PROGRAM ASSOCIATE – ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNICATIONS, RESEARCH 

Position:	Initially Part-Time (20 hours/week), gradually increasing to Full-Time (40 hours/week)
Reports to:	Executive Director
Location: 	San Francisco 

The Program Associate works under the direction of the Executive Director and is responsible for writing website and newsletter articles and reports, developing an on-line subscription newsletter, collaborating on project research and analysis, providing logistical support for organizational workshops and events, and some website maintenance or supervision of website technical assistance (depending on skills and workload).

The Program Associate responsibilities will increase in depth and complexity over time, as part of ongoing training in the environmental and technical expertise unique to Conservatree's background in the environmental paper field.  The Program Associate will, over time, become integrated into increasingly independent functioning in what is now a 2-person office. 

Conservatree began as a commercial paper company in 1976 and then morphed into a non profit policy and research entity in 1998. The current staff and management have a combined 35 years of experience in environmental paper issues and are well respected in the field. The Program Associate will have a unique opportunity to be part of a team of committed professionals who are passionate about eliminating paper production’s negative environmental impacts and inspiring the public and major purchasers to buy environmental papers. 

Conservatree pioneers groundbreaking directions and leadership in the environmental paper field, building bridges between opposing sides while pushing issues forward.  The Program Associate must be very comfortable with multi-tasking, working with complex issues and participants, forging new directions and creatively responding without having a prior blueprint or an assured end-point, taking stands when necessary while also appreciating conflicting sides to issues, and working with a high degree of independence while also meshing well with other staff. 

Specific Responsibilities
•	Assist the Executive Director in writing articles for the second generation of  Conservatree's main website, with continuing articles as needed to document ongoing development and organizational progress
•	Collaborate with the Associate Director in researching (through websites, e-mail, and phone calls) local sources for environmental papers nationwide, writing the resulting website pages, with ongoing updates
•	Develop feasibility plans for an electronic HTML newsletter, work with the Executive Director and a graphic designer on format, write prototypes, lead on building a subscription base with assistance from Executive and Associate Directors, launch and maintain the newsletter
•	Assist other staff with research and drafting project reports
•	Provide logistic and managerial  support for workshops and events
•	Provide ongoing website updates (depending on skills, may supervise website contractor)

Qualifications:
Experience – Bachelor's degree; minimum 3 years experience writing journalistic public communications; research experience in a science or technical field; environmental background or knowledge; experience working with nonprofits and in a nonprofit environment

Knowledge – Knowledge of the paper and/or allied industries most desirable; otherwise environmental background and science/technical orientation

Task Skills and Abilities – Proven writing and communication skills, particularly writing for the public; exceptional ability to turn technical information into easy-to-grasp and interesting articles accessible to the public; fluent computer, website and HTML publication skills (particularly Macintosh); excellent speaking and telephone interviewing skills; scientific and/or technical orientation and comfort with math; critical and independent thinking; ability to retain and synthesize large amounts of detailed information

Organizational Skills and Abilities – Enthusiasm for working as a team member, collaborating with and supporting other staff; ability to be decisive yet also participate in consensus decision-making; proven ability to effectively plan, pace and finish projects on time; ability to multi-task and prioritize among competing pressing issues; resourcefulness and comfort with working with limited resources; aptitude for anticipating problems and issues and finding creative solutions that fit within organizational directions; upbeat attitude and willingness to embrace challenges and change; good listening skills, patience and empathy; flexibility.

Salary/Benefits:	Low to Mid- $40’s (Full-Time), great benefits for both Part-Time and Full-Time Position

To Apply: Please submit cover letter, resume and three short professional writing samples to search committee: janis.brewer@sbcglobal.net

Posted: September 20, 2005, rolling interview schedule – apply ASAP

Conservatree, a Project of the Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women and people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender communities.