James River Association Employment Opportunities

About James River Association

The James River Association (JRA) is a private, non-profit river conservation group in Virginia and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring America’s Founding River, the James River. JRA works through four core programs to advance the health of the river:  River Advocacy, James RIVERKEEPER®, Education and Outreach and Watershed Restoration.  JRA is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia but works throughout the 10,000 square miles (25% of Virginia) that drains to the James River.  JRA was established in 1976 and currently has a staff of 12 and an annual budget of approximately $1.2 million.

Position Summary
JRA seeks a Policy Specialist to serve as an advocate for the James River in policy initiatives within legislative and regulatory arenas at the state and local level.   JRA’s current policy priorities are state funding for agricultural best management practices, state and local stormwater management programs and local low impact development policies. JRA is also involved in state and regional policy efforts related to the Chesapeake Bay that will advance JRA’s policy priorities.
The Policy Specialist position is responsible for development and implementation of strategies to establish policies and practices that will restore and protect the James River. The position includes significant interactions with elected officials, relevant government agencies and other decision-makers. The Policy Specialist will serve as primary liaison with partner organizations, and is responsible for planning and managing a variety of advocacy tools including the use of technical comments and reports, media outreach, grassroots and grass tops strategies, etc.  The Policy Specialist will report to the Executive Director and coordinate with other JRA programs to utilize the breadth of the organization in advocacy efforts.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• In coordination with the Executive Director and other JRA programs, develop organizational priorities, plans and strategies to advance the health of the James River.
• Track, review and analyze policy matters that have a significant impact on the James River and help formulate policy positions for JRA.
• Represent JRA on policy issues at the state and local level through meetings, written and oral testimony.
• Collaborate with partners and coalitions on specific policy initiatives.  
• Manage and strengthen organizational capacity for advocacy efforts.

Professional Qualifications

1. Must have strong skills in communicating difficult technical issues to lay audiences, including elected officials and the general public. Must be able to professionally and effectively communicate and advocate positions even in adversarial situations.
2. Should be an experienced and effective advocate with demonstrated success working on conservation issues. 
3. Should be able to work effectively with a broad range of constituents and organizations, as well as manage volunteers.
4. Must be able to manage multiple projects concurrently, including schedules, budgets and reports.
5. Should have minimum of a Bachelors Degree in public policy, law, environmental science, natural resources or a related field and five years of related work experience. A working knowledge of federal and state water quality laws and local land use planning is important. 

Location:  Richmond, Virginia

Start Date:  The position can begin as soon as a suitable candidate is found.

Compensation: Salary will be commensurate with experience.  JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment and a competitive benefits package.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter with salary history by email to info@jamesriverassociation.org or by mail to:
            Policy Specialist Position
            James River Association
            9 South 12th Street, 4th Floor
            Richmond, VA 23219

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but candidates are encouraged to submit applications by July 31, 2010.