Program Director/ Sustainable Economy

Background & Scope Of Responsibility

Founded in 1968, The Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with more than 2000 members throughout the state. We bring Oregonians together for a healthy environment. Via programs such as the Bottle Bill, curbside recycling and the creation of local watershed councils, OEC has played a leadership role in helping Oregonians be part of the solution to environmental problems. Our current programs focus on protecting kids' health from toxic pollution, cleaning up Oregon's rivers, and protecting our climate by curbing vehicle pollution. (See website for more information.)

OEC is seeking the right candidate to lead our collaborative work with Oregon's business community to build a sustainable economy in Oregon. The Program Director (Sustainable Economy) will work on a variety of projects, from helping companies and individuals take voluntary steps to reduce pollution to policy work.

Specifically, the successful candidate will lead OEC's successful 11-year-old Forum for Business and the Environment program; manage our Executive Roundtable of Oregon business leaders; and support efforts to shape Oregon's economic development policies to better support "sustainable" agricultural businesses.

We are looking for someone who is entrepreneurial, outgoing, and enjoys working with diverse people and organizations to get things done. This is a responsible position in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. 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.

Description of Duties

Policy Development Develops policy proposals. Reviews professional literature and public documents on a continuing basis. Investigates and analyzes specific issues; produces fact sheets, researches reports, analytical memoranda, and other documents as appropriate.

Advocacy Designs and implements public education and media campaigns; writes articles, alerts and opinion pieces. Prepares and presents public comments and testimony; lobbies the Oregon Legislature. Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with other key interest groups and individuals; builds broad support for OEC program goals and objectives.

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

Education and Outreach Designs and coordinates educational events and materials. Builds public presence; actively seeks earned media. Develops and implements public education and "things you can do" campaigns related to specific projects. Updates OEC members through newsletter articles, alerts, website, online bulletin, and other communications.

Qualifications

Required: Minimum five years of professional experience in economic development, public policy development, public affairs, or other related field Proven ability to bring stakeholders together to secure policy and program change Demonstrated self-motivation and initiative Strong organizational skills; ability to manage multiple projects without losing "big picture" Experience planning and managing successful events A passion for OEC's mission Bachelor's degree; relevant advanced degree preferred Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment

Desirable: Experience working in a non-profit setting with a mission-driven staff and board Proven ability to raise funds from corporations and economic development agencies Existing relationships with Oregon businesses and business leaders Prior experience with economic development tools and environmental policy A strong sense of humor

Compensation

Starting salary range is $30,000 to $35,000 commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits include four weeks of paid vacation annually, fully paid health insurance, and employer contributions to a retirement fund equal to 6% of salary after six months.

To Apply

No calls please. We expect to review resumes in late July, and have the successful candidate begin work in September. Send cover letter and resume via email (preferred) to cherylb@oeconline.orgwith subject line "Program Director (Sustainable Economy)" or via postal mail to:

Hiring Team-Program Director (Sustainable Economy)
Oregon Environmental Council
222 NW Davis St., Suite 309
Portland, OR 97209