Director of Forest Policy

Sequence Staffing is seeking a Director of Forest Policy for Minnesota Forest Industries (MFI) in Duluth, MN. The role involves advocating for forest management and sustainability, maintaining relationships with governmental agencies, and representing MFI on various committees. Responsibilities include analyzing forest management policies, conducting public relations activities, and assisting in operations. Candidates should have an advanced degree in forestry or natural resources and strong communication skills.
Director of Forest Policy

Sequence has been exclusively retained and is currently seeking the Director of Forest Policy for Minnesota Forest Industries (MFI).

The MFI, as key association representing Minnesota's primary forest product companies, serves as advocate on behalf of members to encourage conservation, proper forest management, and industry development. A key focus of these efforts is on fostering sound environmental stewardship, multiple use of timber lands, and maintaining a sustainable/long-term timber supply.

This is currently the highest-profile position of its like in the United States.

Today, the MFI has tasked us to work aggressively to recruit a key organizational player who will serve as primary contact with governmental forest management agencies. The position is charged with fostering strong relationships and seeks to build cooperation among other entities in resource management. This can range from representing MFI and its members on various resource management and related committees to advising and informing membership of policies, guidelines, and actions that could potentially impact timber supply and forest management activities.

At its heart, the role serves to provide and develop information for MFI membership to make informed decision-making as well as help influence policies impacting private forestland management.

General duties and responsibilities include:
• Maintaining communications with county, state, and federal forest agencies; coordinating and conducting meetings and discussions between the agencies and MFI.
• Representing MFI on various committees and legislative hearings.
• Maintaining relationships with County Land Commissioners and Staff, MN DNR staff, USFS staff, MN Department of Agriculture staff, USF & WS staff.
• Analyzing and preparing comments on current and proposed county, state, and federal forest management plans, policies, and regulations; communicating analytical work to MFI staff and members.
• Performing MFI public relations and communications activities. Provide staff support to the SFI State Implementation Committee, the Tree Farm Committee, the MFI Forestry Affairs Committee, and the MFI Public Relations Committee.
• Remaining current on scientific information and communications on forest management issues.
• Modeling forest management options and alternatives as needed.
• Helping resolve timber sale issues for MFI member companies.
• Assisting Executive Vice President in overall operations of MFI and carrying out programs and activities.
• Collecting data and preparing briefing materials for use with elected officials and other audiences.

The ideal candidate would have an advanced degree in forestry or natural resources, with an emphasis on economics or policy preferred. Knowledge of Minnesota forest resources; governmental forest management planning and decision making processes; forest modeling, GIS, and forest inventory systems preferred with RPF Certification as a strong plus to consideration. The position requires an exceptional ability to develop relationships, speak, write, edit and persuade decision-makers. This includes the ability to interact and work within a private-sector trade association that represents diverse and competing interests to achieve desired results. So, the successful candidate would have strong oral and written communications skills in order to convey the results of analysis and communication with decision-makers. These skills will also be critical when working with the organization's Public Relations Committee (maintaining MFI's social media presence, crafting press releases, articles, and other communications).

Our client has a culture that allows individuals a great deal of flexibility/independence. So, the company is looking for a committed individual that can not only grow professionally in association but who will take ownership of their duties and role within the organization. With that in mind, the position has offices based here in Duluth, but the role could be based remotely anywhere in Northern to Mid Minnesota State. The role requires some occasional overnight travel, including three or more out-of-state events annually.

This could be an excellent fit for an entry to mid-level professional (minimum of 2+ years relevant experience) seeking to grow into a role that they could make their own. It might also be an excellent fit for a proven senior-level individual seeking to find a long-term home with the right organization.

The MFI is offering competitive compensation and benefits package.

For immediate consideration, apply here, through our corporate website at: www.sequencestaffing.com, or submit to:

Sequence Staffing
2008 Opportunity Drive, Suite 150
Roseville, CA 95678
Phone: 916-782-6900
Email: jobs@sequencestaffing.com

"Sequence: Where a handshake still means everything."