Clean Water Lead

Organizational & Position Overview: Cook Inletkeeper is a community-based organization using a unique blend of advocacy, science, and outreach in its mission to protect Alaska’s Cook Inlet watershed and the life it sustains. Over the past twenty-nine years, Inletkeeper has become a leader in the Alaska conservation movement, pioneering novel science, organizing and building advocacy efforts to press for corporate accountability, government transparency, and lasting social change. Inletkeeper seeks a motivated individual with strong research, interpersonal, and advocacy skills to move the organization’s climate, energy, mining, and salmon policy work forward.

This position will fill the role of content area expert for pollution, mining, and clean water policy, shaping programming related to clean water and healthy habitat issues.  We are seeking a confident individual with a variety of skills, including strong research writing, public speaking, communications, and strategic thinking, and the ability to thrive in a team setting. The ideal applicant will be an experienced, dedicated professional with a passion for Alaska, environmental health, and climate justice.

What you’ll do: 

In coordination and collaboration with the Inletkeeper team, you’ll work to further Cook Inletkeeper’s mission and vision in these key areas:

Campaign Planning & Public Outreach 

• Collaborating with Inletkeeper’s organizing and communications staff to elevate relevant clean water and habitat issues and create campaign strategies, and action plans. Including campaigns around oil & gas, mining, and other issues affecting climate, water quality, and fish habitat; 
• Conducting research and writing for communications, including blogs, opinion pieces, newsletters, etc.; 
• Building and maintaining relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including agency personnel, Native tribes and corporations, interest groups, industry representatives, media contacts, members, and supporters;
• Representing Inletkeeper at public meetings, workshops, and events and embracing forward-thinking communication strategies that connect with a broad public.

Policy/Subject Matter Expertise

• Devising policy positions and white papers, reviewing and critiquing draft permits, regulations, and other authorizations, and generally interpreting and analyzing laws, policies, and rules.

The ideal candidate will have: 

• Knowledge of Alaska, relevant laws, and policies;
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with a broad range of coalition partners and work with diverse stakeholders; 
• Familiarity with Alaska’s Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Natural Resources permitting and public processes;
• Strong critical thinking, research, presentation, public speaking, and writing skills; 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously;
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both as part of a team and independently; 
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude despite a challenging political environment; 
• Strong motivation to press for social and environmental change; 
• Enthusiasm about an organizational culture and structure that fosters collaboration,  communication, equity, and trust; 
• Desire to live, work, and play in an incredible community surrounded by uncommon beauty; and  
• Passion for and commitment to clean water, healthy ecosystems, resilient communities, and environmental health and justice.

Compensation and Benefits 

The Clean Water Lead is a Permanent Full-Time Position, working 40 hours per workweek. Inletkeeper offers generous vacation and sick leave, health insurance, matching contributions to a retirement plan, and opportunities for professional development. Hybrid remote work negotiable. This position will report to the Co-Executive Directors. Salary Range $50,000-$55,000 DOE

Application Process

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to the “Hiring Committee” at  keeper@inletkeeper.org. The first round of interviews will begin in August. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates will be contacted if an interview is desired. 

Desired Start Date: September 1, 2024

We are dedicated to inclusivity and actively seek candidates from underrepresented backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color, LGBTQIA2S+, and Disabled individuals. We highly encourage applications from individuals with these identities or other marginalized communities.