Hiring Regional Engagement Coordinator | WI & W UP | RGS AWS

Job Type: Regional Engagement Coordinator
Location: Remote or home office centrally within ~130-mile radius of Stevens Point, WI
Region: Western Great Lakes (WI, Western UP MI)
Posting Open Date: Oct. 14, 2024
Posting Closing Date: Nov. 15, 2024 (Or until filled by an exceptional candidate)


Background:
At RGS & AWS, we believe forests are essential, not just for wildlife, but for all life. For more than 60 years, our foundation has been embedded in the tenets of sound science and the belief that sustainable forest management is integral to wildlife conservation. We create landscapes of diverse, healthy forests that provide homes for wildlife and opportunities for people to experience them. These same forests clean the air, filter water and support local communities.


We’re seeking an outstanding individual to increase member engagement. This position will includeorganizing fundraising banquets and events, along with engagement and education events for local chapters in your region, as well as helping develop and drive policy advocacy. The Regional Engagement Coordinator will empower volunteers to become conservation leaders, working with chapters that engage a larger network across the region for conservation delivery, advocacy and fundraising.


Qualifications:
• Experience planning, executing and evaluating fundraising events with more than three years of experience collaborating with and leading community members, volunteers, staff and board members in project/event management.
• More than three years of experience with public speaking, email communications and other means of communicating with the public and community groups.
• Ability to lead and motivate with a passion for forest and wildlife conservation.
• Well-organized with experience managing multiple projects under deadlines.
• Ability to establish a home office centrally within the regional service area.
• Willingness to work hours that sometimes extend beyond the typical workday and workweek, including travel throughout the region (valid driver’s license required).
• A degree in communications, marketing, public affairs, social or environmental sciences or similar field is preferred.


Position Summary:
The Regional Engagement Coordinator will work directly with RGS & AWS volunteers to engage various stakeholders to increase advocacy, membership and fundraising opportunities at the local, state and regional levels. Specifically, the coordinator will:
• Work directly with chapter volunteers to help them organize and orchestrate fundraising events and activities such as banquets, shoots and online events. Responsible for a fundraising budget in the region.
• Effectively communicate with members, donors and supporters, including in-person, email and social media outreach, keeping them advised of relevant news and success stories.
• Support, encourage and empower current chapter leadership and cultivate new leaders.
• Host regular "meet and greet" events (in-person and virtual) with RGS & AWS staff and other professionals, offering presentations that engage donors, members and volunteers.
• In collaboration with the Vice President of Communications & Marketing, build relationships with local media (print and electronic) to publicize RGS & AWS activities and accomplishments.
• Support the RGS & AWS Membership Department on promotional drives and campaigns.
• Work directly with the RGS & AWS regional staff, the Development Director and Conservation Team to create on-the-ground positive involvement with local communities and businesses.
• Identify potential relationships with companies, foundations and donors capable of magnifying the RGS & AWS mission through their philanthropic vision.
• Notice opportunities to increase mission impact and convey them to colleagues across RGS & AWS program areas.
• Make independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment with appropriate oversight from supervisor. Work with supervisor to manage priorities, especially during busy seasons. 

Compensation | Application Instructions and full job posting

Grouse & Woodcock Hunting at the Hungry Trout Resort | Video

 

Bird Dogs Afield visits Hungry Trout Resort in Wilmington, NY for early season grouse and woodcock hunting. This is Episode 1 of 2 episodes.

Visit our sponsor http://wildgameandfishcookbooks.com


 

 

These are the best Wisconsin late season Ruffed Grouse hunting areas, according to AI

Here are the best late-season ruffed grouse spots in Wisconsin:

  1. Northern Forest Region:
  • Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, particularly:
    • Around Park Falls
    • Hayward area
    • Florence County sections
  • Brule River State Forest
  1. Central Wisconsin:
  • Black River State Forest
  • Jackson County Forest
  • Clark County Forest These areas have excellent mixed hardwood/conifer habitat that holds birds late
  1. Northwest Wisconsin:
  • Douglas County Forest
  • Bayfield County Forest
  • Washburn County Forest Especially good in areas with young aspen and alder thickets

Late season tips for Wisconsin:

  • Focus on spruce/balsam fir edges near aspen
  • Look for grape vines and ironwood trees
  • South-facing slopes are prime after first snow
  • Areas with tag alder near creek bottoms
  • Forest roads and trails in county forests often hold birds

The northern third of Wisconsin generally offers the best late-season hunting, but birds can be found in good numbers in central counties too.

2024 National Grouse and Woodcock Hunt Results and Story

Since 2018 event organizers have also kept data on flushes. Since it doesn't depend on shooting skills, bag limits or decisions (some hunters don't prefer to shoot woodcock), the number of flushes is seen by many as a valuable indicator of bird numbers in the hunt area.

This year each team averaged 13.4 grouse flushes per day, down from 18.9 in 2023 and slightly higher than the five-year average of 12.8.

Woodcock flushes were 4.6 per team, much lower than the 17.9 in 2023 and the five-year average of 12.9.

 See all of the results and the full journal sentinel article

According to AI these are the best spots in MN for a late season Ruffed Grouse hunt

Here are the best spots for late-season ruffed grouse in Minnesota, focusing on areas that tend to hold birds even after the leaves drop:

  1. Northern St. Louis County:
  • Superior National Forest around Ely
  • Kabetogama State Forest These areas have good mix of young aspen and dense conifer cover where grouse concentrate in late season
  1. Itasca County:
  • Chippewa National Forest
  • George Washington State Forest Birds often move to areas with mountain maple and hazel understory
  1. Aitkin/Crow Wing Counties:
  • Hill River State Forest
  • Savanna State Forest Good mix of lowland alder and mature aspen

Late season tips:

  • Focus on dense conifer stands near food sources
  • Look for areas with highbush cranberry and winterberry
  • Hunt the warmer parts of the day when birds are more active
  • South-facing slopes tend to hold more birds late season
  • Areas with standing catkins (birch/alder) are prime spots