Northeastern Minnesota Program Director

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness mission is to protect, preserve and restore the wilderness character of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and the Quetico-Superior Ecosystem.

The Friends is seeking applications for a new position to be located in Ely, MN or another northeastern Minnesota community near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  The position will represent the Friends and our mission and help develop community leadership on conservation issues. Strong relationship-building and communication skills are required.

This is a terrific opportunity for an individual passionate about the Boundary Waters, conservation and community issues to live and work at the edge of the wilderness.

Position Overview:

The Northeastern Minnesota Program Director will lead a new program with the Friends to build conservation leadership in key northeastern Minnesota communities. The position will be responsible for building relationships to increase collaboration between community members and the Friends and assuring that community engagement approaches are infused into every aspect of the Friends' work. The Director will represent the organization to citizens, businesses, political leaders and other members of NE Minnesota communities. The position will develop and implement new strategies to accomplish the Friends' Mission and make this new program successful.

Primary Relationships:

• Reports to Executive Director and coordinates with all staff and Board of Directors as a member of a small team of professionals.

Responsibilities:

• Create strategies that build awareness and support for Friends' mission in NE Minnesota communities
• Develop and implement strategies to broaden conservation support within NE Minnesota
• Cultivate conservation leaders across the region
• Work with Friends staff and board to ensure that community engagement approaches and strategies are infused in all aspects of the Friends' work
• Build support for wilderness and forest-wide conservation goals
• Develop, implement and evaluate NE Minnesota community programs
• Work with board and staff to build resources for position and community-initiated projects
• Work with staff and media to ensure a consistent and positive message that reinforces engagement strategies and conservation values
• Travel throughout region building relationships to support the BWCAW and Friends' priorities
• Coordinate special events
• Develop partnerships to add value to the community and assist in fulfilling the Friends' mission

Qualifications:

• Affinity for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, its people and history
• Ability to engage positively with a broad array of people and constituencies
• Bachelor's degree in Communication, Political Science, Marketing, Conservation, Education or similar
• 3+ years experience in community program development or similar
• Superior listening, oral and written communications skills
• Excellent writing and public speaking skills
• Ability to exhibit knowledge and confidence in conservation policy
• Strong self-initiative and ability to work with minimum supervision
• Ability to lead and motivate staff and volunteers
• Computer literate and fluid in Excel, Word. Powerpoint etc.
• Valid Driver's License

Compensation: Commensurate with experience, benefits included

To Apply:

No calls please. Applicant reviews will begin on January 21. Please submit resume with references and cover letter.

Paul Danicic, Executive Director
401 North Third Street, Suite 290
Minneapolis, MN 55401