Manager, Arctic Fisheries

Job description

Major Function World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Arctic Fisheries Manager. The Arctic Fisheries Manager leads the development and implementation of community-centered salmon conservation initiatives in Bristol Bay and supports WWF’s engagement in Arctic and North Pacific fisheries governance. Working under the direction of the US Arctic Managing Director and aligned with WWF-US Arctic strategy, the position advances conservation approaches that support healthy salmon ecosystems, resilient communities, and sustainable fisheries. The role works in close collaboration with Indigenous Communities and Organizations, Bristol Bay communities, federal and state agencies, NGOs, researchers, and other partners to develop and implement conservation strategies grounded in partnership and long-term stewardship. The position also represents WWF through engagement with the Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement (CAOFA) process and broader Arctic fisheries governance discussions. The Arctic Fisheries Manager is responsible for developing partnerships, managing complex projects, securing and overseeing funding, and communicating program progress and impact to donors, partners, agencies, communities, and the public. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement a Bristol Bay conservation strategy focused on salmon protection, community prosperity, and long-term sustainability under the direction of the US Arctic Managing Director and in support of the WWF-US Arctic strategy. Build, maintain, and strengthen respectful and collaborative relationships with Indigenous Communities and Organizations, Bristol Bay communities, federal and state agencies, NGO partners, and other stakeholders to advance salmon conservation priorities in Alaska. Identify, secure, and manage funding for Bristol Bay salmon conservation and Arctic fisheries initiatives. Lead and coordinate conservation projects and partnerships related to salmon conservation, Arctic fisheries governance, and precautionary fisheries management approaches. Work closely with WWF Global Arctic Programme and WWF national offices to support WWF engagement in the development of Central Arctic Ocean fisheries management structures and governance frameworks. Represent WWF as an observer at Central Arctic Ocean Fisheries Agreement meetings and related international forums, both virtually and in person. Maintain and strengthen relationships with CAOFA party delegates, Arctic Indigenous rightsholders, WWF colleagues, and other observer organizations engaged in Arctic fisheries governance. Prepare work plans, reports, briefing materials, grant reports, presentations, and communications materials related to Bristol Bay and CAOFA initiatives. Communicate program progress, outcomes, and lessons learned to donors, partners, agencies, communities, and the public. Support a collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented work environment across WWF-US and WWF’s global network. Perform other duties as assigned. Key Competencies Partnership & Relationship Building: Ability to build respectful, equitable, and inclusive partnerships across diverse communities, cultures, and organizations. Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement: Strong relationship-building and collaboration skills, particularly in cross-cultural and multi-stakeholder settings. Strategic Conservation Leadership: Ability to develop and implement conservation strategies that balance ecological, cultural, economic, and community priorities. Planning & Results Delivery: Demonstrated ability to establish goals, manage competing priorities, and deliver results aligned with long-term conservation objectives. Judgement & Adaptability: Sound judgment, adaptability, and ability to work effectively both independently and within matrixed teams. Skills and Qualifications Master’s degree in fisheries management, conservation biology, wildlife biology, natural resource management, environmental policy, or a related field. Eight years of professional experience in conservation, fisheries management, community-based conservation, natural resource management, or a related field. Experience working in Alaska, rural or remote communities, or similar contexts strongly preferred. Experience working with Alaska Native Organizations and Communities strongly preferred. Demonstrated experience developing and managing partnerships across government, Indigenous, nonprofit, academic, and community sectors. Demonstrated fundraising and grant management experience. Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously. Experience engaging in policy, governance, or international conservation processes preferred. Ability and willingness to travel regularly within Alaska and periodically domestically and internationally. Travel may exceed 40% during some periods. Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect across teams and partnerships. Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home. INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve. RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future. COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation. Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Relocation is not provided for this position. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.