don’t demonstrate knowledge of Southeastern conservation issues may be seen as unprepared.
  • Steer clear of claiming to be a ‘people person’ without providing concrete examples of coalition-building or conflict resolution.

📅 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:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Wilderness Society!

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