Director of Forest Policy

Position Title: Director of Forest Policy
Reports To: MFI Executive Vice President

Position Function
Serve as the primary Minnesota Forest Industries (MFI) contact with governmental forest management agencies. Develop strong relationships and seek cooperation among other entities in resource management. Represent MFI and its members on various resource management and related committees. Advise and inform MFI members of policies, guidelines and actions by those agencies that will have an impact on timber supply and forest management activities. Influence policies impacting private forestland management. Provide and develop information for MFI members for informed decision-making. Perform 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.

Position Duties and Responsibilities
· Maintain communications with county, state and federal forest agencies. Coordinate and conduct meetings and discussions between the agencies and MFI.

· Represent MFI on various committees and legislative hearings as assigned.

· Maintain relationships with County Land Commissioners and Staff, MN DNR staff, USFS staff, MN Department of Agriculture staff, USF&WS staff.

· Analyze and prepare comments on current and proposed county, state and federal forest management plans, policies and regulations. Communicate analytical work to MFI staff and members.

· Remain current on scientific information and communications on forest management issues.

· Help resolve timber sale issues for MFI member companies.

· Assist Executive Vice President in overall operations of MFI and carrying out programs and activities.

· Collect data and prepare briefing materials for use with elected officials and other audiences.

· Provide administrative and program support for state Tree Farm Program.

· Provide primary staff support for MFI Forestry Affairs Committee. Also support the Public Relations Committee as directed.

· Provide primary staff support for SFI State Implementation Committee.

· Maintain MFI’s website and social media presence. Craft press releases, articles and other publications. Prepare proactive industry initiatives.

Qualifications

Master’s 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; GIS; and forest inventory systems preferred. The position requires an exceptional ability to develop relationships, speak, write, edit and persuade decision-makers. Ability to work in a private sector trade association, work on committees that represent diverse and competing interests, and achieve desired results.

Competitive compensation package based on qualifications and experience.