Southeast Region Representative

position description: This full-time position is responsible for providing assistance to the National Association of jobshiringnearme.org Districts’ (NACD) member conservation districts and board of directors to advance conservation education, partnerships and membership services, and to assist in the implementation of the association’s policies related to the Southeast Region (AL, GA, FL, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, USVI, VA). This is a service-oriented position with a focus on creating and maintaining relationships and increasing the effectiveness of NACD in supporting conservation districts and their state/territory associations. 

Membership, Member Services, Partnerships 

• Develop and maintain a working relationship with conservation districts, state associations of conservation districts, state conservation agencies, and federal agencies
• Expand and execute communication strategies that facilitate two-way information sharing among state/territory association leaders, NACD, and conservation partners
• Keep current and informed about the status of district and state/territory association activities and programs within the region
• Regularly contribute to NACD publications, including blogs, articles and news pieces to highlight the work of conservation districts
• Assist region members in identification of funding opportunities
• Coordinate and implement regional grant-related activities on specific national grants and cooperative agreements
• Provide support to NACD committees as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of NACD goals

Leadership Development and Governance/Region Support 

• Help state/territory leadership encourage conservation districts to actively engage in NACD through delivery of membership services
• Furnish the Region Chair and Region Board Members with necessary assistance to aid them in effectively discharging their duties and responsibilities
• Provide support and coordination for national and regional board meetings
• Coordinate program development and conduct NACD Regional and Leadership Meetings
• Assist state/territory associations by providing leadership to increase the effectiveness and overall capacity of conservation districts and state associations
• Manage long-term strategic planning for the region, including supporting board members in developing and implementing annual work plans to address region priorities and needs

Desired Skills/Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Experience with conservation districts, state agencies or federal agencies
• Positive attitude and ability to build and maintain strong relationships and prioritize member needs
• Strong knowledge of southeast region states/territories natural resource concerns as well as conservation districts, NACD, their work and their customers
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to evaluate policy initiatives and develop a variety of documents and communications for association leaders and members
• Willingness to work as part of a team and to be responsive to membership
• Experience working with grants preferred
• Ability to travel approximately 25% throughout the year; at a minimum, travel is required to NACD’s Annual Meeting (February), Summer Meeting (July or August), the annual staff retreat (Fall), the Southeast Region Meeting (August) and several state meetings throughout the year.

This position is located in NACD’s Southeast Region (AL, GA, FL, KY, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, USVI, VA). and reports to the Director of Membership Engagement. This is a telework position operating on local time, but some meetings may be required outside of local working hours to accommodate colleagues and members in other time zones.   

Health Insurance:

BlueChoice Advantage Platinum 500 – Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense.  

Dental and Vision: 

Dental (Metlife) and Vision (VSP) Single coverage – 100% of premium paid by employer. Family plans are available at the employee’s expense. 

Enrollment takes effect on the first day of the month following the employment start date for all health benefits. 

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance: 

MetLife AD&D/Life Insurance 

All full-time employees are provided (at no cost) death and dismemberment insurance along with basic life insurance benefit of 1 times their annual salary. Employees are eligible on the 1st of the month following the date of hire. 

Flex Plan: 

Annual enrollment to set aside pre-tax funds for qualified health, dependent care, parking and transportation expenses. 

Retirement Plan: 

TIAA Cref Retirement 

There are two components to the 403b contribution pension plan. Eligibility requires the employee must be 21 years or age. 

• Employee contributions can be effective immediately through payroll deduction on a pre-tax basis.
• Employees are eligible for a minimum of 2.5% employer match contributions with a one-to-one match of an additional 2.5%, not to exceed 5% after 6 months of employment. The Vesting Schedule for Matching Contribution and Employer Contributions is: 0% after less than 1 year or employment; 30% after one year of employment; 70% after two years of employment; and 100% after three years or employment.

Paid Holidays/Sick Time 

13 paid federal holidays  

10 days sick leave (520 hours eligible for carryover annually) 

Vacation Time 

Minimum 10 days paid vacation increases after two full years of employment and increases every two years thereafter. (80 hours eligible for carryover annually) 

Professional Development 

Each staff member can receive a stipend for allowable expenses up to $1,000 upon successful completion of the continuing education or professional development activity. 

Telecommunications Stipend 

Monthly telecommunication stipend for phone and/or internet expenses.