Manager, Public Affairs

Organization
American Forest Foundation

Location
Washington, DC

Application Deadline
03/31/2010

Essential Accountabilities/Responsibilities:

The primary functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and expand Foundation’s grassroots base of advocates, working with new and existing forestry and conservation partners, American Tree Farm System networks, and Project Learning Tree networks
• Build strategic grassroots advocacy campaigns focused on the Foundation’s priority public policy issues and mobilize networks to take action as necessary
• Foster grass roots leadership at the state level by educating and motivating state leaders to take action
• Build strategic grassroots advocacy campaigns focused on the Foundation’s priority public policy issues and mobilize networks to take action as necessary
• Support public affairs activities including fly-ins, field tours, congressional relations, and policy analysis
• Generate, compile and distribute public policy updates and other publications, as appropriate, to keep networks informed about key public policy issues
• Build and maintain Foundation’s advocacy website, online tools and other resources to engage and mobilize networks
• Manage database and information systems necessary to effectively manage and maintain grassroots networks
• Manage volunteer committees and policy advisory groups
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education/Experience:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in political science, forestry, wildlife, environmental science or a related field.  At least three years progressive work experience in a related field.

Required specific experience:

• Firm knowledge of operations of the legislative and executive branches of government
• Ability to organize advocacy campaigns around strategic issues
• Ability to manage websites and online advocacy efforts
• Ability to communicate complex public policy issues in a succinct and understandable manner
• Experience in working effectively on both sides of the political aisle
• Expertise in developing and administering budgets
• Experience working effectively with volunteers, board and staff members.
• Ability to foster a cooperative, team-oriented work environment
• Ability to communicate effectively -- to listen, influence, motivate, and lead
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; ability to develop and deliver presentations and speak persuasively

Language Ability:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.  Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.  Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Math Ability:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. 

Reasoning Ability:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should be proficient on an IBM-PC using Microsoft Office, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, and various internet search engines.  Experience with database applications required, Capwiz experience a plus.

Certificates and Licenses:

None Required

Required Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker who can implement positive change
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail and the ability to effectively plan and problem solve
• Results-oriented with a keen understanding of the steps necessary to achieve goals on deadline and within budget
• Strong initiative, a self-starter with tenacity, resilience and high energy
• A sound work ethic with the ability to act both independently and as part of a team
• A firm commitment to working in a collaborative environment
• Personable and flexible with the ability to work under pressure
• Time management skills, with the ability to prioritize, coordinate and manage multiple priorities
• Ability to interact with a wide variety of constituencies, including senior level business, volunteer, and community leaders
• Displays discretion and the ability to deal with sensitive issues in a professional manner
• Excellent judgment, tact, and integrity, especially when dealing with public officials, donors, board members, volunteers, and the public at large

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position directly supervises the following positions:

·         None

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Atmosphere and environment associated with a normal office.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Vision Requirement:

Both close and distance vision are required to perform the duties of this job.

Physical Demands:

Some evening and weekend work is required, and occasional travel will be necessary.

The responsibilities outlined above are indicative of the physical demands that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more information, see http://www.affoundation.org/.