Fishery Outreach Coordinator

Our distinctive approach to environmental protection emphasizes science, economics and the use of market mechanisms where appropriate to reach well-crafted, durable solutions. We build teams of scientists, lawyers, economists, and other professionals to investigate the scientific causes of environmental problems as well as the market forces and government policies that contribute to them.

In the full range of environmental arenas (air, water, climate, soil, toxic chemicals, and wildlife), we seek practical and equitable solutions, founded on science, that policy makers, landowners, and others can be urged to incorporate into practice, law, or regulation.

Overall Function: 

Environmental Defense is seeking to add a key member to our Southeast oceans team to advance regional and national projects to promote sustainable fishing of state and federal fisheries. With special focus on recreational fisheries, the Fishery Outreach Coordinator will develop and execute strategies to build capacity and awareness among fishing and related businesses and communities and assist them in developing and implementing innovative solutions to end overfishing and restore depleted fish stocks regionally and nationally.

The position will be based in one of Environmental Defense's Southeast regional offices and will report to the regional director of the Southeast Oceans Program in Raleigh, NC. The Coordinator will also work closely with the Ocean Program's National Policy Director in Washington, DC. 

Key Responsibilities: 

* Work under the direction of Environmental Defense's regional director and with the oceans team to design, build support for, and implement pilot programs demonstrating innovative incentive-based fishery management strategies. Special emphasis on sport fisheries.
* Work with the Ocean Program's National Policy Director to develop and implement national-level strategies aimed at improving recreational fisheries.
* Assist the oceans team in developing outreach and communications strategies that will inspire stakeholders and help build partnerships and support for new fishery management programs. Lead and coordinate on-the-ground outreach and communication efforts.
* Help the oceans team to analyze conservation and management of key fisheries.
* Work with the oceans team to develop comprehensive strategies to win the regulatory and legislative changes needed to implement new programs.
* Assist the regional director in the management of projects including developing milestones and timelines, monitoring progress, and coordinating the activities of consultants.
* Forge alliances among diverse groups in coastal communities including fishermen, local organizations and businesses, regulators and other government officials, community leaders and academics.
* Assist partners in developing their strategies and achieving our common objectives.
* Represent Environmental Defense in meetings with communities, regulators, and others and serve on relevant advisory bodies.
* Participate in Environmental Defense strategy sessions, annual retreat, and other important meetings. 

Qualifications: 

* Degree in business, communications/marketing, fishery/natural resource management, marine policy or related discipline with at least 5 years of relevant experience preferred. Alternatively, significant experience working in the commercial or recreational fishing industry.
* Proven ability to work effectively with, and build common ground among, diverse groups. Ability to work constructively with government agencies, businesses, community groups and public interest organizations.
* Experience working with federal and state regulatory processes.
* Enjoys meeting and working with individuals and groups of people.
* Result-oriented, self-starter with the ability to think analytically and strategically.
* Willingness and ability to travel extensively.
* Ability to work with limited supervision.
* Proven speaking, writing, presentation and other communication skills.
* Experience and knowledge of the fishing industry, especially recreational fisheries, a plus.

Salary: Commensurate with experience; all benefits included as per Environmental Defense plan documents.

To Apply

Please email, fax or mail cover letter, resume along with salary requirements. 

Cheryl Pickard
Environmental Defense
1875 Connecticut Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20009