Maine Program Associate – Portland, ME
Organization: Appalachian Mountain Club
Position Title: Maine Program Associate
Location: Portland, ME
Hours & Compensation: Full-time.
Application Deadline: None posted.
Posted On: June 13, 2013.
Organization Overview:
The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is the oldest conservation, recreation, and education organization in the nation, with more than 100,000 members, supporters, and volunteers from D.C. to Maine. The AMC has been involved in virtually very major land conservation effort in the region since the early 1900s, beginning with our leadership in the creation of the White MountainNational Forest through passage of the Weeks Act in 1911. More recently, through our Maine Woods Initiative, we are creating a new model of conservation, recreation, forestry, education, and community partnerships that furthers active engagement by the public with the outdoors. As part of the MWI, AMC now owns 66,000 acres of forestland and 3 sporting camps in the 100 Mile Wilderness region east of Moosehead Lake.
Description:
AMC is seeking a Maine Program Associate to work directly with the Maine Policy and Program Director in furthering AMC’s conservation and outdoor recreation interests in the state of Maine, with some work in northern NH. The focus of this position encompasses AMC’s involvement in leading efforts to connect Mainers to the outdoors, public funding for land conservation programs, engaging grassroots support for strategic land conservation projects, and promoting appropriate management of public land. As our Maine Wood Initiative (MWI) is a substantial component of AMC’s efforts in Maine, the Maine Program Associate will also work with MWI and Conservation staff to ensure continuity and consistency between the MWI and other Maine conservation and outdoor leadership issues. This is a year round, exempt position based in Portland, Maine with excellent benefits, reporting to the Maine Policy and Program Director.
Responsibilities:
- Serve as a core member of the emerging Maine Outdoor Coalition and its Steering Committee to build a network of stakeholders with a common goal of connecting more Mainers to the outdoors.
- Lead the Great Maine Outdoor Weekend, a twice-per-year statewide event that brings thousands of Mainers outdoors through no and low-cost outdoor events and activities.
- With Maine Policy and Program Director, identify other strategic opportunities where AMC can apply its expertise in engaging youth, families and young adults in Maine in outdoor activities and with the AMC.
- Represent AMC in the Maine state legislature on a defined spectrum of legislative issues.
- Implement grassroots outreach efforts in support of conservation projects of interest to AMC and public funding for those projects.
- Work as part of AMC team focusing on community-based conservation and outdoor recreation efforts in the Mahoosuc/High Peaks Region of northern NH/western ME. The Mahoosuc Initiative is a community-based coalition effort to address conservation and local economic and community needs in the two-state Mahoosuc region.
- Assist in direct and grassroots lobbying efforts in support of conservation funding programs including the Forest Legacy program, the Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Land for Maine’s Future program.
- Track regulatory issues before the Land Use Regulation Commission and brief AMC staff on items of interest.
- Track land management and funding issues around Maine State Parks and Public Lands Units.
- Assist in AMC’s climate change coalition efforts in Maine.
- Assist with MWI community outreach and grassroots relations efforts.
- With Policy and Program Director, work with and support AMC’s Maine Chapter.
- Coordinate AMC’s web and email tools in support of conservation advocacy efforts in Maine.
- Other duties as necessary or assigned.
Qualifications:
- Strong skills and/or experience in coordinating collaborative efforts among multiple stakeholders
- Grassroots outreach and communication experience
- At least two years or environmental policy and/or outdoor recreation/education experience
- Knowledge of Maine conservation and outdoor recreation issues strongly preferred
- Strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills
- Excellent personal communication skills and the ability to listen to and respect a broad range of opinions and perspectives
- Knowledge of and love for outdoor recreation
- Non-profit experience, including familiarity with grant-writing
- Computer skills, including but not limited to Power Point, Excel, social media platforms, and a basic knowledge of GIS technology
- Willingness to work nights and weekends and frequent travel, mostly within Maine, but also to Boston and NH.
- Physical ability to travel to all AMC destinations in all weather conditions is strongly preferred, including hiking and skiing on unimproved trails.
- A demonstrated commitment to AMC mission and goals
- Sense of humor.
How to Apply:
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Contact Information:
Job URL: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/NjT7d8fc4jNp/
