Sr. Policy Advocate, Forest, Waters, & Wildlife

Job Summary:

The Senior Policy Advocate for Forests, Waters, & Wildlife plays a critical role in helping lead NRCM’s efforts to protect the health of Maine’s rivers and waterways and the natural character of the ecologically, economically, and recreationally important woods and wildlife of Maine. General responsibilities include advocacy before the Legislature and administrative bodies, communications with the media and public, and collaboration with coalition partners. The Senior Policy Advocate develops and utilizes scientific and technical expertise on topics such as fisheries restoration, habitat protection, water quality regulation, climate change impacts, and biodiversity. The Senior Policy Advocate works closely with the FW&W team and staff across the organization to promote the strategic goals of the organization.

Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds, lifestyles, and perspectives will attract the best ideas to NRCM and help us shape a healthier, more vibrant future for all of us who share our planet. By honoring and celebrating people’s diversity, NRCM can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the state. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world. We therefore strongly encourage applications from people who identify with or who are members of marginalized communities.

To Apply: For consideration, please submit both a cover letter and resume. Preference will be given to applications received by September 8, 2024. Applicants who need an alternative way to submit materials may email them as attachments to jobs@nrcm.org or mail them to NRCM, Attention HR, 3 Wade Street, Augusta, ME 04330.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant subject area (e.g., wildlife conservation, aquatic ecosystems, natural resource management) or a law degree
• At least three years of work experience with natural resource policy, regulation, or environmental science
• Strong communication skills including persuasive writing and public speaking
• Ability to work with diverse groups including other nonprofits, technical experts, and policy makers  
• Ability to learn and analyze policy issues quickly and communicate complex issues in simple and persuasive terms to the public, lawmakers, and other interested parties
• Ability to manage priorities and meet deadlines
• Commitment to Maine’s environment

Supervisor: Advocacy Director

Status: Full-time, Salaried

Salary Range: $70,000-85,000

Union: The position is a member of the bargaining unit.

Job Responsibilities:

• Help analyze policies, legislation, permits, and administrative decisions that may impact Maine’s natural resources, including on matters such as fish passage, river restoration, habitat conservation, land conservation, and water quality protection.
• Conduct policy research and analysis to support key advocacy campaigns, including development of memos, testimony, and other written materials.
• Deliver written and oral testimony to legislative committees and other decision- making bodies as needed to support the Forests, Waters, & Wildlife Program.
• Represent NRCM through written filings and/or in-person appearances before agencies that may include Maine’s Land Use Planning Commission; Board of Environmental Protection; Department of Environmental Protection; Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry; and other venues related to the conservation of Maine’s forests; rivers, lakes, and streams; and fisheries and wildlife.
• Participate in diverse coalitions and working groups on strategic issues, particularly where technical analysis, policy research, and policy development are required.
• Help build an expanding network of strategic relationships with key stakeholders, business and community leaders, and other organizations and individuals who may help polices related to conservation of Maine’s natural resources, waters, and wildlife.
• Deliver presentations and speak at events on issues as needed to support the Forests, Waters, & Wildlife Program.
• Work with the FW&W Director to develop annual work plans and budgets.
• Provide general policy analysis and research as needed to other projects, departments or the organization as a whole, at the direction of the Senior Director of Advocacy.