Careers

Current Openings

director of policy and advocacy

Title: Director of Policy and Advocacy
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Executive Director
Location: Saint Paul, MN

Summary:

For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (“Friends”) has been at the forefront of protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness from threats to this pristine wilderness. Today, proposed copper-nickel sulfide mines threaten the Boundary Waters and the other clean waters of northeastern Minnesota. Friends is seeking a Director of Policy and Advocacy to oversee all policy and advocacy functions and lead our legislative and executive branch efforts at the federal, state, and local levels to meet this unprecedented threat to the Boundary Waters. This senior position is an extraordinary opportunity for a talented and hardworking individual to lead a growing government relations and advocacy team to make a lasting difference.

The person in this position must be a strategic thinker, with a demonstrated ability to operationalize strategy through disciplined execution and attention to detail. The ideal candidate has legislative, government relations, and political experience in both Washington, DC and Minnesota. This person is also responsible for overseeing and implementing the work of Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network (“Action Network”), the Friends’ affiliate 501(c)(4) organization, which implements both political and non-political work to advance the shared mission of protecting the Boundary Waters.

Primary Relationships:
  • Reports to the Executive Director
  • Manages and mentors the government relations and advocacy team
  • Serves as the primary staff liaison to the Policy Committee of the Friends Board of Directors
  • Manages the operations of the Action Network, including developing the budget in cooperation with the Operations Director and implementing fundraising efforts in cooperation with the Development Director 
  • Works with the Legal Director to ensure that litigation and other legal strategies complement legislative and other advocacy and policy strategies
  • Works with the Communications Director to develop impactful, multi-faceted advocacy communications and media strategies for the Friends and Action Network
  • Works with the Development Director to support and implement effective fundraising strategies for the Friends and Action Network
  • Works with the Operations Director to develop the budget for the Action Network and for advocacy efforts of the Friends
  • Works with the Climate Change and Conservation Director to support policies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the Boundary Waters and northeastern Minnesota
  • Works collaboratively with all other staff to create a supportive atmosphere at the Friends
Responsibilities:
  • Develops and implements comprehensive advocacy and policy strategy at the federal, state and local levels to protect the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel sulfide mining and other threats to the wilderness
  • Develops and implements comprehensive lobbying and electoral strategy for the Action Network to support Boundary Waters champions for public office
  • Manages, mentors, and inspires the government relations and advocacy team
  • Ensures effective government relations with Congress and the Minnesota Legislature, including making visits to legislative offices, presenting legislative testimony, preparing the Executive Director or other staff to present testimony, and maintaining these relationships during and outside of legislative sessions
  • Ensures effective government relations with key regulatory and executive departments and agencies, including the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
  • Strengthens and grows relationships with key strategic partners, including expanding the Friends’ Clean Water Coalition into a national movement of businesses, organizations, and faith institutions committed to protecting the Boundary Waters and Minnesota’s other waters from copper-nickel sulfide mining
  • Strengthens and grows the Citizen Action Network of committed volunteers who support the advocacy efforts of the Friends
  • Tracks, analyzes, and synthesizes emerging policy issues
Qualifications:
  • 10-15 years of experience in government relations, lobbying, political campaigns or elected office
  • Extensive experience in developing legislative, political, and other advocacy strategies
  • Experience with the Minnesota Legislature and/or regulators strongly preferred, but not required
  • Extensive experience in managing, mentoring, and inspiring staff
  • Strong understanding of lobbying and campaign compliance requirements
  • Experience in fundraising for nonprofit organizations and/or political campaigns
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Attention to detail and strong follow-through
  • Ability to work independently as well as with a team
Compensation and Benefits:
  • $120,000 – $150,000
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan
  • In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, the Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. 
  • Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options
  • We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development
To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Bree Sikorski
2550 University Ave W, Suite 180S
Saint Paul, MN 55114

bree@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Director of Policy and Advocacy.”

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

At Friends, we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. The Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.

Minnesota Government relations manager

Title: Minnesota Government Relations Manager
Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Director of Policy and Advocacy
Location: Saint Paul, MN

Summary:

For 50 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (“Friends”) has been at the forefront of protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness from threats to this pristine wilderness. Today, proposed copper-nickel sulfide mines threaten the Boundary Waters and the other clean waters of northeastern Minnesota. Friends is seeking a Minnesota Government Relations Manager to serve as Friends’ principal liaison to elected and other government officials in Minnesota to advance our mission. This position will help develop and implement a state legislative strategy. This will include building grassroots support, identifying and implementing actions and communications to support Friends’ legislative and policy work, and staying knowledgeable about relevant existing and proposed legislation and regulatory or executive actions. This position will also work with our affiliated 501(c)4, Friends of the Boundary Waters Action Network, which does both political and non-political work to advance our mission. 

