Environmental Health Program Director

Environmental Health Program Director

WHO WE ARE:

We're a nonprofit, nonpartisan environmental organization with deep roots dating back to 1968. Our work is grounded in fostering equitable, forward-thinking solutions to the environmental challenges facing us today – and tomorrow. We envision a future where every Oregonian enjoys equitable access to the healthy air, water, climate and community needed to thrive. To realize this vision, we've cultivated a team of tireless champions to support policies and practices centered in environmental protection and justice. We build coalitions, celebrate successes, launch impactful campaigns and have fun along the way. OEC seeks diverse perspectives and partnerships, and welcomes and includes all races, ethnicities, affiliations, identities, and experiences. Learn more about OEC's vision for justice. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experiences to apply.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oregon Environmental Council (OEC) is seeking an Environmental Health Program Director to lead in developing, delivering, and implementing policies and programs that will protect Oregonians from toxic chemicals in products, air pollutants, and other environmental hazards. This position sets the strategic direction for OEC's environmental health work, which includes a cross-cutting portfolio focused on advancing innovative, science-based solutions that improve health outcomes by creating toxic-free homes, work and natural places, especially for those who are most vulnerable to and impacted by environmental health threats (children, the elderly, communities of color, and low-wealth communities). This includes policy research and development, data analysis, trust-based relationship-building, direct advocacy, grassroots mobilization, community projects, and strategic communications. The Environmental Health Program Director manages broad coalitions and works closely with diverse partners to provide policy expertise and guide advocacy strategy. This position coordinates with other program staff around intersections between environmental health and climate change, transportation, and water quantity and quality issues.

IDEAL CANDIDATE:

The ideal candidate is a policy-smart, people person who is excited about advocacy to protect Oregonians from exposure to harmful chemicals. You are a creative campaigner who understands coalitions and how to build bridges to get things done. You don't shy away from technical conversations and you are ready to be creative about reducing health burdens and promoting equitable solutions. You are a strong communicator who is excited to testify, write comments, speak with the media and activate partners to positively influence statewide policy proposals and other health-based initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Policy/Project Development and Implementation; Advocacy (~35%)

• Develop policy proposals and recommendations to advance program goals; craft and implement advocacy campaign plans to achieve strong policy progress.
• Ensure strong implementation and defense of existing environmental health policies through legislative and regulatory advocacy and oversight, and (where needed) legal defense.
• Formulate projects to advance program goals; develop and execute project implementation.
• Prioritize and integrate equity and environmental justice in policy design, coalition engagement, and advocacy strategy.
• Prepare and present written comments and verbal testimony to advance policy priorities through state legislative processes and agency regulatory proceedings.
• Represent OEC in meetings with state legislators, agency staff and leadership, Governor's office, and (occasionally) federal delegation and local policymakers.
• Monitor and engage in state administrative and regulatory processes relevant to program goals; serve on statewide advisory councils, including agency rulemaking committees.
• Investigate and analyze issues germane to program; review relevant professional materials and communications on a continuing basis.
• Determine and communicate the organization's positions on program-related policy priorities to partners, decision-makers, and the media.

Relationship and Coalition Building (~35%)

• Cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships and alliances with diverse partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to advance, implement, and defend policy progress.
• Engage authentically with culturally-specific and community-of-color led organizations, organizations representing rural interests, and other partners that bring a social and environmental justice perspective.
• Develop, manage, and participate in diverse and influential advocacy coalitions and networks in support of program goals.

Outreach and Education (~20%)

• Build broad public support for program goals and project objectives.
• Educate and engage OEC partners, members, supporters, and the media through website communications, electronic and written communications, webinars, and personal interactions.
• Produce reports, fact sheets, opinion pieces, toolkits, and other communication tools to advance program objectives, with support from our communications team.
• Engage in public speaking to diverse audiences.
• Serve as an ambassador for OEC, building our public presence by representing OEC in the media and in stakeholder coalitions.
• Occasionally develops and implements public education and "things you can do" campaigns

Fundraising and Organizational Health (~10%)

• In collaboration with our development team, help draft and review program-related grant proposals and progress reports
• Occasionally participate in fundraising meetings and events with donors and foundations
• Participate in organizational budget setting, staff meetings and retreats
• Actively support co-workers

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Experience and Education

• Minimum three years of professional experience in public policy development and/or advocacy
• Experience promoting and/or working knowledge of environmental health related issues
• Bachelor's degree

Required Skills, Abilities and Qualities

• Proven ability to conduct policy research and analysis, bring together diverse stakeholders, and develop strategic campaigns to secure policy and other programmatic goals
• Keen problem-solving skills and ability to conduct long-term visioning and planning.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects and deadlines while keeping a "big picture" strategic view.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills; persuasive public speaking and presentation skills; ability to clearly translate complex policy issues and tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to expanding cultural awareness and advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within the organization and as part of programmatic work; a commitment to continued learning and working against institutional and structural racism.
• Entrepreneurial approach; ethic of continuous improvement, self-motivation and initiative; detail-oriented with high standards for accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills; an eagerness to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment; flexible attitude.
• Commitment to OEC's mission, values and beliefs, and workplace culture as described in our Team Charter.
• Ability to travel to Salem and occasionally statewide.

Desirable Additional Qualifications

• Expertise in environmental health policy
• Existing relationships with Oregon decision-makers and stakeholders, including elected officials, businesses, state agencies, community leaders, and advocacy organizations
• Experience working in a nonprofit setting with a mission-driven staff and board
• Relevant advanced degree or equivalent work experience

OTHER DETAILS:

Travel: This position requires some travel around the state. OEC encourages travel by sustainable modes, e.g., walking, bicycling, taking transit, and carpooling.

Work Schedule: Our office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM, however this role requires the ability to be flexible about one's schedule and work hours. This role may occasionally require excess hours in order to achieve deliverables.

Physical: This job operates in a professional open-floor office environment with a moderate level of noise associated with personal conversations and office machinery. The employee must be able to see, hear and talk and have the physical ability to move around, lift light objects, and use standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers and filing cabinets.

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