Program Director for Environmental Health – Portland, Oregon

Organization: Oregon’s Environmental Council

Job Title: Program Director for Environmental Health

Location: Portland, Oregon

Hours and Compensation: Full time, Commensurate with experience

Position Dates: Start ASAP

Application Deadline: July 9th, 2012

Posted On: June 26, 2012

Organization Overview

OEC advances innovative, collaborative solutions to Oregon’s environmental challenges for today and future generations. Founded in 1968, we have a long and well-regarded history of securing environmental protections that support the health of every Oregonian and the health of this place we call home. We work to create innovative change on three levels: we help individuals live green; we help businesses, farmers and health providers thrive with sustainable practices; and we help elected officials create practical policy. Our vision for Oregon includes toxic-free environments, clean and plentiful water, climate protection, eco-friendly transportation, and sustainable food and farms. In 2011 OEC was named one of the top “Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon” by Oregon Business magazine, receiving the second-highest overall score of the 100 organizations honored. See oeconline.org for more information.

Description:

Oregon Environmental Council’s Program Director for Environmental Health promotes policies that create toxic-free environments (especially for children and communities that suffer disproportionately from toxic pollution); conducts projects that build the case for comprehensive chemical policy reform; and strengthens collaborative relationships with health professionals. Major ongoing duties of this program director include developing and promoting environmental health policies in the Oregon Legislature and other policy venues; working to ensure effective implementation of Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s statewide Toxics Reduction Strategy; coordinating the Oregon chapter of Collaborative on Health & the Environment; and co-developing the annual Northwest Environmental Health Conference. Other projects in the coming year include working with community partners to develop an environmental health plan for Multnomah County and producing a report on chronic diseases in Oregon and the major environmental contributors to those diseases.

We are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, outgoing, highly skilled and who enjoys working with diverse people and organizations to get things done. This is a highly responsible position in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and requires focus, dedication and an ability to juggle multiple projects and leverage tight budgets. OEC offers a collaborative, team- oriented, family-friendly workplace that treats employees as the responsible professionals they are. Hours are flexible, benefits are generous, and laughter is frequent.

Responsibilities

Policy and Project Development

• Formulates ideas for new projects; develops project implementation plans
• Develops policy proposals
• Produces fact sheets, reports and other communication tools to support policy proposals and project objectives
• Investigates and analyzes issues germane to program; reviews relevant professional materials and communications on a continuing basis

Advocacy

• Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with key interest groups and individuals, including policy-makers and agency staff; builds broad support for program goals and project objectives
• Designs and implements public education and media campaigns; writes articles, alerts and opinion pieces
• Prepares and presents public comments and testimony; lobbies Oregon Legislature

Outreach and Education

• Designs and coordinates educational events and materials
• Develops and implements public education and “things you can do” campaigns related to specific projects
• Actively seeks earned media
• Serves as an ambassador for OEC, building OEC’s public presence and securing new members
• Educates and engages OEC members through website communications, articles in e-bulletin and newsletter, personal interactions, and other communications

Fundraising

• Writes program-related grant proposals; meets with foundation officers and other potential funders; writes progress reports
• Assists development staff with fundraising appeals and events
• Actively seeks new sources of financial support

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of professional experience in public policy development and advocacy, public affairs, or other related field
• Proven ability to bring stakeholders together and work strategically to secure policy changes and other program objectives
• A gift for writing and speaking in a clear and compelling fashion
• Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing sight of the “big picture”
• Self-motivation and initiative
• An eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment
• A passion for OEC’s mission
• Bachelor’s degree; relevant advanced degree preferred

How to Apply