Job Opportunity — Policy and Stewardship Director

 Who we are

Oregonians for Food and Shelter is a non-profit coalition with members across the natural resource sector. At the core, we represent communities of working Oregonians - the true environmental stewards of our farms, forests, and communities. Our members provide high quality food and fiber products for Oregon and the world. To do this, they need access to pesticides, fertilizers, and biotechnology - tools that support food and fiber security. OFS advocates for science-based policy, innovation, and stewardship related to these tools.

Position Summary

OFS seeks to grow its education and outreach program, informed by pressing policy challenges. The Policy & Stewardship Director reports to the Executive Director, and is responsible for tracking and engaging on county, state, and federal policy issues impacting OFS members, and designing and delivering outreach, education, and consultation programs to support compliance and enhance stewardship. The Policy & Stewardship Director seeks to understand and respond to policy/regulatory challenges, and promotes stewardship and best management practices for pesticides, fertilizers and biotechnology with efforts that directly engage producers. This is a fulltime position requiring weekly presence in Salem Oregon, with flexibility for remote work.

Major Responsibilities

Policy

  • Remain knowledgeable on current issues of impact related to pesticides, fertilizers and biotechnology within Oregon and the U.S.;

  • Represent OFS in key policy, industry, and academic meetings to understand the regulatory environment and advocate for issues important to OFS members;

  • Develop comments for state and federal rulemaking, and for state legislative decisions as relevant, on proposed policy issues of impact to OFS members.

Stewardship

  • Plan, develop and implement science-based education and outreach materials and programs that promote stewardship and address current needs or issues related to the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and biotechnology;

  • Identify government, corporate, foundation, and private funding prospects to attract revenue for OFS programs to our 501(c)3 and lead grant writing to fund activities;

  • Serve as liaison and project manager to all funding agencies and organizations.

Organizational Support

  • Work with OFS staff, board members, members and partners to continue to create a relevant, credible, and impactful organization;

  • Assist in planning tours, OFS annual conference, and other key events;

  • Contribute content to OFS newsletter, social media, website, and blog as relevant;

  • Track and report on program activities and impacts to OFS Executive Director and Board of Directors; help prepare OFS annual report.

Qualifications

  • Minimum five years’ experience in agriculture, forestry, natural resources, or similar field;

  • Grant writing experience and proven track record of securing major grants;

  • Experience designing and delivering education and outreach materials for natural resource-based clientele, or experience that would lead to this ability;

  • Scientific understanding of the role of pesticides, fertilizers, and biotechnology in food and fiber production, either through education or experience;

  • Understanding of local, state, and/or federal policy issues impacting natural resources;

  • Strong project management skills, with demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple projects with varying deadlines and resources;

  • Comfort working in a variety of environments including in the office, in the field, with policy makers, and at public events;

  • Ability to communicate effectively on complex and often emotionally charged issues with a wide variety of stakeholders.

Desired Qualifications

  • Advanced degree in a relevant field;

  • Experience with policy advocacy and/or direct stewardship education related to pesticides, fertilizers, and/or biotechnology.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Starting salary range $90,000 to $115,000, based on experience;

  • 15 days of paid vacation, increasing with tenure; 12 paid holidays; 12 medical leave days; 401k with generous employer contribution; health insurance premiums paid by employer; cell phone/internet credit.

How to apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Diann Washburn: diann@ofsonline.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, through June 14th, 2024.