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IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
The Forest Stewardship Council – United States seeks a dynamic and experienced advocacy director in Washington, DC to develop, design and implement FSC’s advocacy strategy. The successful candidate will combine experience in advocacy strategies with sound knowledge of exemplary forest management policies and FSC standards, translating that knowledge into effective advocacy to influence industry and government decision making. He/She will also work with FSC International to promote, where applicable, relevant policies that have an international dimension or impact.
ORGANIZATION SUMMARY
The Forest Stewardship Council-US (FSC-US) is the independent national office of FSC, the global leader in forest certification. FSC promotes responsible use of forests by developing the world’s most respected forest management and chain-of-custody standards, evaluating and accrediting third-party certifiers, authorizing use of the FSC label on forest products, and by providing public education about FSC as a crucial tool for ensuring that the world’s forests are protected for future generations. FSC is experiencing extraordinary growth in demand for certified products and FSC-US is likewise a fast-growing organization achieving remarkable results.
Currently in North America, more than 140 million acres of forestland (350 million acres globally), and nearly 5,000 companies are certified under FSC’s standards (22,000 globally).
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Policy development:
- Monitor federal legislation and regulatory issues that impact the wood, paper and biofuels industries, primarily in the US but also abroad, recommend policy positions on issues of interest, and implement strategies to accomplish FSC US’s legislative objectives.
- Develop and implement FSC’s political engagement strategy with federal, state and local elected officials, regulatory agencies and key policymakers through ethical lobbying and accurate communications.
- Write comprehensive reports, fact sheets and white papers for release to decision-makers and the media.
Advocacy:
- Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers—including legislators, people in the Executive branch, NGO’s and industry and trade organizations.
- Represent the interests of FSC before trade organizations, Congress, the federal government, state legislatures and regulators, NGO’s and municipal governments.
- Build relationships with federal, state and local authorities, public sector purchasing, regulatory agency heads, and key policymakers.
- Lead FSC’s efforts to create and maintain high standards in public and private sector green purchasing polices and standards, working in concert with key environmental and social NGO’s, forest products industry associations, and other relevant industry stakeholders.
- Collaborate with the FSC International Chief Advocacy Officer on the international dimension of FSC US advocacy.
Campaign Strategy:
- Create a plan to win on our key campaigns; strategize how to gain political support for the FSC agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and key message development.
- Identify public speaking opportunities with audiences important to the work of FSC and develop public events that advance the organization’s program and advocacy goals.
- Communicate government relations and advocacy activities to the FSC membership, board and partners.
Other:
- Collaborate with the organization’s programmatic and communications teams to develop advocacy materials for a range of audiences. This includes position papers and briefing memos for industry, NGO’s and government and at times, material for the media.
- Collaborate closely on all tasks with the FSC International Chief Advocacy Officer. Actively support and contribute to FSC’s fundraising efforts and reporting requirements as needed.
- Travel periodically to FSC US’s headquarters in Minneapolis, MN and other locations as required.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 7 – 10 years progressive work experience with US forest issues and environmental advocacy; Master’s Degree in forest management, political science, public policy, law or related field strongly preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; a proven ability to communicate effectively and to produce persuasive advocacy materials for a range of audiences.
- Solid diplomatic skills; must be able to manage a variety of internal and external relationships in a cross-cultural professional environment and represent the organization with senior level officials and other policy makers.
- Strong coordination and organization skills; Advocacy Officer must be able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Solid computer skills; ability to work effectively and accurately with MS Word, Excel, and social media applications.
- Must possess a thorough understanding of legislative processes and have a proven track record of successful legislative advocacy efforts.
- Current relationships with elected officials, agency heads and policymakers with an ability and willingness to extend contact networks among a wide range of stakeholders.
- Understanding of, agreement with, and sensitivity for, the multi-stakeholder nature of FSC and the resulting decision making and accountability procedures.
- Prior relevant experience with timber, paper or biofuels sector and/or social or environmental NGO is preferred.
- Must possess a strong commitment to environmental protection combined with a thorough understanding of the business imperative behind responsible forest management practices.
- Demonstrated analytical skills, drafting of policy reports, briefing papers and experience with policy analysis.
- Ability to identify relevant issues, formulate policy options and make recommendations.
SALARY & BENEFITS
Salary for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate possesses. A competitive benefits package includes health and dental care coverage, paid vacation and retirement.
Reporting structure: This position reports to the Chief Marketing Officer and will also work closely with the President of FSC US.
TO APPLY
Please email your resume and cover letter to:
Annika Terrana
Program Manager, FSC-US
a.terrana@us.fsc.org
Please reference “FSC-US Advocacy Director” in the subject line of your email.
Applications will be accepted until 8:00am CST, Monday, December 5, 2011.
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