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Senior Director, Stewardship and Policy - 2008/05/13 13:01
POSITION SUMMARY
The Senior Director, Stewardship & Policy (Director) oversees and has primary responsibility for the public policy, national and regional trails, and volunteer programs of American Hiking Society. The Director works with Congress, federal agencies, and conservation and recreation partners to shape public policy and legislation affecting hiking. Responsibilities include advocating for the funding and protection of hiking trails, promoting policies and practices that ensure the preservation of natural areas (or opposing policies detrimental to conservation and hiking), and promotion and protection of the hiking experience. The Director supervises American Hiking’s Policy, Trail Programs, Volunteer Vacations and regional trails and advocacy efforts, including consultants (currently a total of three full-time and two contract personnel). The Director reports to the President and is based at the organization headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, with required travel to conferences and special events, as needed.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Policy and Advocacy
• Develop and implement American Hiking’s policy platform and plan of action that is aligned with the most pressing national and regional trail and conservation funding and legislative priorities. Ensure that organizational resources are strategically allocated to meet these challenges and opportunities.
• Educate the public, Congress, and administration on trail, recreation, and conservation policies and legislation to benefit foot trails, trail lands, and the hiking experience.
• Work with federal agencies, American Hiking Alliance members, and partner organizations to promote and successfully influence sustainable and appropriate recreation and resource management.
• Lead American Hiking’s efforts in policy formulation, research, and respond to legislation and regulatory decisions that impact hiking and conservation. Inform and engage hiking organizations and the hiking public in policies and legislative issues via electronic and print communications (web, magazine, email alerts, etc.).
• Oversee all aspects of the organization and implementation of Hike-the-Hill: Trails Advocacy Week.
• In consultation with relevant American Hiking staff and board committees, develop policy positions for the organization.
• Work in partnership with national and regional recreation/conservation organizations, networks, and coalitions to forward the policy objectives of American Hiking Society.
• Produce policy-related materials including magazine articles, fact sheets, email action alerts, website content, and other publications or reports.
• Represent American Hiking in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communications with public officials, legislators, the media, and the public.
Management
• Support the President in the development and execution of AHS’ new strategic plan, program budgets and fiscal management, and matters related to the Board of Directors, including participation in board meetings and liaison with select board committees.
• Assist President with the development and implementation of new and emerging national and regional partnerships, and support fund raising actions to meet these needs.
• Supervise staff and program objectives and develop a performance-based management approach of the following American Hiking programs: National Trails Day®, National Trails Fund, Volunteer Vacations, Alliance of Hiking Organizations, Western Public Lands Initiative, Southeast Trails Program, and travel management planning policy work.
QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:
• Masters degree required in public policy/administration, natural resources management, recreation or related field with strong skills in advocacy, conservation, and program management.
• Seven to ten years of professional experience in public policy, preferably recreation and/or conservation policy at the national or regional level.
• Excellent understanding of the Federal budget, legislative and regulatory processes and experience in shaping public policy.
• Considerable expertise working with federal land management agencies, especially the USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and National Park Service and knowledge of key laws and regulations for federal land management.
• Demonstrated capacity to work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders including individuals, local, state and federal agencies and organizations, and businesses and foundations.
• Considerable experience in managing programs and staff with demonstrated excellence in multi-tasking and team building.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proven ability to present ideas orally and in writing to a variety of small, medium and large audiences.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office software applications, presentation software and electronic communication.
• Excellent administrative, fiscal management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well independently and as a member of a team
• Working knowledge of hiking and backpacking, and/or federal/state recreational and environmental programs.
• Commitment to the mission of American Hiking Society.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
American Hiking Society is the only national organization dedicated to promoting and protecting America’s hiking trails, the natural areas that surround them, and the hiking experience itself. We provide an exciting, creative, and professional yet relaxed nonprofit atmosphere with a strong outdoor and conservation ethic. Position requires a willingness to hike and share a love of the outdoors with all stakeholders. Occasional weekend and long hours required. American Hiking Society is an equal opportunity employer.
Send cover letter and resume to ‘Senior Director, Stewardship and Policy Job Search,’ American Hiking Society, 1422 Fenwick Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910 or email same, with job title in subject line to info@AmericanHiking.org.
Visit www.AmericanHiking.org for more information.
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