Director of Agricultural & Water Special Projects

Ohio Environmental Council

Position Title: Director of Agricultural & Water Special Projects
Status: Full time exempt employee
Date posted: June 19, 2008
Applications due: July 14, 2008
Location: Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio Environmental Council (OEC) is seeking a key staff member for our Agriculture and Clean Water Program to conduct policy and outreach activities. The Director of Agricultural & Water Special Projects’ responsibilities would center on sustainable agriculture and agricultural best management practices. Responsibilities would also include the protection of Lake Erie’s shoreline for public access and the expansion of the bi-national Lake Erie Lakewide (LaMP) Management Plan Public Forum.
The organization: The OEC’s mission is to secure healthy air, land, and water for all who call Ohio home. The OEC is a statewide environmental advocacy group with a full-time staff of 17, a 20-member Board of Directors, and over 100 group members. The OEC has an annual budget of over $1 million, with three quarters of the budget coming from foundation grants and the rest from private donors. The OEC is Ohio’s leading advocate for fresh air, clean water, and sustainable land use and has a widely respected 40-year history of innovation, pragmatism, and success. Using legislative initiatives, legal action, scientific principles, and statewide partnerships, we secure a healthier environment for Ohio’s families and communities. Additional information about the organization and its programs can be found on our website, www.theoec.org.

Position description: The OEC is looking to hire a professional interested in building a diverse coalition to advance agricultural best management practices and the health of Lake Erie, protect the right to access Lake Erie’s shoreline, and promote sustainable agriculture for the health of Ohio’s watersheds and those that live within the watersheds.

Our new Director of Agricultural & Water Special Projects will be responsible for executing statewide advocacy efforts on critical issues pertaining to agriculture and Ohio’s watersheds. The Director also will be responsible for strengthening participation in the Lake Erie LaMP Public Forum and directing the members towards implementation of the LaMP, as well as building a strong and diverse coalition for the protection of the Lake Erie shoreline.

The Director must provide leadership and expertise on sustainable agricultural practices and the protection and restoration of water quality by coordinating and carrying out message development, policy research, media contact, lobbying plans, campaign design, and outreach strategies in cooperation with other OEC staff. The Director will share responsibility for project funding, such as writing proposals, reports, and concept papers, researching new funding sources, and ensuring that program deadlines are met. The Director will help to build the OEC’s network of partners, government employees, farmers, health officials, conservationists, and fellow environmentalists. The Director will also work with the Public Affairs Director and the Development Department to develop the OEC as an organization through presentations, relationships with members and prospective members, and participation in fundraising and membership activities.

Qualifications: The Director of Agricultural & Water Special Projects must have strong leadership qualities with demonstrated skills in advocacy, coalition building, outreach, and policy development. Strong networking and relationship development skills are a necessity, as is an entrepreneurial attitude. Familiarity with agricultural best management practices, the Clean Water Act, Great Lakes policy, state and federal agricultural and water policy, and knowledge of watershed’s functionality is strongly preferred. The Director should have substantial experience in a demanding work environment, and good communication and team-building skills. The Director must possess the willingness and ability to travel and occasionally work evening and weekend hours, strong writing and speaking skills, proficiency in word processing and use of the Internet, energy and self-motivation. The minimum qualifications shall include graduation from a recognized college or university with a Bachelors Degree. An advanced degree, extensive work experience, and/or professional accreditation are preferred. Knowledge of Ohio’s environmental and economic issues, natural history, and politics is highly desirable.

Salary and benefits: The salary range is commensurate with experience. The position offers excellent benefits including paid health, dental, vision and life insurance, employer-matched retirement fund, and paid vacation, personal leave, and holiday leave.

Qualified candidates should send their cover letter, resume, and three professional references to:

Keith Dimoff, Executive Director
Ohio Environmental Council
1207 Grandview Avenue, Suite 201
Columbus, Ohio 43212-3449
FAX: 614-487-7510
EMAIL: oec@theOEC.org