Sr. Director of Policy, Conservation and Agriculture

About the Position

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), IEC’s 501c3 sister organization, is looking for a Sr. Director to lead our Conservation and Agriculture policy area. This role will oversee our strategy for all conservation, open space, and sustainable agriculture policy. They will report to the Chief of Staff and oversee a team of three: Chicagoland Conservation Manager, Land Use Policy Director, and Rural Affairs Policy Director to ensure we meet our statewide goals and grant deliverables that move us toward our vision.

This position will be located in Springfield, IL. Candidates must reside within Illinois. This full-time position will work in person from our Springfield office. Flexibility to work from home one or two days a week could be possible for a responsible candidate after a preliminary work period.

About You

We are seeking someone with strong project management experience to support a team of specialists in conservation and sustainable agriculture work. This person should be ready to dive into well-established conservation and agriculture coalitions in a role that helps synthesize issues, pull together potential policy solutions, and work with IEC staff to educate lawmakers, develop policy, and move forward with change that creates a strong and healthy environment in Illinois.

We strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds and identities to apply. Each new hire is an opportunity for us to bring a different perspective, and we are always eager to diversify our organization further. IEC/IECEF is committed to building an inclusive, supportive place for you to do the best and most rewarding work of your career.

Responsibilities

Coalition Building and Education

• Build relationships with conservation organizations and agricultural stakeholders and recruit new members for IEC affiliation
• Oversee conservation and agricultural-related coalition spaces including driving strategy, goals, and tactics as well as ensuring the completion of administrative tasks
• Lead IEC outdoor tour strategy with legislators and other state stakeholders/decision-makers
• Draft content for educational materials related to conservation and agriculture

Policy Advocacy

• Oversee strategy and manage team that develops and increases state leadership on conservation/agriculture issues, building legislative champions on conservation and agriculture
• Build relationships with and join meetings with state stakeholders, decision-makers, and legislators to uplift the voices of IEC members and partners

Organizational Leadership

• Develop and implement an annual team work plan, budget across conservation and agriculture staff
• Manage and oversee conservation and agriculture staff and interns
• Support development team in grant efforts by drafting content for applications and reports

Physical Requirements – Have the ability to:

• Lift and carry items up to 25 pounds.
• Operate a computer.
• Sit at a desk for extended periods.
• Stand, walk, and be on your feet outdoors for extended periods.
• Communicate and exchange information.

Qualifications

• Previous work experience in similar positions.
• Excellent project management skills
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups and people.
• Commitment to and knowledge of equity, diversity, inclusion, and allyship work.
• Proficiency using both the Microsoft and Google software suites.
• Highly organized.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks and work independently.
• Experience in ARC GIS a plus
• Interest in environmental issues and policies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IEC/IECEF is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, gender expression or identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, protective order status, veteran status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information, ancestry, religion, pregnancy, certain arrest or criminal history records, homelessness and use of lawful products outside of work during non-working hours or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

Equity, Allyship, and Powerbuilding Values

IEC/IECEF is always working to ensure that everyone on our team feels engaged and supported in all areas of the organization’s operations as we work to become a fully inclusive, multicultural, and anti-racist organization.

We are only as powerful as the people in our movement and those we serve. Building power for people and our environment in Illinois requires us to actively combat social and political power dynamics that disenfranchise marginalized communities across a broad range of issues beyond those that fall squarely within traditional environmental policy. When marginalized communities are empowered, environmental protections become more possible. Thus we are called to stand in solidarity as allies with those fighting for justice and to strengthen our democratic institutions where power drives policy change.

About Our Pay and Benefits

The full-time permanent position is located in Springfield, Illinois. Candidates must reside in Illinois. Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, and vacation. The salary range is $80-95K, commensurate with experience. A cover letter MUST include salary requirements. Candidates with salary requirements above the listed salary range will not be considered.

How to Apply

Introduce yourself to us as a colleague in your cover letter. Show us your future here! We value great writers, so be yourself and take your time with the application. Stock cover letters won’t do. Tell us why you want this job.

Applications must be received by December 16, 2024.

To apply, please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to Chelsea Biggs by email: cbiggs@ilenviro.org