FISHERIES POLICY MANAGER 

• Are you passionate about making a difference?
• Are you a natural and outgoing leader?
• Do you enjoy influencing others and negotiating solutions?
• Does the idea of working in a cubicle every day seem soul-crushing?
• Are you looking for a role with career growth over the next few years?

If you’re 5 for 5, then you should learn more about a unique opportunity to join the team at the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance as its new Policy Manager. Pillar Search & HR Consulting is honored to manage this important search.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance is a progressive leader that promotes stewardship of coastal ecosystems and community-based fisheries management through outreach, economic development, and policy programs. Started in 1991 by a small group of commercial hook and line fishermen from Cape Cod, the organization quickly developed into an effective voice for all local fishermen. The operating theory is straightforward: responsible fishing practices and conservative regulations will generate healthy fish stocks and revitalize the region’s fishing communities.

The Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance works closely with fishermen, public officials, scientists, and other non-profits to advocate for a sustainable small-boat fishing fleet while creating smart policies that promote habitat protection, community decision-making, and a viable fishery for the next generation. Learn more at www.capecodfishermen.org.

This full-time job offers a creative opportunity to engage multiple skills working within a dynamic team structure, with serious potential for growth.

Initially, this position will manage and execute all policy and campaign activities, working with the CEO/Policy Director to develop policy positions and strategize advocacy campaigns. The Fisheries Policy Manager will attend state and federal regulatory meetings to monitor proposed changes and represent the local fleet, analyze fishery policy options, build relationships and credibility within the fishing industry and with elected officials, organize fishermen meetings to discuss fisheries issues, write comment letters on proposed regulatory changes (for the organization and for the fishermen), and organize fishermen and the public to participate in advocacy campaigns.

Within 2-3 years, with mentoring from the CEO/Policy Director, it is expected that this position will take over the public policy roles and responsibilities currently held by the CEO and advance to the role of Policy Director. Additionally, the Policy Director will manage a team of 1-2 team members and provide ongoing strategic leadership regarding fisheries policy and advocacy campaigns.

A successful candidate will be adept at speaking with commercial fishermen at the pier or on their boats, talking with Congress and fisheries managers, and arguing for regulatory change in a wide range of important decision-making venues. They should be comfortable advocating for positive change in often contentious debates.

Core Aspects of the Work

• Policy and advocacy work
• Representation of fishermen and the fishing community
• Fishermen communications
• Documentation and reporting
• Influence without authority
• Negotiation
• Problem-solving
• Representation
• Stakeholder focus

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

• Collaborate with fishing membership and staff to identify and evaluate opportunities in the regulatory arena to forward our core mission and specific objectives in each fishery.
• Participate in the planning and decision-making for policy initiatives, develop process management to execute strategy and tactics.
• Attend and coordinate fishermen participation in meetings of the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC) as well as its affiliated Oversight Committees, Plan Development Teams, Science and Statistical Committees, and Advisory Panels (when appropriate).
• Attend and coordinate participation in meetings of the various other state and federal regulatory bodies responsible for fisheries management including Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MA DMF).
• Draft, revise and submit official organizational comments on relevant regulatory and legislative actions.
• Communicate regularly with fishermen in order to build, maintain and improve community relationships; utilize relationships as points of influence for policy campaigns.
• Coordinate member fishermen’s participation in the regulatory process through written and verbal comments on important regulatory changes.
• Manage organizational partnerships and coordinate like-minded stakeholders in the policy arena. Represent the organization at Fishing Communities Coalition and Seafood Harvesters of America.
• Communicate important pending or potential regulatory changes to other members of staff, affected fishermen members, elected state and federal representatives and the public.
• Participate in the drafting, revising and submission of formal funding proposals for policy programs.
• Assist the CEO and/or Development Director during meetings with existing and prospective individual donors and philanthropic foundations.
• Collaborate with the Communications Officer and other staff to identify and evaluate media opportunities to advance policy goals.
• Participate, whenever appropriate, in the drafting and revising of media pieces to further policy and organizational goals.

Required Experience and Competencies

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• 3-5 years relevant experience in policy, campaign planning, and community building
• Desire to grow long-term with an organization to affect lasting change
• Natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among stakeholders with a variety of viewpoints preferred.
• Passion for mission

Key Competencies:

• Adaptability
• Building trust
• Collaboration
• Communication (written and verbal)
• Conflict management
• Cultural competence
• Decision-making
• Engages Others
• Initiative
• Teamwork

Start Date

• Ideally, the new Policy Manager will join the organization no later than January 2023

Salary and Benefits

• The starting annual salary range is $65K-$80K. In addition, the organization offers generous health care coverage upon starting and 401K retirement plan (5% match after one year).

Location of Work

Cape Cod, MA.  The Program Manager is expected to be in the office in Chatham, MA at least 1 day a week; flexible telework options available for the remainder of week, with the expectation of regular travel to regional regulatory meetings and to meet with fishermen (in Cape Cod ports and at office).

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

This can be a high-stress position: handles detailed, complex concepts and problems, balances multiple tasks simultaneously, and engages in contentious discussions.  Plans and meets deadlines. Maintains a flexible work schedule to align with fishermen’s schedules, occasionally weekends and evenings. Travels regularly to regional meetings throughout New England and to meet with fishermen across Cape Cod. Demonstrates commitment to continued professional growth and development. While the position is generally not physically demanding, we expect staff to occasionally go fishing 3-60 miles offshore with industry members, to build trusting relationships and credibility.

To Apply:.

Cindy Joyce, Founder and Executive Search Consultant, Pillar Search & HR Consulting, is managing the Policy Manager search. Please submit your cover letter and resume to Cindy at cindy@pillarsearch.com.

The Fishermen’s Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and provider.