Organizational Profile:

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a North American nonprofit organization with chapters throughout Canada and the United States. BHA seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting, through education and work on behalf of our wild public lands, waters and wildlife. Now, more than ever before, we need wild lands: places that offer solitude and challenge to rekindle the fire at the heart of the human soul. BHA is a nonpartisan group of hunters and anglers who are standing up for these places and for the outdoor access opportunities they represent. We are North America’s leading conservation organization dedicated to our public land’s legacy and the waters, wildlife and traditions they sustain.

Description: 

We are seeking an individual with the talent, passion and desire to support the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. This position will work with the current Montana Chapter Coordinator, volunteers and chapter leaders in the state to help promote BHA’s mission and goals. The Montana Chapter Organizer will work to strengthen chapter leadership, recruit and engage members and support chapter work on local issues. This position will report directly to the Montana Chapter Coordinator and work within the bounds of the Montana Chapter Plan.

The ideal candidate will work with limited supervision and be flexible and organized in a fast- paced work environment. This position requires the ability to exercise good judgment, analyze problems, develop solutions, organize events, prepare professional reports that accurately document activities, manage volunteers, adhere to standards of confidentiality and communicate effectively. The successful candidate will represent BHA with integrity and champion the mission and values in all facets of their work.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Montana Chapter Organizer will engage in the following:

• Inspire, cultivate and mentor willing volunteers to lead the development of the chapter primarily through event planning and execution, membership growth and fundraising

• Support the Montana Chapter Coordinator and board and ensure that chapter leaders are informed of and understand BHA policies, procedures and new initiatives

• Work with Montana Chapter board and volunteers to develop and promote robust fundraising events such as hunting and fishing film tours, sport shows, storytelling nights and other events to promote membership, attract new public lands advocates and create in-person opportunities to advance BHA’s work throughout Montana

• Assist with securing funding to support and grow the Montana Chapter through direct donations, corporate partnerships, grants, raffles, auctions and sweepstakes

• Support Chapter communications through BHA’s website, email system and chapter-based social media to elevate BHA’s profile, advance policy priorities and attract new members and partners

• Host activities and bolster in-person engagement during the state legislative session on issues related to public lands and waters, access, equitable management of fish & wildlife and fair chase

• Develop alerts and activating members and supporters to engage in state legislature

• Solicit and/or generate online content highlighting chapter policy priorities, leaders or on-the-ground conservation successes

• Work with BHA’s staff and volunteers to write letters to the editor, opinion columns and letters to state and national legislators

• Plan and implement membership drives utilizing online campaigns, events and traditional mail

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a hunter and/or angler

• Willing to work flexible hours and travel across Montana up to 25% of the time, including periodic travel to the state legislature in Helena as needed

• Previous experience in nonprofit volunteer management and/or grassroots organizing is strongly preferred

• Must conduct work with integrity, good humor and a focus on developing partnerships, building trust and strengthening professional relationships

• Bachelor’s degree, plus a minimum of two years of practical experience

• Must demonstrate the ability to work with and interact with sportsmen and women and have a general knowledge of current and historical conservation issues, economics and the current political landscape

• Grant application and reporting experience preferred

• Must be innovative and a resourceful self-starter who can work with minimal supervision

• Must believe in and commit to BHA's work and mission

• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills

• Must be able to lift 25 pounds and have a valid driver’s license

BHA is headquartered in Missoula, Montana. We offer a stimulating and fun work environment, health insurance and 401K plan match, generous leave package including annual time off for backcountry hunting/fishing, and discounts with BHA corporate partners.

Starting Salary: Dependent on experience

Location: Montana

Application: To apply, send a cover letter and resume to the hiring committee at [email protected] with the subject line “Montana Chapter Organizer.”

Please attach your cover letter and resume as one pdf document. The application cover letter should outline both your interest in and qualifications for this position.

Applications are being accepted until June 25th, 2021.

Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.