North Woods Outreach Coordinator and Policy Advocate

The largest remaining undeveloped forest in the Eastern United States is at risk of being lost forever. Maine's treasured North Woods have witnessed a rapid change in ownership that has brought with it unprecedented pressures from development to heavy harvesting. Acre by acre, from small subdivisions to massive proposals like Plum Creek's, the remote character of this region is being eroded. Natural Resources Council of Maine (NRCM) is fighting to protect what makes this region unique.

Position Overview:

Help build public support for the Council and its initiatives by providing outreach and policy support for the North Woods Project. Works with North Woods Project Director to advance the goals of the North Woods Project, and works with the Outreach Team to serve the strategic goals of the organization as a whole.   

Responsibilities:

• Serve as outreach and information contact with all activists and members, coalition members, and potential allies.
• Recruit new activists and members through tabling at events, one on one conversations.
• Build and strengthen coalitions in support of our environmental policies and positions, and in opposition to environmental roll-backs.
• Write and implement Action Alerts for our members to help generate communications and support for our positions.
• Generate draft op-eds, letters-to-the-editor, and other media materials to build or maintain high profile of major initiatives in the news.
• Conduct independent research and writing to create factsheets, informational and organizational materials, outreach and campaign plans, and input for periodic staff reports on outreach status.
• Develop and deliver presentations to targeted audiences, as part of effort to recruit activists, allies and supporters.
• Provide input and updating to appropriate NRCM web pages.
• Oversee distribution of key reports and news to activists, coalitions and members of the public.
• Track media coverage on North Woods issues and communicate with activists on important issue developments.
• Analyze policy proposals and permit applications, prepare and deliver written and oral comments, and provide general policy support on issues before the Land Use Regulation Commission, the Bureau of Parks and Lands, the Legislature and other venues.

Common NRCM Job Responsibilities:

• Maintain positive and productive working relationships with all NRCM staff members. This includes providing and receiving constructive feedback.
• Participate in building productive relationships with NRCM's members, external partners, policymakers, and the general public.
• Participate in organizational meetings and activities as requested, such as monthly staff meetings, trainings, and ad hoc planning committees.
• Complete all administrative work on time, such as time sheets, purchase orders, project reports, and planning documents.
• Be familiar with and follow organizational protocols and policies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills including writing and public speaking.
• Ability to work with diverse groups.
• 3 to 5 years of organizing experience on electoral and/or public interest issue campaigns.
• Ability to travel (including occasional overnights) and work evening hours (for phone banking, meetings/trainings away from the office/home both day and evening).
• Proficient with word processing, electronic advocacy and database management.
• Ability to work with multiple priorities.
• Familiarity with Maine's political landscape desirable.
• Commitment to Maine's environment.

Full job description here.  

To Apply: 

Please send cover letter and resume by Nov. 30th to Leisa Dennett.

3 Wade Street
Augusta, ME  04330