Jobs at American Forests:

Director of Forest Policy

American Forests, a national non-profit conservation organization, seeks a Director of Forest Policy to advance its mission of growing a healthier world with trees through policy activities that help individuals and communities protect, restore, and maintain healthy forest ecosystems.

Background: Through its Forest Policy Center, American Forests advocates for federal policies and programs that support its mission. American Forests works with partners to find solutions to policy issues, brings the voices of community-based groups to national policy discussions, and advances innovative projects that promote learning. Strategic policy issues include collaborative forest restoration, climate change, and sustainable economic development.

Position Description: The Director of Forest Policy works with the Vice President for Policy to develop, raise support for, and implement policy programs and activities in the Forest Policy Center. Major responsibilities include:

• Build and maintain relationships with Congress, federal and state agencies, and other non-governmental organizations.
• Build and maintain relationships with community-based partners in rural and urban areas.
• Develop and plan annual policy strategies and activities with American Forests’ staff.
• Coordinate policy strategies and activities with other American Forests programs.
• Participate in collaborative policy strategies and activities with community-based partners.
• Monitor policy issues and share information with community-based partners.
• Prepare policy analyses and develop collaborative responses with partners.
• Develop and advance collaborative policy projects, e.g., workshops, research, publications.
• Develop and manage program and project budgets.
• Assist with fundraising strategies and activities.
• Supervise and train staff and interns.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (preferred) in field related to forests, natural resources, or the environment.
• 3-5 years experience in policy efforts related to forests, natural resources, or the environment.
• Experience with collaborative projects involving diverse interests and organizations.
• Experience organizing events and meetings.
• Skills in networking to build and maintain relationships.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Computer and internet literacy.
• Capable of managing multiple activities and budgets concurrently.
• Experience training and supervising staff.
• Willingness to travel (up to 25%).
• High level of initiative and creativity.
• Interest in contributing to a team approach with shared leadership.
• Strong desire to work on issues integrating environment and community.

Salary

To Apply: Send an send email by June 30, 2010 to JoAnn Williams, Director of Administration with a cover letter, resume, writing sample (3-5 pages), and references.

Field Representatives

American Forests is currently looking for volunteers to represent our organization in their region. These Field Representatives should have a background in forestry or environment and should have the ability to represent American Forests to groups and individuals with those concerns. In addition, they should have the ability to make contacts and set up appointments with local business and foundation people. Field Reps will be provided with an organization work plan, including goals and objectives and emerging priorities. Special emphasis will be placed on obtaining and retaining members. Field Reps will serve on a volunteer basis; however, pre-approved office supplies, travel and meeting registrations will be paid or reimbursed by American Forests.

If you are interested in volunteering as a Field Rep in your area, please contact: Gerry Gray, Acting Executive Director, American Forests, 734 15th Sreet, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005; fax 202/737-2457.

Email: To Apply!

Internships at American Forests:

American Forests is the nation's oldest nonprofit citizen conservation organization. Internships at American Forests are a great way to get on-the-job experience - whether you're interested in a conservation career, trees and forests, or simply want to learn more about communications, development, marketing, policy or research.

• Research and write articles & press releases and assist with event coordination
• Research and develop materials on the value of urban forests
• Develop tree planting partnerships with community groups or corporations
• Assist with the planning of policy initiatives & workshops

Terms
Interns should have completed their first year of studies at a college or university. A basic understanding of environmental issues is a plus. Interns receive a small stipend, unless they are receiving academic credit. Interns may work 20 to 40 hours per week depending on departmental needs, which will be discussed during the selection process. Internships normally last 3 to 6 months.

Location
American Forests is located at 734 15th Sreet, NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. Fax: (202) 737-2457. We are only steps away from the McPherson Square (blue & orange lines) Metrorail subway station.

Contact/Application
A cover letter indicating which internship you are applying for and reasons for interest in American Forests should be mailed or emailed along with a resume and one-page writing sample to: Joann Williams, American Forests, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, DC 20013. No calls please.

Deadlines
American Forests has a rolling acceptance policy but encourages interested individuals to apply at least two months prior to the fall, spring, or summer terms.

• Communications Intern
  Communications interns will write, research, and edit for American Forests magazine, newsletters, and brochures; draft press releases; learn printing and production process; communicate with authors and photographers; assist with media outreach; and help with administrative tasks as needed. The intern will work half time with publications and half time with media relations. Requirements: English or communications major; interest in conservation issues; writing and editing skills; desire to learn; organizational skills; flexibility and creativity. Knowledge of Microsoft Word for Macintosh, familiarity with Quark Xpress a plus. Writing sample should consist of clips.



• Forest Policy
  (Deadline for Fall Applications -September 1, 2010)
  Forest policy interns will work on American Forests Community-based Ecosystem Management program, which helps build the capacity of citizens to participate in policy issues and, ultimately, implement projects on the ground. The intern will: attend congressional hearings and report to community partners nationwide, act as liaison with the public and within the organization, assist in database set-up and management, redesign and update publications, redesign and update web pages, participate in program and strategy development, and work on special projects.
  
  Requirements: excellent communication skills, creativity, a sense of humor, proven organizational skills, and an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Solid writing skills are essential. Must be computer literate, or demonstrate willingness to learn. Internet literacy is highly desired. Applicants should be interested in forestry/natural resources issues that relate to communities. Study in Environmental Studies/Forestry, Political Science, or Sociology or related interdisciplinary experience required. Internship duration can range from 3 to 6 months, though preference is given for applicants who are available for a 6 month period.



• Global ReLeaf
  (Currently accepting Applications)
  Global ReLeaf interns will work with all past and present Global ReLeaf projects including rural, urban and international. They will also help maintain the National Register of Big Trees, and assist with the Famous and Historic Trees program including customer service with the Famous & Historic Tree Nursery. This includes: taking orders over the phone, organizing and managing both phone and online orders, answering inquiries about tree availability, and mailing out catalog requests.
  
  Requirements: excellent communication skills, creativity, a sense of humor, proven organizational skills, and an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of computer programs including Microsoft Word and Excel preferred, plus willingness to learn database programs. Applicants should be interested in forestry and environmental issues. Background in customer service is a plus.



• Urban Ecosystems Center (No positions available at this time)
  
  
• Marketing & Development
  Marketing & Development interns will work in a small team to help provide support to American Forests’ three separate program centers (Global ReLeaf, Forest Policy, and Urban Ecosystem Analysis). Duties include assisting with overall corporate outreach efforts - prospecting for new clients and up-selling current – outreach to past sponsors (in-kind donations etc) – managing our social networking communications (Facebook, MySpace, Good2Gether etc) – taking charge of a special online auction project - helping maintain corporate files and databases, budget administration and customer support; other duties as directed.
  
  Requirements: excellent communication skills, creativity, a sense of humor, interest in the environment, proven organizational skills, and an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Solid writing skills are essential. Must be computer literate, or demonstrate willingness to learn. Internet literacy is highly desired.