Job Summary:
The Forests, Waters, & Wildlife Program Director provides ongoing management and leadership for NRCM’s efforts to protect the natural character of the ecologically, economically, and recreationally important forestlands, waterways, and wildlife of Maine. General responsibilities include advocacy before the Legislature and administrative bodies, communications with the media and public, collaboration with coalition partners, and project planning and implementation. The Program Director develops, maintains, and utilizes technical expertise on key policy issues in areas such as the ecological and economic values of Maine’s North Woods, habitat conservation, healthy waterways, biodiversity, forest policy, outdoor recreation, and land use planning.
Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives will attract the best ideas to NRCM and help us shape a healthier, more vibrant future for all of us who share our planet. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, NRCM can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the state. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world. We therefore strongly encourage applications from people who identify with or who are members of marginalized communities.
To Apply: For consideration, please submit both a cover letter and resume. Preference will be given to applications received by September 8, 2024. Applicants who need an alternative way to submit materials may email them as attachments to jobs@nrcm.org or mail them to NRCM, Attention HR, 3 Wade Street, Augusta, ME 04330.
Supervisor: Senior Director of Advocacy
Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt
Location: Augusta, ME/hybrid
Union: This position is a member of the bargaining unit
Job Responsibilities:
- Provides leadership for NRCM’s Forests, Waters, & Wildlife Program, including policy development and advocacy; project planning, management, and implementation; and public speaking and media engagement.
- Helps design and implement issue campaigns.
- Represents NRCM on program issues to external audiences.
- Develops and delivers testimony to the State Legislature and administrative bodies in support of legislation, policies, and regulations related to Maine’s forests, waters, and wildlife.
- Identify and develop support from key individuals, businesses, and organizations.
- Help catalyze support and engagement from activists, legislators, the media, and public through written and oral communications.
- Coordinate policy campaign activities through meetings and communications with coalition partners and program supporters.
- Identify analytic and policy campaign materials to promote policy objectives and work with communications, outreach, and philanthropy staff to develop, fund, and distribute such products.
- With input from NRCM colleagues, develop annual program plan and budget, and manage and track workplan progress and expenditures.
- Prepare staff reports for senior staff and the NRCM Board of Directors, as needed.
- Assist the Philanthropy and Communications Teams with NRCM’s marketing, membership, organizational development initiatives, and grant/fundraising strategies as needed.
Common NRCM Job Responsibilities
NRCM is committed to a positive work culture where diversity is honored and respected. To this end, all employees are expected to:
- Maintain positive and productive working relationships with all NRCM staff members and also with NRCM’s members, external partners, policymakers, and the general public. This includes proactive work on understanding and addressing issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice; providing and receiving constructive feedback; and a willingness to resolve conflicts constructively.
- Participate in organizational meetings and activities as requested, such as monthly staff meetings, trainings, and ad hoc planning committees.
- Complete all administrative work on time, such as timesheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents.
- Be familiar with and follow organizational protocols and policies.
Physical Requirements of the Job
The job requires working at a computer station for substantial lengths of time; performing office duties such as phoning, filing, and copying, and the ability to lift objects up to 10 pounds. NRCM will provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities where appropriate. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Workplace Environment
NRCM strives to provide a supportive work environment through fair and competitive compensation and benefits, up-to-date equipment and IT support, adequate supervision, and ongoing professional development. The work environment is friendly, fun, cooperative, and very fast paced. Staff members need to be able to work independently and adapt to changing priorities.
NRCM is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, age, ethnicity, race, religion, physical/mental ability, sexual orientation, or national origin. NRCM will provide reasonable accommodation to employees with disabilities where appropriate. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Qualifications:
- At least three years’ professional experience
- Law degree, planning degree, or master’s degree in a relevant field of study preferred.
- Commitment and passion for environmental issues and NRCM’s mission, with professional and/or personal experience with Maine’s woods and waters preferred.
- Experience in program development, campaign planning, and project management.
- Demonstrated leadership skills, including ability to think strategically and motivate others toward common goals.
- Excellent communications and advocacy skills across a range of settings, including persuasive writing, responding to the media, and public speaking.
- Ability to learn policy issues quickly and to effectively communicate complex issues.
- Ability to work with diverse constituencies through a team-based approach, including legislators, staff from other nonprofits, business leaders, NRCM supporters, coalitions, and the general public.
- Enterprising, motivated, entrepreneurial, and undaunted.