Friends of the Boundary Waters is seeking a full-time Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator to work in Cook County and along the North Shore. This position will work to develop authentic relationships with community members and to strengthen support for our advocacy efforts to protect the Boundary Waters through events, knowledge sharing, and clean water advocacy. This position will be responsible for planning and running events hosted by Friends, tabling at community-led events, and giving presentations about Friends' mission. This position will create space for local people, businesses and organizations to learn more about our work to protect the Boundary Waters and to advocate for solutions that serve the wilderness and the community. Additionally, this position will support Friends' Education programming in the area. The ideal candidate will be someone with excellent relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills who can deepen Friends' presence in Cook County and who has a passion for protecting the Boundary Waters.

Primary Relationships:

Maintains a supportive and effective relationship with Ely staff Works effectively with other departments, particularly Communications, Development, Education, and Government Relations.

Responsibilities:

Outreach and Advocacy (80%) Meeting with outfitters, lodges, and other businesses throughout Cook County Organizing community events in Grand Marais and the surrounding area such as recreation events, tabling, presentations, and film screenings. Continuing to strengthen partnerships include outfitters, lodges, businesses, and non-profits Developing a regular community touchpoint to connect community members, businesses, and nonprofits in Grand Marais on common issues by creating space for conversation and learning opportunities Connecting with and recruiting businesses for the Clean Water Coalition in Cook County Coordinate with the Government Relations team to advocate for the Boundary Waters locally, including legislation around copper-sulfide mining and other arising issues. Coordinating and organizing events in Grand Marais, including the Grand Marais Art Festival, Fisherman's Picnic, and Gunflint Trail Event, including volunteer recruitment, outreach for the event, and post-event follow-up Setting up and delivering talks at organizations on the work of Friends of the Boundary Waters Being present at events in Grand Marais, Grand Portage, and throughout Cook County. Regular community engagement with Grand Portage through meetings, events, and/or education connections. Education (20%) Assisting with programs in Cook County, Duluth, and Fond du Lac Supporting summer Boundary Waters trip prep through workshops and occasional trip pack-outs Supporting select day programming and field trips

Qualifications:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills including strong public speaking skills Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups Ability to engage positively with a broad array of people and constituencies At least one year of experience planning and executing large or small-scale events Ability to take initiative and actively seek out opportunities that arise Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities Ability to work independently and in collaboration with staff and outside partners Ability and willingness to travel frequently along the Gunflint Trail, to Grand Portage, and throughout Cook County. Occasional travel to Duluth and Fond du Lac will also be required. Willingness to work evenings and weekends Passion for preserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its ecosystem. Experience working with youth, preferred but not required

Compensation and Benefits:

$50,000 - $60,000 per year salary 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: Case McCullough Administrative Coordinator casey@friends-bwca.org In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put "Cook County Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator." Applications will be accepted until October 21, 2026 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.