Primary Relationships:
  • Reports to the Director of Policy and Advocacy
  • Supervises Government Relations Associate and Community Organizer
  • Works effectively with all Friends’ staff and Board of Directors 
Responsibilities:
  • Represents Friends before the Minnesota Legislature and State regulatory agencies
  • Builds and manages strong relationships within the Minnesota Legislature, agencies, and local governments and maintains these relationships both during and outside of the legislative sessions
  • Works with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to develop and implement strategies for passing Friends legislation
  • Implement legislative strategies to secure ENRTF and other public funding
  • Attends relevant coalition meetings, government committees and hearings, and events
  • Supervises the Government Relations Associate and the Community Organizer
  • Work with the Outreach and Events Manager to plan and implement events and other activities to support Friends legislative and policy goals, such as town halls, news conferences and presentations. This also includes an annual Day at the Capitol for supporters to meet with their legislators.
  • Works closely with Communications staff to develop advocacy campaigns
  • Maintain current knowledge of existing and proposed legislation and regulatory or executive actions that are relevant to the Friends mission
  • Work for the Friends affiliated 501(c)4 organization 
Qualifications:
  • 4-6 years of experience in government relations, lobbying and/or working with elected officials
  • Knowledge of legislative and executive processes
  • Experience communicating with and presenting to a variety of stakeholders, including legislators and their staff, agencies, and other partners
  • Ability to communicate complex concepts through verbal and written communication
  • Attention to detail and strong follow-through
  • Ability to work independently as well as with a team
  • Excellent critical and strategic thinking skills
Compensation and Benefits:
  • $80,000 – $90,000 per year salary
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan
  • In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, the Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. 
  • Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options
  • We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development
To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Case McCullough
Administrative Coordinator
casey@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Minnesota Government Relations Manager.”

Applications will be accepted until October 16, 2026.

At Friends we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. The Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. 

Cook County Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator

TITLE: Cook County Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator 
CLASSIFICATION: Full-time
LOCATION: Grand Marais, MN

Friends of the Boundary Waters is seeking a full-time Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator to work in Cook County and along the North Shore. This position will work to develop authentic relationships with community members and to strengthen support for our advocacy efforts to protect the Boundary Waters through events, knowledge sharing, and clean water advocacy. This position will be responsible for planning and running events hosted by Friends, tabling at community-led events, and giving presentations about Friends’ mission. This position will create space for local people, businesses and organizations to learn more about our work to protect the Boundary Waters and to advocate for solutions that serve the wilderness and the community. Additionally, this position will support Friends’ Education programming in the area. The ideal candidate will be someone with excellent relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills who can deepen Friends’ presence in Cook County and who has a passion for protecting the Boundary Waters. 

Primary Relationships:
  • Maintains a supportive and effective relationship with Ely staff
  • Works effectively with other departments, particularly Communications, Development, Education, and Government Relations.
Responsibilities:

Outreach and Advocacy (80%) 

  • Meeting with outfitters, lodges, and other businesses throughout Cook County
  • Organizing community events in Grand Marais and the surrounding area such as recreation events, tabling, presentations, and film screenings. Continuing to strengthen partnerships include outfitters, lodges, businesses, and non-profits
  • Developing a regular community touchpoint to connect community members, businesses, and nonprofits in Grand Marais on common issues by creating space for conversation and learning opportunities
  • Connecting with and recruiting businesses for the Clean Water Coalition in Cook County
  • Coordinate with the Government Relations team to advocate for the Boundary Waters locally, including legislation around copper-sulfide mining and other arising issues. 
  • Coordinating and organizing events in Grand Marais, including the Grand Marais Art Festival, Fisherman’s Picnic, and Gunflint Trail Event, including volunteer recruitment, outreach for the event, and post-event follow-up
  • Setting up and delivering talks at organizations on the work of Friends of the Boundary Waters
  • Being present at events in Grand Marais, Grand Portage, and throughout Cook County. 
  • Regular community engagement with Grand Portage through meetings, events, and/or education connections. 

