Cultural Initiatives Officer

The International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a global conservation organization that works in 55 countries to save the world’s cranes and the flyways and habitats on which they depend.  ICF is committed to working across cultures to improve livelihoods for people and the habitats where cranes live. We are known for our collaborative work and effective conservation work to save cranes and their landscapes globally. ICF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment, not just in North America but throughout the world.  The Cultural Initiatives Officer is a new position to the organization and will work collaboratively with Executive Leadership, Board of Directors, and staff to lead our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program.  This is an exciting opportunity to work with a conservation organization to increase access to and inclusion in conservation.  The incumbent will lead the development of a pathways program that brings youth from diverse backgrounds into conservation careers.  If you love the outdoors, birds, and making an impact – this is the organization for you!

What is it like to work at ICF? Prepare to be surrounded by people who are passionate for our mission, dedicated to the organization, and engaged with their fellow staff and associates.  You will find dedication in all levels of the organization from staff and volunteers to our dedicated Board Members. You will play a critical role in fulfilling our mission across the U.S. and 55 countries around the world.  The salary range is $65,000 to $70,000, plus a nice benefit package. The position is located in Baraboo, WI, with the opportunity to telecommute a couple days a week. Many staff live in Madison, WI, and surrounding areas.

Position Summary:

The Cultural Initiatives Officer supports the mission of ICF by providing leadership on strategic initiatives and training that support the cultural diversity of a global organization. This position advances ICF efforts to recruit, hire, and support a diverse staff, interns, and volunteers to support our mission and ensure that our Board of Directors and senior leadership mirror our staff, the places where we work, the communities we serve, and the unique leadership skills we need.  In addition, this position will implement a global training program that is both virtual and live to advance skills of staff to aid in future succession planning. The incumbent will be responsible for connecting with partners to create a program that provides a stronger pathway to conservation careers within diverse communities in North America. This position will provide coordination and leadership for Board and staff training initiatives that foster an inclusive, respectful, and accessible environment across the organization. The Cultural Initiatives Officer will have the ability and be empowered to influence the organization for change to increase inclusion and cultural awareness both in the US and internationally.  A close working relationship with Executive staff, Board members, global program leaders, and ICF staff is expected and supported.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·       Work closely with ICF Executive Leadership and Board on organizational change management strategies to increase support for goals and objectives that relate to cultural initiatives and supporting an inclusive work environment throughout the organization.

·       Provide advice and assistance to Senior Leadership and Board of Directors on appropriate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and improvements that advance ICF’s mission.

·       Cultivate new partnerships that aid in furthering equity, inclusion, and community engagement goals for ICF.

·       Develop effective training programs that advance staff skills for future succession planning, provide training on equity and inclusion for ICF Board and staff (with live and virtual components), and monitor progress toward meeting program goals.

·       Work collaboratively with external partners and ICF staff to create a “pathways” program to attract, support, and develop more diverse candidates in conservation careers.

·       Collaborate with and learn from our regionally based community engagement leaders to ensure diversity-equity-inclusion principles are incorporated into our community-conservation projects worldwide.

Additional Duties:

·       Lead the development and implementation of a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan that includes initiatives and metrics for the ICF global organization and report progress.

·       Provide expertise and collaboration with Visitor Services staff to increase inclusivity and accessibility for “Cranes of the World” visitor area. Work collaboratively with program leaders and associated staff on developing an inclusive environment for activities and programs for participants and staff.

·       Work closely with the Human Resources Director and Hiring Managers on effective recruitment strategies to encourage diverse candidates.

·       Manage department budget.

·       Contribute to grant writing and fund-raising activities related to the goals of this position, as needed.

·       Assist Marketing and Communications teams with messaging as needed.

·       Perform other tasks as assigned.

Core Competencies:

·       Ability to effectively lead teams and projects to successful outcomes.

·       Ability to work in diverse communities and provide mission-based feedback to the organization to further goals.

·       Work cooperatively with individuals across departments, making valuable contributions to shared projects and assisting with outputs of others. 

·       Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to effectively proofread and edit reports and correspondence in a clear, concise, logical, and effective manner while utilizing proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure. 

·       Very strong interpersonal skills and ability to build strong internal and external relationships and create new partnerships.

Qualifications Required:

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

·       Demonstrated experience working in diverse communities to increase access and inclusivity.

·       Proven experience in positions that provide planning and training for staff and diverse audiences that include both live and virtual components.

·       Demonstrated experience with leading change in an organization toward established outcomes while maintaining positive relationships with staff.

·       Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point) and Adobe Acrobat.

·       Ability to treat confidential information with appropriate discretion.

·       Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Preferred Experience and Knowledge:

·       Experience with managing complex projects to completion.

·       Experience working cross-culturally with different projects and staff.

·       Prior experience with advancing diversity, equity, & inclusion for a global organization.

·       Passion for wildlife conservation and nature.

Physical Abilities and Work Environment:

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Ability to operate computer and phones.

Ability to communicate with fellow staff and donors. Communication will include both one to one communication, small, and large group communication. Communication is both verbal and written.

Must be able to remain in stationary position for 5-7 hours a day.

Occasionally required to lift and move items up to 20 pounds.

Occasionally required to move throughout the building and throughout the site. 

Office environment with a comfortable climate and limited noise.

To apply send cover letter and resume to icfjobs@savingcranes.org.  Please include salary goals in your cover letter. Please list subject:  Cultural Initiatives Officer.

“ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people. “

ICF is an equal opportunity employer