Izaak Walton League of America

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The mission of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), founded in 1922, is to conserve, restore and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife. Our members and staff combine hands-on conservation action, policy work with legislatures and resource agencies, and public education to pursue our conservation goals at the local, state and national levels. As a strong responsible voice representing outdoor recreationists, we occupy a special niche in the conservation community.

The IWLA Agriculture Program relies on public policy advocacy and education to promote a vision of American agriculture that provides abundant, healthy food through farming and ranching systems that focus on soil health and conserve our soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

Working under the direction of the Agriculture Program Director, the Agriculture Outreach Coordinator is primarily responsible for developing and implementing strategies designed to achieve the League's public policy goals focused on clean water, healthy soils and wetland conservation. The Coordinator will regularly educate, communicate with and mobilize IWLA members, allies in the business community, and conservation organizations and agencies. The Coordinator will contribute to regional and local media strategies that support advocacy goals. The Coordinator will provide support for program fundraising efforts.

This position is based in Iowa or Illinois, with potential periodic work in surrounding states.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Outreach, Advocacy and Organizing

• Develop and implement strategies to build support for IWLA's vision of a more sustainable agriculture system and for concrete policy objectives that will advance that vision.
• Maintain, grow and engage IWLA's network of small business allies (including brewers, distillers, farmers and outdoor recreation businesses) in advocating for USDA conservation programs and other federal clean water and climate change programs and policies. Educate and engage IWLA leaders and volunteers in that same advocacy work.
• Facilitate meetings and other communications between business allies, IWLA members, and their Members of Congress.
• Support IWLA Iowa and Illinois Division advocacy at the state level by mobilizing the League's members and business allies when needed.
• Work with conservation and farm organizations and agencies to coordinate our advocacy and media efforts.

Communications and Media

• Develop content for the IWLA website, social media, and publications, including "Outdoor America" magazine, and written outreach and advocacy materials as needed.
• Produce regular email updates for IWLA members and allies in Iowa and Illinois.
• Facilitate the writing and publication of opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and other public messages that support IWLA's advocacy work.
• Develop and regularly communicate with a network of local and regional reporters and editors in support of our goals.
• Work with IWLA's Save Our Streams staff to use volunteer stream monitoring data in support of our agricultural policy advocacy goals.
• Serve as liaison between IWLA members and chapters; other volunteers; state agencies responsible for water quality, agriculture and natural resource management; and the IWLA national office.

Grant Management and Development

• Track and report on deliverables, time, expenses and other grant-related information.
• Assist in the identification, cultivation and development of proposals for new funding sources for the program.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent experience) in public policy, communications, or related field.
• A "people person" able to speak with, listen to and connect with diverse audiences, including small business owners, hunters, anglers and farmers.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in community or grassroots organizing, coalition-building, and public policy advocacy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the federal and state public policy process.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts in understandable language.
• Ability to think strategically, establish priorities and independently manage multiple tasks in a fast-moving, high-workload environment.
• Ability to work as a team player with a diverse array of colleagues, partners, volunteer leaders and others.
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout Iowa, Illinois and neighboring states, often for multiple days; must possess a valid state-issued driver's license and own or have access to a vehicle.
• Demonstrated ability to work with various forms of news media would be highly beneficial.
• Knowledge of sustainable/regenerative agriculture and agriculture conservation issues would be highly beneficial.
• Successful fundraising or grant-writing experience would be beneficial.
• Strong personal commitment to advancing the cause of conservation and natural resource stewardship.

SALARY & BENEFITS

This is a full-time position with an expected salary range of $42,000 - $50,000 depending on skills and experience. The League offers a benefits package that includes health care, paid vacation and holidays, life insurance, dental and other benefits.

APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume, by June 25, to agriculture@iwla.org. No phone calls please.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an equal opportunity employer.