Mississippi River Program Coordinator

~ National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that empowers a nonpartisan network of state environmental leaders to protect, conserve, and improve the natural and human environment. ~

We believe that the key to advancing sound policy in the states is well-informed legislatures with strong champions who can advocate on behalf of the environment, develop shared strategies, and collaborate with their peers across the country on shared learning and action. NCEL does not lobby for the enactment or defeat of any state or federal legislation.

Position Overview

NCEL is currently seeking a Program Coordinator to lead NCEL’s state policy work on Mississippi River Health. Their primary policy focus will be on sustainable agricultural systems and practices that reduce nutrient loading, floodplain management and creation, and other policies to protect and restore the Mississippi River. Much of this work will take place by organizing and administering NCEL’s Mississippi River Legislative Caucus (MRLC).

This position will require about 25% travel when regular travel resumes. The ideal candidate will be an outgoing network-builder who enjoys outreach and collaboration. They will have a passion for policy advancement and be highly skilled at verbal and written communications.

They will enjoy planning webinars, organizing strategy sessions, hosting in-person issue briefings, and collaborating with advocacy partners on shared environmental goals.

Activities & Responsibilities

Outreach:

• Phone, email, and in-person outreach to state legislators to support policy work.
• Recruitment of state lawmakers to join the network.
• Curation and dissemination of issue-specific information sheets and email alerts.
• Facilitate information-sharing and coaching among MRLC members.
• Collaboration with key local, state, and national NGO partners.

Policy Research:

• Track and analyze legislative trends and share updates with MRLC’s network and key allies.
• Develop materials including fact sheets and briefing books on specific issues.
• Development of website content including legislative spotlights and blog posts related to policy developments.

Meetings and Events:

• Organize large events to convene legislators around Mississippi River issues.
• Work with partner organizations to plan local events such as in-state meetings or site tours related to program work.
• Conduct visits to state capitols during the legislative session to meet with legislators and host briefings.
• Follow-up with legislators after meetings and events and provide continued support.
• Represent NCEL at advocacy coalition meetings.

Qualifications

• A minimum of a Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.
• At least two years of experience in policy or political organizing.
• Experience working with elected officials and/or on campaigns is preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent research skills and experience translating complex information into an engaging format.
• Working knowledge of policies related to agriculture and water quality.
• Must be skilled in Microsoft Office Suite products, Google applications, and basic database management.
• Ability to work independently and within a team setting is essential.
• Ability to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues in other states.
• Ability and willingness to travel to events across the country.

Salary

• The salary for this position will be $45,000- $55,000, commensurate with experience. Includes health and dental insurance, retirement, and transit benefits.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply" below to email a single PDF document with your resume, brief cover letter, and the names and contact information of three references, with the subject line “RIVER COORDINATOR 2020”.
• All communications will be treated confidentially.
• The deadline to apply is COB July 31, 2020.

NCEL is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and strongly encourages applications from groups that have been historically underrepresented, including but not limited to women and people of color. NCEL makes hiring decisions without regard to gender, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. NCEL does not lobby for or against any state or federal legislation.