Position Description:

Advocacy Specialist

Background
The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a private, non profit membership organization dedicated to the protection, restoration, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its watershed. Founded in 1987, the organization pursues its mission through education, conservation, research and advocacy. Specific programs include: a bay-wide Water Quality Monitoring Program which utilizes volunteers to sample water quality along the bay coastline from Westport to Woods Hole; a Bay Lands Center supporting the conservation of important watershed open space; education programs for all ages; and a BayKeeper® advocacy program to support the cleanup and protection of Buzzards Bay. The Coalition is managed by an 18 member volunteer Board of Directors and maintains a full time staff of 14 at its offices on the Acushnet River Estuary in New Bedford.

Position Description
The Advocacy Specialist is responsible for providing policy and legal support to The Coalition for Buzzards Bay’s Baykeeper® advocacy program. The full-time, associate level position reports directly to the Advocacy Director. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Municipal advocacy, including the drafting and passage of local bylaws and regulations for Planning Boards, Conservation Commissions, and Boards of Health.
  
  
• Federal Clean Water Act case development, including review and challenges to NPDES permits, TMDL compliance, and wetland violations.
  
  
• Commenting on Federal and State legislative and regulatory initiatives related to water quality and quantity, energy, and coastal habitat protection.
  
  
• Develop funding proposals and prepare/deliver both written and verbal presentations.
  
  
• Research new wastewater and stormwater technologies and land use planning techniques that support sustainable watershed development.

Qualifications
Masters Degree or Juris Doctor and at least three years experience in the fields of environmental law, management or policy required. JD from an accredited law school preferred. Proficiency with computers (ie. Microsoft Office Suite) and exceptional legal research and writing skills. Knowledge of Buzzards Bay, southeastern Massachusetts, and coastal watershed issues preferred.

Personal Characteristics
Enthusiastic commitment to the mission of The Coalition for Buzzards Bay. Ability to digest complex legal theories and issues into concise, easily understandable arguments and reports. Ability to work with environmental advocates and organizations, engineers, government officials, and business leaders in an effective and professional manner. Candidate must possess excellent communication skills including verbal and written, possess a talent for multi tasking, perform as a
team player and take initiative.

Salary/Benefits
Competitive nonprofit salary plus benefits including employer contribution towards Health Insurance plan and access to organization’s 401(k) retirement plan and supplemental benefits package.

To Apply
Interested applicants should respond with a letter, resume, and writing sample to: Korrin N. Petersen, Esq. Advocacy Director, The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, 620 Belleville Ave., New Bedford, Massachusetts 02745 or e-mail petersen@savebuzzardsbay.org

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is an Equal Opportunity Employer

January 2008