Waxman Strategies — African Forests Campaign Director

Waxman Strategies

AFRICAN FORESTS CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR

Who We Are: WAXMAN is a progressive-minded public affairs firm led by former Congressman Henry Waxman, deemed “one of the most accomplished legislators of his or any era” by President Obama. Now out of Congress, Henry heads WAXMAN’s all-star team, using advocacy, communications and campaigns to help shape policies, advance causes and build movements.

We primarily work in the areas of environment, health care and telecommunications. A sampling of current clients include the Arcus Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, Rainforest Foundation Norway, the National Association of Community Health Centers, California Association of Public Hospitals and American Association of Justice.

What We Need: One of the most significant areas of focus for the firm is the protection of the world’s tropical rainforests, which are critical to stopping climate change, protecting endangered wildlife and providing homes for indigenous communities. Through creative campaigns and savvy negotiating, the WAXMAN team has achieved a series of dramatic victories over the last several years that have secured commitments from the world’s leading agriculture and consumer companies to eliminate deforestation across their supply chains. But there is more work to do to ensure that these policies are implemented across Africa and to lay the groundwork for government action, including groundbreaking new conservation policies and improved governance.

To lead this effort, we are looking for a talented Campaign Director to help us launch a major new initiative that focuses on the protection of the forests, wildlife and communities of the Congo Basin and West Africa. These vast forests are at the front lines of this fight – still largely intact, but facing enormous new pressures from large-scale agricultural interests that are trying to establish vast palm oil, rubber and other plantations on pristine forests.

We are looking for a creative, nimble and experienced Campaign Director who has at least 5 years of experience in issue campaigns and can lead a large-scale international campaign that includes:

• Developing long and short-term strategic campaign plans;
• Integrating communications, field organizing and investigation into a compelling campaign;
• Negotiating with CEOs and high-level policymakers;
• Working closely with civil society organizations in key countries;
• Tracking campaign benchmarks;
• Closely coordinating with other campaign partners; and
• Advising international governments, philanthropies and other donors.

While regional and subject-matter expertise are not necessarily a requirement for this job, they are a huge plus. The ability to fluently or proficiently speak French will also be considered a major asset.

This position is based in Washington, DC. Some international travel will be required.

Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience, and includes a generous benefits package.

To Apply: To apply for a position with our firm, email your resume, a cover letter and writing samples to Casey Farrington at casey@waxmanstrategies.com, subject line: Africa Forest Campaign Director.

Waxman Strategies is an equal opportunity employer; we strictly prohibit discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or expression and any other characteristic protected by law.