Position: Maine Conservation Policy Director - Full-Time, Regular
Location: ME (flexible Augusta-south)
Reports to: Vice President for Conservation
Summary Description:
AMC’s Maine Policy Director is responsible for developing public policy priorities and leading AMC’s advocacy and government relations efforts to advance our conservation and recreation mission in Maine. With our ownership of 75,000 acres in Maine, AMC has created a new model for conservation by blending recreation, forestry, education, and community partnerships. AMC’s public policy approach is further informed by the scientific expertise of our research staff, as well as the extensive expertise of our trails and recreation management staff. This position applies these aspects of AMC’s work to leverage successful outcomes on strategically identified public policy issues and projects. Key areas of focus include priority landscape and recreational opportunity protection, climate change mitigation, forest resiliency, and strengthening the outdoor recreation economy. 

The Maine Policy Director is an enthusiastic advocate and government relations professional that maintains relationships with state and federal policymakers and agencies, builds networks of advocates and outdoor recreationists to support AMC’s policy priorities, and cultivates new outdoors activists by building public awareness of recreation and conservation opportunities. This position is a key member of AMC’s internal Conservation Policy and Maine Woods Initiative teams, and works with the Communications and Development departments to ensure effective external communications and financial support for AMC’s conservation mission. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Identify strategic policy priorities and implement public policy and advocacy initiatives at both the state and federal level to achieve results and expand AMC’s impact as an active and influential member of Maine’s conservation and recreation community. 
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with the Maine Legislature, the Governor’s office and Maine State natural resource and recreation officials, and Maine’s Members of Congress and their staff. 
• Develop strategic partnerships and coalitions to help influence legislation and enhance AMC’s leadership and impact in the conservation and recreation community. 
• Research, analyze, and prepare recommendations on policy issues and options impacting both AMC’s mission priorities and the success of the Maine Woods Initiative land and recreation management operations. 
• Lead internal teams of experts in response to proposed legislation, rulemaking, and development proposals. Coordinate the work of others in implementing responses and advocacy activities. 
• Organize active support for AMC policy priorities among our members, the public, and partner organizations. 
• Communicate internally to ensure that the Executive Team, Chapter leadership, and region-wide policy and communications colleagues are informed about our public policy related priority issues and positions and, as necessary, are activated to support successful outcomes. 
• Organize meetings and events for elected officials, agency staff, and other influential leaders 
• Write policy reports, briefing summaries, talking points, action alerts, and other substantive communications to explain and advocate for AMC’s Maine policy agenda & positions through actionable, clear information for both internal and public consumption. 
• Develop and manage project budgets, and contribute to development and tracking of department-wide annual budget. Work closely with AMC’s development team on funding proposals and grant reports. 
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers and interns, including defining volunteer or intern projects and collaborative projects with AMC’s Maine Chapter, and oversee their activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree plus at least seven years of experience in fields related to: environmental policy, conservation advocacy, policy or government relations. 
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and prioritize situations and solve problems using a balance of independent judgment and team collaboration.
• Leadership experience working in a coalition setting, network, or partnership of diverse interests towards a common set of goals. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders ranging from elected officials to volunteers. Network of relevant contacts in Maine including connections to peer organizations, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, political parties and candidates, and potential AMC supporters. 
• Demonstrated experience in thinking strategically and implementing actions that help achieve desired outcomes. 
• Comfort with articulating and presenting AMC’s mission and vision. Demonstrated ability to prepare and present effective written and oral communications. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, work within deadlines, and prioritize work as necessary. 
• Attention to detail, and comfort working both independently as a state-based expert, collaboratively within a team of in-state colleagues each with their area of expertise, and as both a resource and contributor to a team of region-wide peers. 
• Working knowledge of both state-based and federal policy-making processes. 
• Solid computer skills and a willingness to learn more as needed. 
• Valid Maine driver’s license and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as a willingness to travel around Maine and sometimes beyond.

To Apply:

Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume. No phone calls, and direct candidates only, please.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. AMC requires all employees who work in a program or facility which serves children, disabled persons or the elderly to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results. 

The Appalachian Mountain Club supports equal opportunity and values diversity in the workplace. AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status. Join us!