Posted on November 6, 2012

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Arctic Program Director

Pacific Environment seeks to protect the living environment of the Pacific Rim by strengthening local community leadership and championing social justice in Russia, China, the Arctic, Alaska, and California. Together with local partners, we’ve challenged offshore oil drilling in Arctic and sub-Arctic seas; shielded tens of thousands of acres of old growth forest; won protections for endangered species; forced oil and mining companies to heed local concerns; closed polluting factories along rivers; and changed the way some of the world’s most powerful financial institutions work. We believe in a communities-first approach that gives local people and grassroots organizations the tools they need to solve environmental problems and protect the Pacific Rim’s wild places and wildlife. Our work also encompasses sophisticated policy work at international governance and finance institutions.

The Position: we seek an experienced Arctic Director with a demonstrated passion for environmental and social justice. The Director oversees our work to protect the Arctic from over-industrialization from oil and gas drilling, coal mining, increased shipping traffic and related port, rail, and road infrastructure, and other fossil fuel-related activities. Our current campaign work includes leading a coalition seeking complex policy outcomes from international governance institutions, policy advocacy to the U.S. delegation in Washington, D.C., and outreach to and cooperation with Native community leaders and environmental leaders in Alaska and Russia. The Arctic Director reports to the Executive Director and will be part of the team building the strategic portfolio of the organization as a whole. This is a full-time exempt position.

Location: ideally in Anchorage but we will consider strongly qualified candidates from elsewhere in the North Pacific, including Juneau, Seattle, San Francisco, Portland, or Vancouver.

Skills and Experience:

• Minimum B.A. or B.S. degree. Candidates with advanced degrees such as J.D. or M.A. in related field are encouraged to apply
• 5 or more years’ experience working as environmental leader or in related field, especially leading environmental advocacy campaigns. Experience with indigenous rights issues is an important plus, as is policy experience with international governance organizations (e.g., United Nations, International Maritime Organization). The ideal candidate will also have outreach experience with Alaska and/or Russian local communities, as well as a track record in media and communications work.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic advocacy
• Strong organizational skills, including ability to supervise others, translate big picture strategy into detailed implementation plan, and handle the range of tasks required of senior management at a small nonprofit. The ideal candidate will also have strong fundraising experience
• Excellent oral, written, and public speaking communication skills
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally
• Can-do, team oriented approach; superior interpersonal skills
• Personal commitment to environmental and social justice and a sense of humor
• Russian language skills a plus

Benefits and Compensation:

• Salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits package includes medical and dental coverage, 403 (b) plan with an employer match, and a generous vacation / holiday schedule
• Flexible working environment with dedicated, diverse group of colleagues
• Interesting work in interesting places: we advance environmental objectives of local communities via international and national policy work and support of local grassroots activity

Pacific Environment is an equal opportunity employer committed to developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds. People from diverse backgrounds or with international experience are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

Please send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, references, and your salary history to us at hr@pacificenvironment.org. This position will remain open until filled, but applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by November 10, 2012.