FYI, might be a good fit for one of your interdisciplinary graduate
students; I do like the part of the job description that emphasizes that the
job will present "only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements."
wil
Policy Coordinator for the Society for Conservation Biology
Job Type: full-time permanent position
Opportunity location: Washington, DC, US
Closing date: 3 Nov 2006
The Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) is a global community of
conservation professionals with over 12,000 individuals (resource managers,
educators, government and private conservation workers, informed members of
the public, and students) dedicated advance the science and practice of
conserving the Earth's biological diversity. More information about SCB can
be found here: http://www.conbio.org
The SCB seeks a Policy Coordinator (PC) to fill two critical roles: to
participate directly in the policy process and to empower the membership by
providing them with the information and skills necessary to influence the
process themselves. Generally the PC is responsible for coordinating all
policy activities of the Society and is expected to maintain an office in
the Executive Office of SCB in Arlington, Virginia. This position requires
significant abilities and experience in communications, a broad
understanding of SCB's mission and philosophies, sensitivity to maintaining
an objective role for SCB scientists in the policy arena, and a clear vision
for SCB's role in influencing conservation policy and compelling ideas on
how to achieve it. The position requires initiative, flexibility, and the
ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Responsibilities:
* Serve as representative of the SCB, displaying tact, consideration, and
discretion in all interactions with other members of the SCB community, SCB
partners, and the public.
* Provide leadership and strategic direction for public policy activities.
* Bring attention to pending policy issues that deserve scientific
involvement. The PC will work with the SCB leadership to craft and implement
official response to such issues.
* Work with SCB leadership and membership to develop proactive policy
initiatives that emerge from cutting-edge conservation science, such as
commenting on federal rulemaking, providing expert witness testimony,
briefing legislators and staffs, and creating background documents for use
by policy-makers.
* Explore and enhance opportunities for collaborative activities with other
organizations.
* Design and implement mechanisms to keep SCB members apprised of
conservation policy issues, and enable the membership to engage in policy
through training opportunities and web-based policy toolkits.
* Other duties and tasks as assigned.
Qualifications:
* Working knowledge of conservation science and ability to communicate with
conservation researchers.
* Successful track record conceiving and implementing policy activities,
building partnerships among NGO's and working directly with federal
lawmakers.
* A Master's degree and experience with policy activities at the national or
international level.
* Excellence in written communication, oral communication and interpersonal
skills. Must be able to synthesize voluminous, complex and diverse material
into information that audiences will find understandable, engaging and
compelling.
* Ability to work both as a member of a team and independently with minimal
supervision
* Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with a wide range of people.
Demonstrated sensitivity and discretion in all aspects of work.
* Energetic, non-confrontational demeanor, proven management and leadership
experience, and well organized, with the ability to coordinate and
prioritize among many tasks and responsibilities.
* Ability to identify and act on useful outreach opportunities.
* Computer literate and proficient with Microsoft Office and internet
browsers.
* Experience and proficiency in web site maintenance highly desirable and
linguistic skills beyond English a plus.
Working Conditions/Physical Effort
* Work requires only minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work environment
involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements.
* Ability to work under stress during workload periods.
* Occasional travel.
Salary and Benefits
* Salary commensurate with experience.
* Benefits include health/dental/vision, vacation, and sick leave.
* SCB is a 501.c3 non-profit entity and participates in a 401k retirement
plan.
Instructions to Applicants
* Applicants should send cover letter (including statement of interest) and
resume to:
Alan D. Thornhill, PhD., Executive Director
Society for Conservation Biology
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
* Email applications preferred
* Please use "SCB Policy Coordinator Application" as the subject line of all
emails related to this employment opportunity.
* Applicants who successfully advance to the first round of interviews will
be asked for 2 references and a writing sample.
* See http://www.conbio.org/jobs/detail.cfm?id=7345 for original job
posting.
