The Field Director plays a key role in the development and implementation of a strong grassroots engagement strategy to execute a multi-year statewide education and advocacy initiative to secure the resources necessary for protecting Minnesota’s most precious natural resource: the Mississippi Headwaters.
The Field Director works with an interdisciplinary team to build a strong grassroots engagement strategy that builds and leverages widespread grassroots support for policies that ensure the Mississippi Headwaters remain clean and protected for future generations. The Field Director will report to the Director of Policy and Strategy for the chapter and help lead the grassroots organizing strategy. They will work closely with other Conservancy staff, coalition partners, communications staff and lobbyists. The FD will lead a team to engage Minnesotans across the state in education, inspiration and action that will protect this pristine water resource. They will liaise with the chapter’s Science and Field Conservation staff and other Government Relations staff to further the conservation goals and strategies of the chapter.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Leads a team of organizers working in different locations and across both urban and rural geographies.
- Supervises professional organizing staff and potentially volunteers including performance management, training and development.
- Designs and implements customized community engagement activities that energize, motivate and build relationships with community residents in ways that speak to each community’s norms, experiences and perspectives.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team with special focus on integrating field, communications, and lobbying strategies.
- Develops relationships and works effectively with community, non-governmental organizations, corporate and government partners.
- Acts independently within broad program goals.
- Exhibits patience under pressure and ability to generate excitement, trust, good will and teamwork.
- Develop and implement multi-year outreach strategies, and goals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous experience working on a candidate, political or advocacy campaign and ability to build relationships across different communities and cultures.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple engagement activities as once and implementing strategic program goals, including analyzing effectiveness and adjusting strategies and tactics based on what is being learned in the field.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and leading a mutually supportive and enthusiastic team.
- Experience with advocacy-oriented data management platforms, practices and analytics and openness to using data to inform strategic decisions.
- Supervisory experience.
- Five years of grassroots organizing experience and grassroots campaign management experience.
- Ability to travel around the state of Minnesota.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-language skills appreciated.
- Experience using online tools and social media.
- Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
- Ability to assess situations and formulate strategic responses quickly.