Community Relations Manager

Community Relations Manager

This role expands American Prairie's outreach capacity across Hill, Phillips, Blaine, and Valley Counties north of the Missouri River, with a particular focus on communities where outreach resources have historically been limited. Reporting to the Director of Community Outreach, the Community Relations Manager plays a key role in implementing and refining a growing statewide engagement strategy that increases awareness of American Prairie's mission, advances conservation and wildlife restoration goals, and welcomes the public to experience and participate in our work.

As a highly public-facing representative of American Prairie, the Community Relations Manager builds and strengthens relationships with community members, partners, and stakeholders; supports the development of educational and engagement programming; and represents the organization in a wide range of settings. This role works collaboratively with colleagues across departments and serves as a trusted point of connection for individuals and groups interested in learning about and engaging with American Prairie's vision.

This role is ideally based in Havre, Malta, Chinook, or Glasgow, but we welcome applicants from other communities across Hill, Phillips, Blaine, or Valley counties.

Job Duties

Community Relationship Management (25%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, community leaders, and NGOs north of the Missouri River through regular engagement and attendance at community gatherings and events.
• Maintain a consistent presence in Malta, Havre, and Glasgow and surrounding areas 2–3 days per week to serve as a local resource for community members seeking information or support.

Government, Board, and Working Group Liaison (25%)

• Steward relationships with Advisory board members north of the river, and support their ideas, initiatives, and connections.
• Serve as liaison to County Commissioners and Conservation Districts north of the Missouri River, providing regular updates and supporting ongoing communication.
• Serve as the staff liaison for regional working groups, particularly north of the Missouri River.

Outreach Events and Public Engagement (20%)

• Organize, coordinate and facilitate outreach events such as town halls, informational gatherings, or other meetings.
• Present at events and secure other staff, collaborators, or advocates as participants and presenters.
• Implement outreach tactics designed to grow awareness and build local advocates for American Prairie's mission.

Partnership Development and Collaboration (20%)

• Identify and pursue opportunities to engage and collaborate with associations, affinity groups, and state agencies on conservation issues or initiatives aligned with American Prairie's goals and objectives.
• Maintain records through Salesforce.

Community Giving and Sponsorship Coordination (10%)

• Manage the local implementation of community giving strategies, including coordinating sponsorships and donations as the budget allows.
• Maintain relationships with community partners receiving support and recommend giving opportunities to the Director of Community Outreach.

Qualifications

Required

• Enthusiasm for and positive representation of American Prairie's mission, goals and culture.
• 3-5+ years of related professional experience ideally within community outreach, public engagement, or educational programming.
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to manage complex initiatives across multiple stakeholders.
• Strong public speaking, communication, and presentation skills, including coordinating events, programs and initiatives to support broader organizational strategies.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment in public-facing roles.
• Strong communication, presentation, and active listening skills across settings including one-on-one, small groups, and formal presentations.
• Outgoing, approachable, and motivated to build relationships and connect with diverse stakeholders and communities.
• Skilled in working productively with individuals and groups holding diverse or divergent interests, fostering collaboration and consensus.
• Resilience in navigating public perception and relations, including the ability to manage conflict or difficult interactions with de-escalation and mediation skills.
• Proficient with current technology devices and software including cloud-based software for organizing, storing, and creating documents and spreadsheets or working in databases.
• Valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 60% of the time.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends or other non-traditional work hours as needed.

Preferred

• Applied experience or training in mediation, conflict resolution, or facilitation.
• Familiarity with and interest in Montana culture, politics, and economics especially in rural communities.
• Familiarity with database membership systems such as SalesForce.
• Familiarity with culture, politics, and economics in Indigenous communities and experience working collaboratively with tribal nations or representatives