Coastal Conservation Manager

Reports to the Executive Director

Organization Overview

For more than 50 years, Oregon Shores (oregonshores.org) has served as the state’s leading voice when it comes to protecting the beaches, headlands, landscapes, and ecosystems that make Oregon’s coast so spectacular and loved. Our vision is a resilient Oregon coast where all people and nature thrive together. Our mission is to educate and empower people to protect our coastal ecosystems and communities.

Oregon Shores is committed to reflecting the community within which we work: the residents of the Oregon coastal region and those who visit, care and connect to the coast. Our commitment to reflecting the community is not only about engaging the community in our programming, but also about ensuring our staff are connected to and reflective of our community. 

Position Overview

The Coastal Conservation Manager is an integral part of the Oregon Shores team. This position is the frontline staff in our conservation advocacy program, responsible for managing and executing advocacy campaigns, addressing potential land-use threats to coastal resources, developing policy recommendations, mobilizing public participation, coalition-building, and developing a number of communication materials to reach a variety of audiences. This role focuses on coastal resilience, including conservation issues impacting Oregon’s shorelines, beaches, estuaries, and watersheds. This work will include projects concerning shoreline armoring and riprap; sea level rise; shoreline policies and regulations; public beach access; beach behavior; climate planning; estuary management policies; land use and other regulatory issues impacting the coast.

Key Responsibilities:

Campaign and Project Planning:

• Develop innovative long-term strategic plans, programs, and campaigns that further Oregon Shores overall conservation agenda and priorities
• Respond to community concerns involving land use action and illicit development proposals in Oregon’s coastal counties that are of potential concern to Oregon Shores based on the likely impact to wildlife, beaches, estuaries, water quality, natural resources, or coastal communities; develop strategies to address concerns
• Track conservation issues involving decisions by local, state, and federal government entities that could impact Oregon Shores priorities and the long-term resilience of the Oregon coast; develop strategies for advocacy as necessary
• Advance the missions of Oregon Shores’ Beaches Forever Campaign and Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries by planning strategies to raise awareness, build support, influence a public process, etc.
• Work with Crag Coastal Law Project attorneys on scoping high-threat projects that require legal counsel and in developing long-term plans to support adaptation to sea level rise and coastal hazards in advocacy efforts.
• Work with Marine Conservation Manager to developing campaign strategy for influencing and strengthening Estuary Management Plans across the state 

Relationship and Coalition-Building:

• In partnership with the Executive Director, network and build relationships with allied organizations, government representatives, decision-makers, Tribal members, and community members.
• Work in coalitions and in partnership with other organizations to advance collective conservation goals, combine resources, and increase influence
• Build widespread support for Oregon Shores’ programs and priorities
• Utilize relationships and networks to stay apprised of pending and proposed land use actions

Advocacy and Campaign Implementation:

• Implement strategic plans and campaign objectives for the Campaign for Oregon’s Estuaries and Oregon Beaches Forever Campaign through various advocacy tactics; including: writing formal comment letters, testifying, mobilizing public action, coalition building, meeting with regulatory agencies and decision makers, etc.
• Work with the Coastal Law Project attorney as it relates to priority projects, including: blocking illicit developments, riprap cases, Land Use Board of Appeal cases, maintaining public access, environmental law and clean water violations

Communications:

• Develop educational materials and resources as well as strategic messaging to disseminate information and mobilize public participation in public policy
• Generate content for Oregon Shores’ website, newsletter, social media, and any other public communications on conservation issues
• Serve as a public spokesperson representing Oregon Shores on shoreline management, land use, and estuary issues; professionally represent Oregon Shores in formal and informal meetings with stakeholders, decision-makers, agencies, and partners
• Provide monthly reports to the Executive Director and board regarding major activities, which can be used by the Executive Director to inform donor communications

Fundraising:

• Work with the Executive Director to identify sources of funding to maintain and advance campaign goals
• In partnership with the Executive Director, identify, write, and send proposals/donation requests to specific funders/donors who have a strong interest in specific shoreline management and/or land use outcomes.  
• Participate in annual organizational fundraising event(s)

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• MS or Law Degree in environmental, conservation, natural resources, marine science, or similar related multidisciplinary field. Bachelor’s degree with commensurate work experience will be considered
• Professional knowledge of local, state, and federal land and resource management, land-use planning and coastal goals, environmental policies, and regulations. Working knowledge of conservation law, rules, and codes such as NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, local/state/federal permitting processes, etc. is a plus
• Professional knowledge of coastal ecology and geology; and knowledge of related fields such as fisheries, coastal hazards and geomorphology, hydrology, climate science, as they relate to coastal land use and conservation
• Ability to effectively speak in public and facilitate large groups.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships in order to cultivate a collaborative work environment with individuals, coalitions, and agencies
• Effective interpersonal communication skills including proficiency in technical and popular writing styles to appeal to diverse audiences
• A commitment to learning about and implementing diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice efforts in working with community members and partners with a diversity of perspectives, values, and identities. 
• The ability to take initiative, spear-head projects from planning to completion, and produce results
• Ability to problem solve, manage multiple priorities, and effectively make decisions

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Community organizing experience
• Experience with outreach related to natural resources or scientific communication
• Experience working with a nonprofit organization
• Experience with lobbying state legislatures and cultivating relationships with decision-makers

Salary and Benefits:

• Starting salary range:  $60,000-$68,000 per year for full-time work, depending on experience and education level.
• Benefits: Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield medical, Beam dental, Beam vision, and Principal life insurance provided. Employer and employee each pay a percentage of the premium costs. Guideline 401k retirement plan provided.

Location and hours: 

• Full-time, salaried. 40 hours per week. 
• This job requires coastal travel; candidates must have a valid Oregon driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• All Oregon locations will be considered. Coastal locations preferred.
• Office: Oregon Shores is a virtual organization, with no fixed office. Candidates are expected to provide a home office or an equivalent remote location for their work with access to communication devices (e.g., a computer, internet, phone).

The qualifications in our job descriptions serve as guidelines rather than strict requirements. If this job excites your passions and you have many but not all of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply. We value a variety of experiences—whether paid, unpaid, volunteer, or lived—that contribute to the knowledge and skills needed for this role. Submitting an application gives you the chance to be considered and showcase how your unique background aligns with the position.

Oregon Shores is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified

candidates will receive consideration regardless of sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, gender, race, color, age, or any other characteristic. Oregon Shores is committed to reflecting the diversity of Oregon’s communities in our Board, employees, and contractors. We strive to ensure that our internal culture, business practices, and programs are welcoming and advance our diversity goals.