Toxics Program Director

The Oregon Center for Environmental Health is a state-wide, 501©(3) founded in 1996 to protect public health and the environment by promoting alternatives to the use, manufacture, release, and disposal of toxic chemicals. We accomplish these goals through grassroots organizing, public education, litigation, supporting legislation, media campaigns, working with public agencies, and participating in coalition efforts.

In 2002 the Center was the recipient of the City of Portland's Pollution Prevention Award. In 2005 the Center received Multnomah County's Public Health Hero Award, and in 2006 the Center was honored with the national Pioneers of Precaution Award for its toxics reduction work with local municipalities.

We have a six-member board of directors specifically recruited to lend needed expertise to our programs. Our current staff includes five full and part-time employees. Located in the heart of the Beaumont District in Northeast Portland, our office is in a storefront space that includes our EcoSafe Home Store.

Program Background

The Oregon Center for Environmental Health is interested in addressing chemicals policy reform at the state and national levels through comprehensive reform. We believe that reform is needed because the current system is inadequate and fails to protect public health or the environment.

Our work will build upon the chemical by chemical approach to include regulation of classes of chemicals, regulation of reporting of chemicals that are used or released, labeling of chemicals and their potential health impacts, adequate testing of chemicals prior to their marketing, and alternatives assessments for classes of chemicals.

Strategies will include leadership within a coalition of health and conservation groups, working with elected officials to promote legislation, working with public agencies, community organizing, and public education and outreach.

Responsibilities:

• Candidate must be able to lead a strategic effort to build public support for chemicals policy reform and translate that strategy and support into legislative and agency actions that accomplish this mission.
• Leadership of an established coalition to research and develop recommendations for chemicals policy reform at the state level.
• Networking with other chemicals policy reform efforts around the U.S.
• Outreach to key stakeholders including green businesses and labor to build coalition support for reforms.
• Participate in building membership in the organization and support for chemical policy reform through outreach and education to the general public via events, the media, our speaker's bureau, and our business enterprise, EcoSafe Home Store.
• Continued promotion and assistance to local governments in the development of Precautionary Principle Resolutions and resulting toxics reduction programs.
• Respond to public requests for help with local toxics issues.
• Grant writing to support the Chemicals Policy Program.

Qualifications:

• Our ideal candidate would have strong experience in organizing, public education and outreach within an environmental or public health agency.
• A demonstrated knowledge of toxics and their impact on human health and the environment, and the ability to be an aggressive advocate for the issue is required.
• An ability to work alone and as part of a team is important.
• The candidate must be out-going and willing and able to travel around the state and to other parts of the country from time to time.
• An ability to think strategically, organize and communicate with a wide variety of people in a clear and compelling manner is essential.
• Candidate must have excellent written and verbal skills. Grant writing experience preferred. A writing sample will be required.
• A true desire to work within the community is essential.
• Strong organizing and public outreach experience is desirable.
• Experience working on legislative issues at the state and/or national level preferable.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision while keeping other staff involved and informed.
• A deep and demonstrated passion for this issue, strong work ethic, and a sense of humor are required.

Compensation: Salary: $48,000 - 40 hours a week, Exempt Position Benefits: Health Insurance, 12 Paid Holidays, Two Personal Holidays, Flexible Spending Account, Liberal Vacation Plan

Closing Date: June 20, 2008

To Apply:

Qualified candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Jane Harris, Executive Director. No phone calls please.  

Oregon Center for Environmental Health
4819 NE Fremont St.
Portland, Oregon 97213.