Program Director, Northern Alaska Environmental Center
Organization: Northern Alaska Environmental Center
Position Title: Program Director
Location: Fairbanks, Alaska
Dates and compensation: Rate: $36,000 – $50,000 DOE; Benefits: Paid holidays, personal days, vacation & sick leave, health insurance
Application Deadline: Position open until filled
Description: The Program Director coordinates and administers all aspects of the Northern Alaska Environmental Center’s (Northern Center’s) Arctic and Clean Water & Mining programs, and advises on all ongoing programs including planning, organizing, staffing, leading, and controlling program activities.
Responsibilities:
Arctic Program 50% & Clean Water & Mining 20%
The Arctic Program is the Northern Alaska Environmental Center’s touchstone program and serves to advocate for Alaska’s arctic and subarctic wilderness, for sustainability of wild lands and ecosystems at the landscape scale, and for the integrity of conservation system units.
The Clean Water & Mining Program serves to protect water resources and ecosystems in Interior and Arctic Alaska from adverse effects of mining and industrial development.
CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT & ADVANCEMENT
Carry on the priority campaigns noted above by expanding outreach into local communities, constituent groups and statewide coalitions, and by developing grassroots deliverables.
Coordinate with the Center’s other programs where there is a wilderness or national energy element to their work to best leverage our work to success.
Propose legal action as necessary, upon recommendation of Executive Director and approval of the Board.
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 propose litigation to the executive director with other groups when appropriate.
Keep the Northern Center and relevant stakeholders informed of the advancement of mineral exploration projects in Interior and northern Alaska that pose, or may pose, conflicts with NAEC’s mission, and develop appropriate responses to them.
Write and update strategic plans for existing and emerging campaigns, and assist the Northern Center with organization-wide planning, including the Annual Operating Plan.
Monitor the environmental performance of existing mines and take the appropriate steps to deal with environmental problems when they arise.
ADVOCACY 15%
Educate Center members on protection goals and emerging threats to wild lands and motivate them to take action.
Energize and broaden constituencies within Alaska for Arctic wilderness protection.
Produce presentations and lectures for community presentations on the issues.
Write press releases, briefing papers, fact sheets, comment letters and generate additional support from partner organizations, community and tribal entities, and others when strategic.
Communicate with legislators, the public, the media, and federal and state agencies about the wildlands values we support. Suggest to these bodies strategies they may employ to protect or best manage those values.
ADMINISTRATION 15%
Develop funding proposals for the Arctic and Clean Water & Mining programs and for other Northern Center programs in conjunction with the Executive Director.
Write reports for funders and management as required in funding agreements.
Build relationships with historical and new program funders.
Ensure that programs operate within the approved budget.
Monitor cash flow projections in conjunction with the Executive Director on a regular basis (monthly/bimonthly).
Supervise program staff by providing direction, input and feedback.
Develop and implement long-term goals and objectives to achieve the successful outcome of the programs.
Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the programs.
Develop a program evaluation framework to assess the strengths of the programs and to identify areas for improvement.
Take advantage of professional development by attending technical seminars and workshops and review literature relevant to Northern Center program goals.
Qualifications: Desire to be an energetic advocate for Alaska’s wilderness and wildlands.
Master’s Degree in environmental science/policy, political science, journalism/communications, or related field, or Bachelor’s Degree with at least three years of relevant experience.
Supervisory experience required.
A deep understanding of environmental protection issues, and sustainability.
Knowledge of state and federal permitting, land use planning and legal framework for public lands in Alaska, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, The Wilderness Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preference will be given to candidates with significant writing experience (newsletters, features, editorials, press releases, brochures, etc.), and public speaking skills.
Ability to manage and edit websites, audio and video recorders, and ease in using social media, a plus.
Must be a team player experienced with grassroots organizing and coalition work.
Experience with Alaska and working with indigenous communities is strongly preferred.
Commitment to preserving wilderness, environmental protection and social change.
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.
Frequent travel is required, as well as occasional work on evenings and weekends. This is an exempt position.
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, three references, and writing sample (no more than 4 pages) to:
Elisabeth B. Dabney
[email protected]
830 College Road
Fairbanks, AK 99701
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