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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 officer in Washington, DC to develop, design and implement the FSC’s advocacy strategy. The successful candidate will combine experience in advocacy strategies with sound knowledge of exemplary forest management policies and the 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.
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 US policy positions on issues of interest, and implement strategies to accomplish the FSC US’s legislative objectives.
- Develop and implement the 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/solutions to the attention of decision-makers—including state legislators, people in the Executive branch, NGO’s and industry and trade organizations.
- Represent the interests of the 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 our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and key message development.
- Identify public speaking opportunities with audiences important to the work of the 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 the FSC’s fundraising efforts and reporting requirements as needed.
- Periodic travel to 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:
Lori Knosalla, Project Manager, FSC-US
l.knosalla@us.fsc.org
Please reference “FSC-US Advocacy Director” in the subject line of your email.
Applications are accepted until 8:00am CST, Monday, April 16, 2012.
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