Policy Director
~ Position Announcement ~

The Northern Forest Alliance is an 18-year old coalition of 51 conservation, recreation and forestry organizations united in their commitment to protect and enhance the natural and human communities of the Northern Forest. The Alliance's vision is to achieve a sustainable future for the 26-million acre region, in which its wildlands are permanently protected, its forests are sustainably managed, and its local economies and communities are strong and vibrant. The on-going success of the Alliance is due, in large part, to the collaborative and collective work of its member organizations.

Summary Description:
The Policy Director is responsible for leading and managing the Alliance's efforts to secure public funding to support land protection and community revitalization in the Northern Forest. The Policy Director will report to the Executive Director.

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate, develop and utilize constructive relationships with Alliance members, partners and government officials to build and enhance initiatives designed to secure public funding to support the Northern Forest.
• Inform and educate appropriate government officials, congressional staff and legislators about issues relating to public funding to support the Northern Forest.
• Write and disseminate the Alliance's annual appropriations publication.
• Build media interest in issues affecting public funding to support the Northern Forest.
• Assist the Executive Director on issues relating to public funding for the Northern Forest as directed.
• Represent the Alliance in the Eastern Forest Partnership.
• Identify new fundraising opportunities to support Alliance public funding initiatives and assist with efforts to secure funding to support the Alliance's work.
• Prepare monthly activity reports.
• Help define and lead the Alliance's Climate Change related public funding strategy.
• Lead the Alliance's Budget and Appropriations and Forests in the Farm Bill working groups.
• Promote connections between the Alliance's place-based conservation and community enhancement projects and the Alliance's public funding initiatives.

Qualifications:
Required

• Demonstrated ability to act strategically and creatively to advance a targeted public campaign.
• Highly motivated self-starter with a proven ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines and work independently.
• Knowledge of federal and state appropriations processes.
• Must be able to lead and work in a team environment.
• Ability to develop and direct citizen activism.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills, ability to write and speak concisely and persuasively.
• Willingness to travel frequently to Washington, DC and throughout the region and perform some evening and weekend work.
• Experienced in government relations and lobbying.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Power Point, and Access.

Preferred

• A track record of leadership and effective work in diverse partnerships and coalitions.
• A network of congressional contacts in Washington, DC.
• Familiarity with conservation and economic issues in the Northern Forest.

Salary and Benefits:
Salary commensurate with experience.

Location:
Flexible w/in Northern Forest region.

To Apply: Send a cover letter and resume via email to:

George Gay, Executive Director, Northern Forest Alliance, ggay@nfainfo.org Applications must be received on or before September 30, 2008. No phone calls please.

The Northern Forest Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.