Education (20%) 

  • Assisting with programs in Cook County, Duluth, and Fond du Lac
  • Supporting summer Boundary Waters trip prep through workshops and occasional trip pack-outs
  • Supporting select day programming and field trips
Qualifications:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills including strong public speaking skills
  • Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to build strong relationships
  • Ability to develop and maintain partnerships with community-based or other grassroots groups
  • Ability to engage positively with a broad array of people and constituencies
  • At least one year of experience planning and executing large or small-scale events
  • Ability to take initiative and actively seek out opportunities that arise
  • Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
  • Ability to work independently and in collaboration with staff and outside partners
  • Ability and willingness to travel frequently along the Gunflint Trail, to Grand Portage, and throughout Cook County. Occasional travel to Duluth and Fond du Lac will also be required.
  • Willingness to work evenings and weekends
  • Passion for preserving the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and its ecosystem.
  • Experience working with youth, preferred but not required
Compensation and Benefits:
  • $50,000 – $60,000 per year salary
  • Paid vacation and sick leave, health and dental insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan
  • In addition to paid vacation and sick leave, the Friends provides a $600 stipend and five additional paid vacation days to each employee to take time off and recharge in the Boundary Waters or Quetico. 
  • Flexible working hours and hybrid in-person/remote working options
  • We encourage life-long learning and ongoing professional development
To Apply:

Submit a cover letter, resume and three references to:

Case McCullough
Administrative Coordinator
casey@friends-bwca.org

In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Cook County  Community Outreach and Advocacy Coordinator.”

Applications will be accepted until October 21, 2026

At Friends we have a clear vision to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay, and do their best work. The Friends is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. 

Opening – Board of Directors

Summary

The Board of Directors determines the mission, strategic direction, and programming for Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness (“Friends”). A Director ensures and nurtures adequate human and financial resources and actively monitors and evaluates the Executive Director’s performance and the Friends’ financial results. A Director approves and systematically implements policies to ensure achievement of the mission of the Friends.

Primary Relationship
  • Reports to the Board Chair
  • Works closely with the Executive Director and other staff to ensure the achievement of the mission
  • Works closely with and gets to know other Board and committee members and builds collegial working relationships that contribute to consensus
  • Serves as a spokesperson outside the organization and delivers consistent, compelling messages on mission, programs, and finances, and encourages civic participation
Leadership Responsibilities
  • Knows and commits to the Friends’ mission, vision, and values
  • Provides leadership continuity by ensuring Board succession, including identifying, recruiting, and orienting new members
  • Is knowledgeable about Friends’ policies, programs, and operations, and oversees their implementation and evaluation
  • Is accessible and responsive to other Directors and staff
  • Actively seeks out financial and other resources for the organization
Management Responsibilities
  • Engages in strategic planning
  • Approves written policies and procedures governing the work and actions of the Friends’ employees and volunteers
  • Hires, sets the compensation for, and annually evaluates the performance of the Executive Director
  • Reviews the overall compensation structure for staff and establishes policies on employee benefits, vacation, and sick leave
Fiscal Responsibilities
  • Approve the annual operating budget; at least four times per year assesses the organization’s financial performance
  • Assists in developing fundraising plans and actively participates in fundraising initiatives each year
  • Makes an annual gift to the Friends as circumstances allow. There is no minimum contribution amount, but the Friends should be in a Director’s top three charities for annual giving.
  • Ensure that an internal review of the Friends’ compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial reporting requirements is conducted annually
Board Meetings and Committees Responsibilities
  • Regularly prepares for, attends, and participates in Board meetings
  • Participates actively in at least one Board committee
Committee Chair Description
  • The Committee Chair presides or assigns someone to preside at all meeting of the respective committee. The Committee Chair has general supervision, direction, and active management of the committee’s affairs, working in partnership with staff and volunteers. The Committee Chair reports to the Board Chair.
To Be Considered

Email a CV or Resume and the answers to the following questions:

  • What about joining the Friends’ Board of Directors interests you?
  • What is your connection, if any, to the Boundary Waters?
  • Are you willing and able to participate in quarterly Board meetings (about 3 hours), quarterly committee meetings, and at times ad hoc meetings as needed?

To Case McCullough at casey@friends-bwca.org. In the subject line of any electronic communication, please put “Board of Directors.”