POSITION PURPOSE

The Director of Forest Policy and Sustainability develops strategies to influence forest policy across the Company on the federal and state levels, and in respective regulatory arenas. Provides strategic direction on third-party sustainable forest management certification for Company and property management client operations.  Represent the Company on key federal policy issues and committee work with national associations.  Directs the Company’s Corporate Compliance Program; and reports to senior management and board of directors.  Supervises Manager of Public Affairs and the California Forest Policy and Communications Manager, supports the division General Managers on regulatory affairs, policy development and advocacy at the state level, corporate marketing and communications, political contributions and corporate giving at the state and division level.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (other duties may be assigned)

Forest Policy, Regulation and Certification of Sustainable Forest Management:

• Monitors emerging federal and state policy affecting Company interests including regulatory and certification issues and provides strategic advocacy on proposed new or revised policy, regulatory requirements and certification standards.
• Represents the Company on issues of governance and development of new standards for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification programs.
• Supervises and supports the Manager of Public Affairs and the California Forest Policy and Communications Manager on maintenance of forest certification through engagement of independent auditors, scheduling audits, local stakeholder engagement, and assisting operating divisions with preparation and testing.
• Administers the Green Diamond Resource Company federal multi-candidate political action committee.
• Active engagement with committee work and policy priorities of national associations such as National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, and Forest Landowners Association.
• Prepares Company comments, white papers, and other strategies to influence and improve federal and state forest management regulations and standards.

Marketing, Communications, and Reputation

• Manages Company trademarks and corporate communications such as press releases, website content, intranet content, social media, employee newsletters, and media relations.
• Supports and enhances the Company’s reputation, leveraging Company investments and expertise in forest management, federal and state conservation plans (Habitat Conservation Plans, Candidate Conservation Agreements with Assurances, Safe Harbor Agreements) landscape management projects (e.g. conservation easements and carbon projects), and performance on other issues and metrics of public interest.

Corporate Compliance

• In coordination with the Vice President, General Counsel and operating divisions, monitors forest regulation and certification, environmental, health, and safety compliance across all lands, operations, offices, and facilities of Company and property management clients and prepares semi-annual and annual reports for Company’s senior management and Board.
• Working with Vice President, General Counsel, arranges external compliance reviews/audits and follow-up on findings and recommendations.

State and Local Government and Community Affairs

• Supervises and supports public affairs managers and division general managers on matters of state policy, community relations, local giving, and media relations.
• Works with operating divisions to develop and maintain healthy working relationships with Indian tribes whose reservations, rancherias, and ancestral lands border or include Company lands.
• Monitors and reports on compliance with campaign finance regulations and sunshine laws for registration of lobbyists and reporting of expenditures.
• Oversees corporate giving originating from the Company headquarters and the Mark E. Reed Scholarship Program.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree in forestry or natural resource management, journalism, communications, political science, or related field.
• 10 to 15 years’ experience in regulatory affairs, government relations, public affairs, public relations, media relations and related fields.
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local regulatory, environmental, and social issues that affect Company interests.
• Experience in developing and maintaining relationships with regulators, legislators, legislative staff, and agency personnel.
• Experience working with tribal governments, developing relationships with tribal leaders, and identification of common interests.
• Experience with forest certification programs such as SFI and FSC, and knowledge of forest practice regulations, forest management, and logging practices.
• Experience as a credible, articulate spokesperson.
• An understanding of federal and state legislative and regulatory/administrative process involved in the development of forest management regulations and certification standards and the institutions and the various means for influencing regulatory and certification standards.
• Proficient in the use of personal computers using Microsoft Office Suite products.
• Proficient in the use of social media for Company communications.
• Demonstrated confidence and initiative in planning, recommending and implementing strategies to influence regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to service and collaborative approach to working with colleagues and teams across the Company to achieve Company objectives.
• Ability to interact positively and productively (through written and verbal communications) across functions within the organization, and with key external contacts.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, quantify, and resolve problems in a timely and positive manner, viewing obstacles as opportunities to learn and grown.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize and oversee day-to-day responsibilities of the function(s) assigned.  Must also play an active role in helping to define long-term objectives.
• Ability to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to take ownership of responsibilities, and effectively handle interpersonal relationships with others.
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines, complete projects as previously defined while delivering accurate and high quality work products.
• Ability to work with integrity, trust and commitment, setting an example for others.
• Ability to foster and support a diverse, ethical and respectful workplace.
• Ability to share knowledge and participate in coaching and mentoring others.
• Ability to be adaptable, tolerant of ambiguities, and open to change.
• Knowledge of forest products industry; industry and governmental contacts in regulatory and legislative fields.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Facilitation and negotiating skills.
• Able to work independently and develop innovative and creative approaches to regulatory challenges and issues.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Normal office environment with moderate noise levels, occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs., regular walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing and reaching.
• Ability to perform consistent work on a PC.
• Frequent travel.
• Must be able to tolerate majority of work time spent at a computer console.
• Must have a good judgment of safety to eliminate risk when working in the field and operating a motor vehicle.
• Ability to tour logging operations, attend training and Company functions.
• Must maintain punctual and regular attendance and present appropriate professional appearance at all times.
• Requires the use of standard safety equipment in regulation with GDRCo.
• This position is a Physical and Mental Requirement Classification 1.