Clean Water and Mining Program Director – Fairbanks, AK
Organization: Northern Alaska Environmental Center
Position Title: Clean Water and Mining Program Director
Location: Fairbanks, AK
Hours & Compensation: Full-time. $36,000-$42,000 per year.
Position Dates: Start on May 6, 2013.
Application Deadline: April 19, 2013.
Posted On: March 29, 2013.
Organization Overview:
About NAEC
The NAEC is Alaska’s leading conservation voice for Interior and Arctic Alaska — an area of roughly 180 million acres. Founded in 1971 by a group of concerned residents and noted conservationists, the NAEC’s mission is to promote conservation of the environment in Interior and Arctic Alaska through advocacy, education and sustainable resource stewardship. The Northern Center has a staff of six, Board of Directors membership of ten, fifty motivated local volunteers and nearly 1,500 members. Currently NAEC operates three distinct programs: the Arctic Program, the Clean Water and Mining Program, and the Local Solutions/Legislative Liaison Program. More information is available at www.northern.org.
About the CWMP
The Clean Water & Mining Program is responsible for overseeing all current and proposed mining operations in central and northern Alaska that present substantial environmental problems or threaten to open large tracts of wildlands to mineral development. This dynamic position works at the community level, and in broader regional, state, and national coalitions – as well as with internal staff – to identify emerging issues and to create and implement educational, legal, and grassroots advocacy strategies to prevent or mitigate toxic pollution and keep priority wildlands free of industrial intrusion.
In addition to issues monitoring, fundraising, land use planning and public policy advocacy, the program is also focused on several priority campaigns. These include, but are not limited to: a major proposed road through the wilderness of northern Alaska, hard rock mineral exploration and potential industrial development adjacent to one of Alaska’s most cherished recreational areas, and the environmental permitting process of a proposed multi-billion dollar gold mine along a major subsistence fishery.
Description:
The Northern Alaska Environmental Center (NAEC), a 501c(3) non-profit advocacy organization, is seeking an energetic and driven Clean Water and Mining Program (CWMP) director to fill an upcoming vacancy. This is a full time, salaried position based in Fairbanks and includes health insurance benefits, paid holidays and generous paid vacation leave.
We are seeking a highly motivated, goal oriented self-starter with experience in campaign development relating to environmental issues who can showcase a proven track record of innovation and success with previous organizing experience. We believe passion for our mission is the most important attribute of a candidate, and are therefore willing to train the appointee regarding some technical aspects of the job, although general technical competency is required. The CWMP director reports to the Executive Director.
Responsibilities:
- Campaign development and advancement. Carry on the priority campaigns noted above by expanding outreach into local communities, constituent groups and statewide coalitions, and by developing grassroots deliverables, lobbying at the state level, generating earned media, and maintaining campaign and NAEC websites to reflect progress.
- Land use planning, policy advocacy, and legal cooperation. Research, organize around and comment on pending land use management plans, state and federal legislation that affects program goals, regulatory changes made by various enforcement agencies, and engage in litigation with other groups when appropriate.
- Fundraising, budgeting, and reporting. Raise funds for long term sustainability of the CWMP. Includes grant writing and periodic reporting to the program’s primary existing funder and others, and cultivation of new financial resources to expand program tactics and add future program staff.
- Exploratory project monitoring. Keep NAEC and relevant stakeholders informed of the advancement of mineral exploration projects in Interior and northern Alaska that pose, or may pose conflicts with our mission, and develop appropriate responses to them.
- Existing mines monitoring. Monitor the environmental performance of existing mines and take the appropriate steps to deal with environmental problems when they arise.
- Strategic planning. Write and update strategic plans for existing and emerging campaigns, and assist NAEC with organization-wide planning, including the Annual Operating Plan.
- Continuing education and training. Attend technical seminars and workshops and review literature relevant to program goals.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in environmental science/policy, political science, journalism, or related field, or Bachelors Degree with at least two years of relevant experience
- A deep understanding of environmental and resource issues, sustainability, and a proven track record of successful previous campaign work.
- Knowledge of the National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Air Act, and Clean Water Act is highly desired.
- Familiarity with large, modern hard rock mining operations is highly desired.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with significant writing experience (newsletters, features, editorials, press releases, journals, etc) and public speaking sills.
- Ability to manage and edit websites, brochures, and paid advertising products.
- Must be a team player experienced with collaborative projects.
- Experience with Alaska and working with indigenous communities is strongly desired.
- For candidates not familiar with Alaska, the realities of living in interior Alaska (especially in winter) should be understood and embraced. Those who appreciate extreme conditions and seasons will find comfort here.
How to Apply: In a single PDF document, please include in this order:
- cover letter
- resume
- three references (please provide phone number and email address)
- two writing samples
Please name the PDF file as follows: lastname_firstname_CWMP_2013_document name.
Only electronic submissions will be accepted. Please do not call. Applications wil be accepted until April 19, 2013. Please email [email protected] with the subject line “lastname, firstname CWMP application”.
Contact Information:
Northern Alaska Environmental Center, http://www.northern.org
830 College Road, Fairbanks, AK 99701-1535
Job URL: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/fgHHC8j9PjNp/
http://northern.org/about-us/job-opportunities/job-opportunities
