Director of Advocacy

Position:

Advocacy Director

Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to Executive Director

Overview of Protect Our Water Jackson Hole

Protect Our Water Jackson Hole is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the quality of surface and groundwater in Teton County, Wyoming.

Mission

To serve as a powerful advocate and catalyst for protecting and restoring the surface and drinking waters of Teton County, Wyoming

Who we are

POWJH was initially formed as Friends of Fish Creek (FOFC) in 2014. Our work as FOFC revealed that the effects of nutrient pollution evident in Fish Creek extend far beyond the Westbank of the Snake River, seriously threatening water quality and aquatic systems throughout Jackson Hole. Water pollution in our seemingly pristine valley comes from multiple sources that threaten serious damage to the environment, human health, and economy across Teton County, Wyoming. Our board and staff have a proven history of aggressive thinking and accomplishment.

What we do

Our priorities include but are not limited to the following:

●     Support the implementation of the 2024 Teton County Water Quality Management Plan

●     Drive the process to restore water quality and aquatic habitat in Fish Creek through development of TMDLs and/or a local watershed management plan

●     Advocate for the expansion of sewer line infrastructure and septic system connections

●     Push for state-of-the-art wastewater treatment methods—to stay ahead of capacity needs while improving outputs—at the Jackson municipal wastewater treatment facility and other wastewater treatment facilities in the valley

●     Support the development of regional wastewater management authorities and water and sewer districts where needed

●     Ensure that all residents and visitors have safe drinking water by developing effective aquifer protection strategies and enhanced regulation of public water systems

●     Develop improved septic system regulations, public water system protections, and land development regulations that protect surface and groundwater quality.

●     Research and promote funding programs to assist property owners with drinking water testing, septic system monitoring, and sewer system hookups; and

●     Collaborate with local partners to educate the community on a broad range of water quality-related issues and solutions for protecting and restoring our water resources.

Advocacy Director Job Description

Protect our Water Jackson Hole (POWJH) seeks an Advocacy Director to lead our main programs: advocacy, community solutions and outreach. As an advocacy organization, we promote actions that improve water quality in the Snake River headwaters and throughout Teton County. The Advocacy Director will work with a team of two (Communications Manager and Water Resources Program Manager) to accomplish the following goals:

Advocate for Clean Water

●     Understand and monitor adherence to regulations that affect water in Teton County

●     Work independently and with outside legal counsel to develop, file, and pursue legal and administrative remedies as needed

●     Support with Science & Regulatory Committee of POWJH Board of Directors

●     Work with POWJH staff, collaborators, and outside legal counsel to draft changes to regulations that affect water quality

●     Collaborate with public and private natural resource organizations, non-profit organizations, and agencies to effectively advocate for clean water.

●     Prioritize the restoration of water quality in Fish Creek in concert with its watershed management plan

●     Engage in grassroots outreach and organizing around county policy and funding issues.

●     Educate elected officials and their staff on water quality issues and priorities.  

●     Participate in meetings with local/state leaders and other key stakeholders and develop written and oral testimony as needed to support POWJH’s advocacy positions.

●     Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and partner organizations to achieve common goals and spur needed changes.

●     Write, submit, and review applicable open record requests as needed.

Communicate with the Public

●     Develop materials to support POWJH advocacy efforts, including educational materials, action alerts, testimony on pending legislation, and meeting summaries

●     Help raise funds for POWJH's program, including identifying new funding opportunities; preparing and submitting grant proposals and grant reports; and assisting the ED cultivating major donors.

●     Assist with public outreach events and other organizational activities

●     Communicate POWJH's goals, operational plans, and strategic vision to external audiences

●     Assist by writing letters to the editor, op-eds, press releases, and other external communication content

●     Prepare meeting summaries and other written and oral reports

●     Provides education programs consistent with grant requirements as needed

Provide Science-based solutions

●     Develop and coordinate work plans and strategies with staff and outside science advisors to restore and protect the quality of groundwater and surface water resources.

●     Oversee programs that help residents know their water, manage their septic systems and connect to appropriate systems

●     Schedule, attend and report on pertinent water quality meetings and hearings.

●     Ensure that POWJH’s strategic plans, policies, and positions on issues reflect the best available science and current statutory and regulatory requirements.

Qualification/knowledge/skills

●     Two to three years of relevant advocacy experience with non-profit conservation organization or work with applicable government agencies

●     The willingness to help create a positive working environment where a diversity of people can thrive

●     Working knowledge of laws and regulations, including the federal Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, NEPA and state and local equivalents

●     A passion water quality restoration and protection of Teton County water resources

●     Ability to work with scientists, engineers and other technical experts to advance environmental priorities

●     Competency with office technology including Google platforms and Microsoft Office

●     Public speaking, written and oral communication skills

●     Project management skills

●     Motivated self-starter able to work independently to execute their responsibilities while collaborating with other organizations with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.

Compensation

Competitive salary commensurate with experience. POWJH offers a quality benefits package

To Apply

Send a letter of interest and resume to phil@protectourwaterjh.org Please place "Advocacy Director" in the subject line.