Land and Advocacy Specialist, Save the Dunes - Northwest Indiana

Job Opening:  Land and Advocacy Specialist
General Description
Save the Dunes, a non-profit conservation organization in northwest Indiana seeks a motivated,
versatile, professional individual for full-time position as Land and Advocacy Specialist. Candidate must be proficient in using ESRI ArcView ® Software and GoogleEarth ®. Seeking an individual with exceptional organizational and communication skills, and ability to conduct research and write news briefs about a wide variety of environmental advocacy issues. Must be comfortable speaking in public.

The Land and Advocacy Specialist provides support to the Executive Director and applies mapping expertise, research and communication skills to achieve organizational goals. This is a grant-funded, one-year position that may be extended should additional funding be secured.

Responsibilities:
• Maintaining and elaborating the Save the Dunes GIS database and maps catalog.
• Working with the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to map out boundary expansion and/or
buffer needs to protect the Lakeshore. Maintaining detailed attribute data for these parcels.
• Coordinating with staff at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and regional conservation
organizations on land conservation projects, planning exercises, and threats to the dunes
ecosystem.
• Assisting with property research, mailings, deed and document recording. Includes researching,
bidding on, and perfecting deeds for property available at tax sale.
• Following through on projects as assigned by the Executive Director on a wide variety of
environmental advocacy efforts. (It is not expected that the candidate would be an expert in these
issues, but be able to delve into complex research efforts to assist with our activism.)
• Representing Save the Dunes at public meetings and testifying on our behalf at public hearings on
various environmental advocacy matters.
• Applying for grants, evaluating grant funding opportunities and engaging with funders. Compiling
grant reports and managing budgets.
• Helping with other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, which may include, but not be
limited to general office tasks, attending and reporting on meetings, fundraising efforts and
networking events.
• Laying out, editing, and soliciting articles and article materials for monthly eNews, press releases,
and fact sheets about our work. Amplifying our work via social media.
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in geography, natural resource management, environmental science,
environmental or public policy, or related field.

Of Note:
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must own or have regular access to a vehicle.
• Position would begin at the end of May or early June 2013. Strong preference for resident of Northwest Indiana or willingness to relocate to the area.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Desired:
• Has strong organizational, administrative and record-keeping skills.
• Exhibits excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Speaks in public with confidence.
• Understands environmental sciences and natural resources.
• Shares an interest in environmental issues and policies.
• Comfortable with GPS units and GIS software; proficiency in ESRI ArcView ®, GoogleEarth ®,
Microsoft Office Word®, Excel® and PowerPoint®; and other basic computer applications.
Willingness to learn to use Constant Contact® and the Wordpress content management system
pending completion of new website design.
• Carries out responsibilities independently and dependably to complete projects with accuracy and
thoroughness.
• Able to work with diverse partners and to resolve conflicts in a professional manner.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
• Viewing computer terminal, perceiving and transcribing data with accuracy, and keyboarding.
• Communicating with telephone callers and associates.
• Occasionally walking long distances and spending extensive time outdoors in a variety of weather
conditions.
• Occasionally standing for sustained periods of time.
• Ascending and descending stairs daily.
• Occasionally lifting of up to 30 lbs.

Compensation
 Salary range is between $33,000 to $35,000 (dependent upon qualifications).
 Modest health reimbursement package available after 90-day probationary period; retirement
benefits may be available should funding be secured to extend employment beyond one year.
Equal Employment Opportunity
 In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals,
employment decisions at Save the Dunes will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities.  Save
the Dunes does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race,
color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic
protected by law.
 Save the Dunes participates in the E-Verify Program, an Internet-based system that allows
businesses to determine the eligibility of their employees to work in the United States.

To Apply
Mail resume and letter of interest no later than Friday, March 29, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time to:  
Save the Dunes
Attention:  Nicole Barker
444 Barker Road
Michigan City, IN 46360
or e-mail with subject line “Land and Advocacy Specialist” to office@savedunes.org.
No phone calls please.