Forest & Wildlife Program Director

Job Summary:

The Forests & Wildlife Program Director provides ongoing management and leadership for NRCM’s efforts to protect the natural character of the ecologically, economically, and recreationally important woods 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, 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.

Supervisor:      Senior Director of Advocacy

Status:              Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Salary:              $70,000-85,000

Location:          Augusta, ME/hybrid

Union:              This position is a member of the bargaining unit

Job Responsibilities:

• Provides leadership for NRCM’s Forests & Wildlife Program, including policy development and advocacy; project planning, management, and implementation; and public speaking and media engagement.
• Help design and implement issue campaigns.
• Represent NRCM on program issues to external audiences.
• Develop and deliver testimony to the State Legislature and administrative bodies in support of legislation, policies, and regulations related to Maine’s forests 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.
• Assist the Philanthropy and Communications Teams with NRCM’s marketing, membership, organizational development initiatives, and grant/fundraising strategies as needed.

Qualifications:

• At least five years of professional experience
• Law 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