Summary:

For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness ("Friends") has been at the forefront of protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness from threats to this pristine wilderness. Today, proposed copper-nickel sulfide mines threaten the Boundary Waters and the other clean waters of northeastern Minnesota. Friends is seeking a Director of Policy and Advocacy to oversee all policy and advocacy functions and lead our legislative and executive branch efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to meet this unprecedented threat to the Boundary Waters. This senior position is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented and hardworking individual to lead a growing government relations and advocacy team to make a lasting difference. The person in this position must be a strategic thinker, with a demonstrated ability to operationalize strategy through disciplined execution and attention to detail. The ideal candidate has legislative, government relations, and political experience in both Washington, DC and Minnesota. This person is also responsible for overseeing and implementing the work of Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network ("Action Network"), the Friends' affiliate 501(c)(4) organization, which implements both political and non-political work to advance the shared mission of protecting the Boundary Waters.

Primary Relationships:

Reports to the Executive Director Manages and mentors the government relations and advocacy team Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Policy Committee of the Friends Board of Directors Manages the operations of the Action Network, including developing the budget in cooperation with the Operations Director and implementing fundraising efforts in cooperation with the Development Director Works with the Legal Director to ensure that litigation and other legal strategies complement legislative and other advocacy and policy strategies Works with the Communications Director to develop impactful, multi-faceted advocacy communications and media strategies for the Friends and Action Network Works with the Development Director to support and implement effective fundraising strategies for the Friends and Action Network Works with the Operations Director to develop the budget for the Action Network and for advocacy efforts of the Friends Works with the Climate Change and Conservation Director to support policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the Boundary Waters and northeastern Minnesota Works collaboratively with all other staff to create a supportive atmosphere at the

Friends Responsibilities:

Develops and implements comprehensive advocacy and policy strategy at the federal, state and local levels to protect the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel sulfide mining and other threats to the wilderness Develops and implements comprehensive lobbying and electoral strategy for the Action Network to support Boundary Waters champions for public office Manages, mentors, and inspires the government relations and advocacy team Ensures effective government relations with Congress and the Minnesota Legislature, including making visits to legislative offices, presenting legislative testimony, preparing the Executive Director or other staff to present testimony, and maintaining these relationships during and outside of legislative sessions Ensures effective government relations with key regulatory and executive departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Strengthens and grows relationships with key strategic partners, including expanding the Friends' Clean Water Coalition into a national movement of businesses, organizations, and faith institutions committed to protecting the Boundary Waters and Minnesota's other waters from copper-nickel sulfide mining Strengthens and grows the Citizen Action Network of committed volunteers who support the advocacy efforts of the Friends Tracks, analyzes, and synthesizes emerging policy issues

Qualifications:

10-15 years of experience in government relations, lobbying, political campaigns or elected office Extensive experience in developing legislative, political, and other advocacy strategies Experience with the Minnesota Legislature and/or regulators strongly preferred, but not required Extensive experience in managing, mentoring, and inspiring staff Strong understanding of lobbying and campaign compliance requirements Experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations and/or political campaigns Strong verbal and written communications skills Attention to detail and strong follow-through Ability to work independently as well as with a team

Compensation and Benefits:

$120,000 - $150,000 Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, the Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development

To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to: Bree Sikorski 2550 University Ave W, Suite 180S Saint Paul, MN 55114 bree@friends-bwca.org In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put "Director of Policy and Advocacy." Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. At Friends, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. The Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.