Biofuels Policy Manager

About FMR

The Mississippi River is one of the world’s great rivers, a natural resource of global significance. Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) is a leading nonprofit that protects, restores and enhances the Mississippi River and its watershed primarily in the Twin Cities region. The organization has become a national model for conservation and watershed protection. Our goals are to: improve water quality; conserve important lands; engage people in learning about and taking action to protect and enhance the river; inspire widespread commitment to this natural wonder flowing through our community; and protect our river's unique scenic, natural, cultural and recreational qualities.
 
The organization has an annual budget of $4.3 million and employs a dedicated, professional staff of 26 who work to improve the health of the river through policy advocacy, education and engagement, land conservation and restoration and other disciplines. Over 30 years, FMR has established deep relationships and credibility with thousands of local residents, landowners, neighborhood organizations, volunteers, government agencies and elected officials.
 
With a well-known and respected brand, a seasoned and effective staff, a strong Board of Directors, and an ever-growing base of support, FMR is poised for continued growth and success. The workplace culture at FMR is collaborative and fun, and staff share a common love of the river and dedication to the mission of the organization.

Our office is located in St. Paul’s West Side community, in a historic building across the street from Harriet Island and the river. We enjoy a pet-friendly workplace, and a hybrid working arrangement (Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the office; Monday, Thursday and Friday anywhere you choose). 
 
FMR believes the Mississippi River connects us all, and that social and environmental issues are woven together. Its gifts should flow equally to everyone in our community. We strive to be culturally competent, welcoming and inclusive of all people and are committed to using our resources and influence to redress structural inequality where it intersects with the health and vitality of the Mississippi River.

Biofuels Policy Manager position description

FMR is seeking a passionate and experienced professional to join our Water program. This position will be responsible for managing FMR’s efforts to advocate for biofuel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) solutions that align with our organization’s goals of improving water quality, biodiversity and farm prosperity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the agricultural and transportation sectors.

The Biofuels Policy Manager will work closely with government agencies, policymakers, elected officials, industry stakeholders, university researchers and internal teams to monitor, evaluate and advance low-carbon transportation and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) policies and incentives that help achieve our environmental and sustainability goals. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of biofuel feedstock policies and incentives (for both vehicles and sustainable aviation fuels), a passion for environmental policy and environmental justice, and the ability to work with diverse stakeholders to advance shared objectives. 

Responsibilities

Policy development and advocacy:

• Lead advocacy efforts at the state, regional and federal levels to promote biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel policies that support our water quality, environmental sustainability, greenhouse gas reduction and environmental justice goals.
• Monitor and analyze local, state and federal biofuels policies, regulations and initiatives to evaluate alignment with organizational objectives.
• Engage with policymakers, government agencies, industry stakeholders and environmental organizations to influence legislation, incentives, rules and regulations surrounding biofuel production and utilization in Minnesota.
• Prepare policy briefs, reports and testimony for public hearings or legislative sessions.

Research and analysis:

• Monitor and evaluate evolving biofuels technologies, lifecycle assessments, sustainability metrics and market trends to inform FMR’s policy positions.
• Evaluate the environmental, economic and social impacts of biofuel feedstocks, considering factors such as indirect land use change, water quality, water quantity and agricultural emissions.
• Assist Water program staff and key partners, including the University of Minnesota Forever Green Initiative, in preparing reports, whitepapers and briefings to inform decision-making and advocacy efforts.
• Provide expert insights on biofuel and SAF-related issues to internal and external audiences.

Stakeholder engagement:

• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, farm organizations, environmental groups and advocacy organizations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure alignment between biofuels policy efforts and the organization’s broader river health initiatives.
• Represent the organization in coalition meetings, working groups and public forums on biofuels and sustainable aviation fuel.

Public education and outreach:

• Lead the development of reports, publications and other materials that communicate the organization’s biofuels policy positions and recommendations.
• Work closely with the communications team to ensure effective messaging on biofuels and sustainable aviation fuels policy issues in public campaigns, media outreach and educational materials.
• Develop and deliver educational programs and materials to raise awareness about the perils and promise of biofuel and SAF production.
• Engage with media and the public to communicate the organization's position and priority initiatives.

Skills and qualifications

We encourage interested applicants from all backgrounds to apply, whether or not you think you meet every requirement.

• Bachelor's degree or advanced degree in Environmental Policy, Renewable Energy, Agricultural Science or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in policy analysis, advocacy or public affairs, with a focus on biofuels, sustainable aviation fuels or environmental sustainability.
• Proven track record of successful advocacy at the state or federal level, particularly on agricultural, energy or water policy.
• Expertise in biofuel production technologies, sustainability assessments and environmental impact evaluation methodologies.
• Shares FMR’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and has experience working in cross-cultural settings.
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building skills and the ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse partners and community stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of biofuels, low carbon fuel standards, and sustainable aviation fuel policies and incentives and/or the demonstrated ability to quickly master complex subject matter.  
• Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing, and comfort with public speaking.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan work, meet deadlines and balance multiple projects and priorities.
• Familiarity with biofuel feedstocks and policy.

Salary and benefits

This is a full-time position. The salary range is $70,000-75,000, commensurate with experience (benchmarked against the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Salary & Benefits Survey). Benefits include health; dental and short-term disability insurance; a retirement plan with employer match; and generous paid vacation, sick, personal, holiday and sabbatical leave.