Community Organizer & Policy Advocate Position

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NAMA Community Organizer & Policy Advocate Position

The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance is seeking an experienced
community organizer and policy advocate to organize fishing
communities throughout New England toward policy transformations
NAMA is seeking on behalf of and in cooperation with community
based fishermen.

The right person will work with the NAMA team to reach fishing
organizations, fishermen and fishing community advocates NAMA
has worked with in the past as well as build new relationships.
Further, the organizer will:
• familiarize the communities with NAMA’s work and
philosophy, the policy transformations we seek and the market
avenues we are pursuing;
• listen to their concerns and ideas for solutions and
discuss ways of cooperating;
• mobilize them to take action; and,
• implement other strategies and tactics in support of
achieving collective objectives.

This position requires an understanding of fisheries issues and
relevant policy actors, familiarity with a broad array of
campaign tools and techniques, and the ability to combine those
techniques strategically to achieve organizational goals.

The individual will report to the Coordinating Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in organizational discussions regarding
strategic issues, the production of materials and policy
positions, and event planning.
• Implement strategies and tactics developed to achieve
goals.
• Keep the team informed of activities and recommend
changes in tactics, or strategies, if necessary.
• Assist in information flow within the organization.
• Write reports, policy positions, advocacy materials and
other documents as necessary.
• Assist the team in the design and implementation of
strategies to educate and mobilize various constituencies about
issues and goals important to healthy fishing communities.
• Maintain a working knowledge of the policy issues and
be able to present the information to a variety of audiences in
language they can understand.
• Maintain a working knowledge of political, legislative,
regulatory and economic frameworks relevant to the work at
local, regional and national levels.
• Build alliances and/or support existing relationships
with constituencies:
i.e. fishermen, fishing community organizations, grassroots
organizations, seafood businesses, various professional groups,
and others as identified in strategic planning.
• Develop or assist in the development of fact sheets and
other public information.
• Write, or assist in writing press releases and in
planning media strategies. Act as spokesperson to the media and
develop a pro-active relationship with media.
• Represent NAMA and our work at public events,
grassroots meetings, and to the various audiences at large.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education
• Education commensurate with job responsibility.
• Advanced degree or equivalent experience in relevant
field preferred.

Skills
• Experience using or ability to easily learn how to use
internet based tools for communication, outreach and advocacy
work.
• Strong research and writing skills.
• Organizational skills, including experience with
project management.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Problem solving and analytical skills.
• Political organizing skills, especially in alliance
building.
• Leadership skills.
• Strong listening skills.

EXPERIENCE/ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Minimum of 5 years experience in advocacy, especially
oceans/fisheries issues.
• Track record in successful campaigning and
implementation of a vision.
• Demonstrated ability to take on projects that are
interlinked with other projects.
• Proven ability to work both independently and in close
coordination with a team.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse range of
people and groups.
• Strong skills and experience in research/writing,
public speaking/lobbying, and/or organizing people around an
issue.
• Experience interacting successfully with media,
including television.
• Ability to travel.
• Ability to work in a remote office with minimum daily
supervision.

LOCATION

Negotiable within the New England coastal area.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary commensurate with experience. Although NAMA does not
provide health insurance directly, we do reimburse staff for
their health care premium costs. NAMA offers generous holiday,
sick leave and personal time leave.

We are an equal opportunity employer. We carefully consider
applicants for all positions without regard to race, color,
religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability,
marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other
legally protected status.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please send cover letter, resume, salary requirements and three
references to Niaz Dorry, NAMA’s Coordinating Director
via email only to [e-mail]. For more information about
NAMA, visit www.namanet.org

DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 1st, 2009