Government Relations Director, Gathering Waters

~ Our mission is to help land trusts, landowners,and communities protect the places that make Wisconsin special. ~

Unlike any other organization, we accomplishour mission by strengthening Wisconsin land trusts - a network of 50 nonprofit organizations that protect land, to preserve its natural and cultural values for public benefit. 

We are non-partisan, solution-oriented advocatesfor public policies supporting land conservation; we provide direct technical assistance and trainings to landtrusts; and we use our statewide voice to share the stories of land trusts' impact to inspire public support forland conservation. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a home office is in Madison, WI.

Position Overview

Gathering Waters: Wisconsin's Alliance for Land Trusts seeks an experienced professional to direct the organization's government relations program.  

The Government Relations Director will work closely and collaboratively with colleagues to maintain and strengthen Gathering Waters' relationships with land trusts, as well as our funders and key partners. 

In coordination with other staff, the Government Relations Director will also be responsible for researching and pursuing grant funding to support the public policy program. This position will require travel, some evenings and weekends, and occasional overnights. 

Responsibilities

The Government Relations Director will manage Gathering Waters' public policy and government relations programming. The job will entail but is not limited to:

• Developing and implementing state and federal legislative strategies;
• Recruiting and cultivating grasstops and grassroots advocates in Wisconsin's land trust community;
• Working collaboratively with partner organizations to bolster support for state, federal, and local land conservation funding and policies;
• Representing Gathering Waters in meetings with legislators, agency staff, and partner organizations;
• Acting as a liaison between state and federal agencies and Wisconsin's land trusts;
• Assisting land trusts with technical policy issues; and
• Coordinating with the Policy Committee of Gathering Waters' Board of Directors.

Qualifications

Candidates should have:

• Experience working in a legislative setting, preferably in Wisconsin, or at a high level in agency policy coordination;
• Proven aptitude for recruiting advocates, coordinating coalitions, and facilitating cooperation among several diverse organizations;
• A commitment to a non-partisan approach to policy development;
• Knowledge of state and federal land conservation programs;
• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy or related field and 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination; and
• Strong oral and written communications skills. 

Compensation: This is a full time position. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes competitive benefits.

To Apply

Please click below: "Apply Now Online!" to email your cover letter, resume and references by November 18th, 2016.  

~ Gathering Waters is an Equal Opportunity Employer ~