NAMA Community Organizer & Policy Advocate Position The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance is seeking an experienced community organizer and policy advocate to organize fishing communities throughout New England toward policy transformations NAMA is seeking on behalf of and in cooperation with community based fishermen.
The right person will work with the NAMA team to reach fishing organizations, fishermen and fishing community advocates NAMA has worked with in the past as well as build new relationships. Further, the organizer will: ● familiarize the communities with NAMA’s work and philosophy, the policy transformations we seek and the market avenues we are pursuing; ● listen to their concerns and ideas for solutions and discuss ways of cooperating; ● mobilize them to take action; and, ● implement other strategies and tactics in support of achieving collective objectives. This position requires an understanding of fisheries issues and relevant policy actors, familiarity with a broad array of campaign tools and techniques, and the ability to combine those techniques strategically to achieve organizational goals. The individual will report to the Coordinating Director. RESPONSIBILITIES ● Participate in organizational discussions regarding strategic issues, the production of materials and policy positions, and event planning. ● Implement strategies and tactics developed to achieve goals. ● Keep the team informed of activities and recommend changes in tactics, or strategies, if necessary. ● Assist in information flow within the organization. ● Write reports, policy positions, advocacy materials and other documents as necessary. ● Assist the team in the design and implementation of strategies to educate and mobilize various constituencies about issues and goals important to healthy fishing communities. ● Maintain a working knowledge of the policy issues and be able to present the information to a variety of audiences in language they can understand. ● Maintain a working knowledge of political, legislative, regulatory and economic frameworks relevant to the work at local, regional and national levels. ● Build alliances and/or support existing relationships with constituencies: i.e. fishermen, fishing community organizations, grassroots organizations, seafood businesses, various professional groups, and others as identified in strategic planning. ● Develop or assist in the development of fact sheets and other public information. ● Write, or assist in writing press releases and in planning media strategies. Act as spokesperson to the media and develop a pro-active relationship with media. ● Represent NAMA and our work at public events, grassroots meetings, and to the various audiences at large. QUALIFICATIONS Education ● Education commensurate with job responsibility. ● Advanced degree or equivalent experience in relevant field preferred. Skills ● Experience using or ability to easily learn how to use internet based tools for communication, outreach and advocacy work. ● Strong research and writing skills. ● Organizational skills, including experience with project management. ● Strong communication skills, both written and oral. ● Problem solving and analytical skills. ● Political organizing skills, especially in alliance building. ● Leadership skills. ● Strong listening skills. EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS ● Minimum of 5 years experience in advocacy, especially oceans/fisheries issues. ● Track record in successful campaigning and implementation of a vision. ● Demonstrated ability to take on projects that are interlinked with other projects. ● Proven ability to work both independently and in close coordination with a team. ● Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously. ● Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of people and groups. ● Strong skills and experience in research/writing, public speaking/lobbying, and/or organizing people around an issue. ● Experience interacting successfully with media, including television. ● Ability to travel. ● Ability to work in a remote office with minimum daily supervision. LOCATION Negotiable within the New England coastal area. SALARY & BENEFITS Salary commensurate with experience. Although NAMA does not provide health insurance directly, we do reimburse staff for their health care premium costs. NAMA offers generous holiday, sick leave and personal time leave. We are an equal opportunity employer. We carefully consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status. CONTACT INFORMATION Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three references to Niaz Dorry, NAMA’s Coordinating Director via email only to [email protected]. For more information about NAMA, visit www.namanet.org DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 1st, 2009
