Pennsylvania Highlands Coordinator, Bethlehem, PA

      AMC is seeking a talented and enthusiastic coordinator in our efforts to conserve the Highlands Region. The Highlands are a 3.5-million acre landscape spanning the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. In 2004, Congress recognized the Highlands as "nationally significant" through enactment of the Highlands Conservation Act. AMC coordinates the Highlands Coalition, a 200-member network seeking to protect the Highlands. In addition to landscape conservation, we have a specific campaign to increase recreational resources in the Pennsylvania Highlands through the creation of a Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network and Pennsylvania Highlands recreation publications. We also seek to gain additional protections for the Pennsylvania Highlands beyond the Highlands Conservation Act.       
     The Coordinator will have proven grassroots organizing, campaign and outreach skills as well as a passion for the outdoors to help strengthen our Coalition and outreach efforts in the Pennsylvania Highlands. The Coordinator will assist the Pennsylvania Committee of the Highlands Coalition in its work to protect the Pennsylvania Highlands including implementation of the adopted Pennsylvania Committee strategic plan, and including the development of a campaign to secure state protection of the Pennsylvania Highlands. Outreach to municipalities and other key groups, implementation of a marketing and branding effort in the Pennsylvania Highlands, and development of materials related to a United States Forest Service Study of the Pennsylvania Highlands will also be a part of this position. This individual may also assist the AMC Mid-Atlantic Recreation Planner in our campaign to create a Pennsylvania Highlands Trail Network, which will traverse the 13-county Pennsylvania Highlands.             AMC is part of the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition and Eastern Forest Partnership. A primary goal of these coalitions is to increase land conservation funding at the federal level as well as to promote land conservation projects in the Highlands. The coordinator will assist the Mid-Atlantic Project Manager in these advocacy efforts.  This full time, exempt position reports to the AMC Mid-Atlantic Project Manager. The position is funded by grants so its length will be based on the availability of funding. The position will be funded for at least two years.  

Responsibilities

• Assist the Pennsylvania Committee of the Highlands Coalition in its work to protect the 1.9 million –acre Highlands in Southeastern Pennsylvania including: maintaining active communication with Committee members, recruitment of new  members, and coordination of quarterly meetings. 
• Help to implement the PA Committee's strategic plan.
• Research and develop a campaign to achieve greater state protection of the Pennsylvania Highlands.
• Work to secure land conservation funds including; collaboration with key partners to develop state projects for funding, decision-maker education and engagement, development of media pieces in support of land conservation projects, and participation in land conservation coalitions.
• Engage AMC volunteers in support of Highlands advocacy.
• Develop and distribute a fact sheet on the USFS Study of the PA Highlands.
• Research PA water protection in the PA Highlands; e.g. watershed management plans,  etc. Create a brochure on water resources in the PA Highlands.
• Conduct municipal outreach in the PA Highlands as well as give presentations to key stakeholder groups.
• Assist with the implementation of a marketing and branding plan for the PA Highlands.  

Employment Qualifications

• 2-3 years or grassroots organizing or campaign experience.
• Bachelor's degree in natural resources, environmental studies or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Ability to work constructively with volunteers, state and federal agencies and public officials to develop and implement a common vision across multiple communities.
• Familiarity with land protection tools, especially at local and regional scales.
• Strong written and verbal communication, motivation and organizational skills.
• Ability to take initiative and develop new programs.
• Creativity and strategic thinking.
• Flexible team player with an ability to also work independently with an attention to detail.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office software, and database management. GIS knowledge and web design proficiency are preferred.
• Willingness to travel throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and to work some evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to the Conservation-Education-Recreation mission of the AMC.
• Physical abilities:  Work is performed in a standard office setting operating standard office equipment.  An ability to occasionally travel safely in the backcountry in all weather conditions carrying own gear up to 25 pounds is preferred.

To Reply

Please send a cover letter, resume and list of at least 3 professional references to: AMCjob137@outdoors.org   Applications will be accepted until June 8, 2009.

Benefits of Working With the AMC

The AMC offers a great benefits package! Here is a partial list that highlights some benefits offered for our regular full-time employees.  Benefits may vary based on position.

• Group Health Plan, 75 percent employer paid.
• Group Life Insurance, 100 percent employer paid
• Long-Term Disability Insurance, 100 percent employer paid
• Vacation, three weeks accrued each year
• Holidays, 13 paid holidays/year
• Use of AMC Facilities, free and discounted rates
• Free AMC membership

The Appalachian Mountain Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes diversity in the workplace.