Job Tag: Law/Policy

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that represents America’s 3,000 conservation districts and the 17,000 individuals who serve on their governing boards. Conservation districts are local units of government established under state law to carry out natural resource management programs at the local level. Districts work with millions of cooperating landowners and operators to help them manage and protect land and water resources on private and public lands in the United States.

Position Description: The Government Affairs Specialist is a full-time position based in Washington, DC that supports NACD’s federal advocacy and policy agenda by leading analysis within assigned issue areas and supporting legislative and stakeholder engagement efforts. This role applies independent analytical judgment while operating within Director-approved policy and advocacy frameworks. The Specialist serves as a subject-matter resource and supports NACD leadership and members through policy analysis, communications, and grassroots advocacy execution.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced coursework or experience in public policy preferred.
At least 4 years experience in federal policy, advocacy, government relations, or related experience.
Significant professional experience working with Congress and federal agencies.
Strong analytical, writing, and relationship-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple issue areas and deadlines.
Willingness to travel as required.

The Ecology Center seeks a senior-level Director of Environmental Justice to develop and direct environmental health and justice program campaigns at the Ecology Center, including coalition work related to clean air.

Our ideal Director of Environmental Justice is a dynamic, experienced, and creative leader who is passionate about environmental justice, and who has the vision and skills to take our environmental justice and health programming into its next chapter. The Director of Environmental Justice will provide leadership to our environmental health team to plan and execute Ecology Center’s education, policy, and advocacy campaigns related to environmental justice and our clean air work. The Director of Environmental Justice will play a leadership role in Clear the Air, a coalition established in 2024 by Ecology Center and 22 partner organizations dedicated to the right of all Michiganders to breathe healthy air.

This person will have experience building diverse coalitions that center the needs of impacted community members. They are excited about developing new programs and campaigns, and bring strong skills in program management, fundraising and grant development, and program budgeting. The Director of Environmental Justice will have a strong understanding of the environmental justice movement in Michigan and beyond.

This is a permanent full-time position at 40 hours per week, with a preference for a candidate based in Detroit, Michigan. This position is a remote hybrid, with the option to work from our Detroit office, and an expectation of in-person engagement in community settings, and monthly in-person attendance at staff meetings at our Ann Arbor office.

Qualifications

At least 7 years of experience in environmental health, climate and energy, toxics and waste issues, air pollution and monitoring, environmental justice and/or related field
Skilled in community organizing and/or coalition building
Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
A well-developed network of relationships within the environmental justice movement, preferably in Detroit and/or other Michigan community
A strategic thinker, with experiences developing and leading community-based campaigns and campaign strategy that employ systems thinking and root causes
Skilled in program planning, development and implementation
Competent in fund development, maintaining funder relationships, networking and connections to support the continued success of the program.
Experience with grant administration, including budgeting and tracking expenses, managing contracts and subgrants, grant writing and reporting.
Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills

Salary Range: $84,872 to $92,372

The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC comprises more than 500 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses that work together to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. As the only organization that focuses on flooding across all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to advance solutions that keep communities safe.

Position Summary

We are seeking an Associate State Policy Director to manage policy analysis and development across AFC’s state work. The position will join our growing State Strategy Team, which is responsible for engaging and supporting AFC’s state legislator and agency stakeholders in order to advance AFC’s state policies to address flooding. This position will provide people management of multiple early-career staff, analyze existing state programs, develop forward-looking policy strategies, and recommend improvements to state efforts. The ideal candidate will be a driven policy professional who has outstanding people and project management skills, and is able to synthesize complex ideas and information, learn quickly, and share knowledge effectively. Due to the highly collaborative nature of this role, this full-time position will be located in our headquarters in Washington, DC. This position will report to our State Policy Director and will also work closely with our State Government Relations Team, Technical Team, Local Engagement Team, and State Directors. While this is a primarily internal-facing role, occasional travel is required and up to 15% travel per year may be needed.

Qualifications

At least 7 years of directly relevant experience, including significant applied experience with state, federal, or local resilience policy and/or programs, preferably related to flooding, water, disaster mitigation, or infrastructure, required. This could look like experience in a state legislature or state agency, local government, or policy-focused nonprofit.
A strong track record of direct people and team management experience, with responsibilities for performance reviews, professional development, and work oversight required.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.
Proven track record leading collaboration and project management across multiple contributors to achieve high-impact policy-related work products and outcomes required; experience collaborating frequently with virtual team members preferred but not required.
Applied knowledge of relevant state legislative processes and mechanisms preferred but not required.
Experience working in or with state government entities preferred but not required.
Willingness to travel between DC and AFC’s focus states up to 15% of time required.

Salary range: $95,000 – $120,000

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks bi-lingual Counsel.

The Counsel position is an opportunity for a bilingual (Spanish/English) junior to mid-level attorney with a passion for conservation, strong project management skills, and a desire to learn about and support a diverse portfolio of projects.

The Counsel will work closely with the Deputy General Counsel and other team members to provide legal services on a wide range of complex matters, with particular emphasis on employment matters and investigations, compliance, contract negotiation, and other issues affecting WWF’s offices in the United States and Latin America. Other areas may include non-profit tax matters, data privacy, litigation, technology, intellectual property, and other relevant areas. The Counsel will apply analytical and risk management skills to serve organizational needs efficiently and effectively and will identify and clearly articulate complex legal concepts and options to legal team members, project managers, and high-level business unit managers. The Counsel will be responsible for developing, directing, and managing multiple projects or transactions, supporting implementation of strategic program goals, and observing governance requirements. The Counsel will ensure that transactions and activities are legally sound and consistent with the organization’s mission, authority, policies, and procedures. The Counsel will work closely with outside local counsel in support of our offices outside of the United States.

Qualifications

Law Degree and D.C. bar membership (or membership in another bar with ability to become member of DC bar).
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken) required.

3-6 years of experience in the legal profession, including relevant practice area(s), are required.
Proven experience analyzing risks and providing legal advice, including drafting memoranda, agreements, or other legal instruments.
Strong skills with project management, systems and processes improvement, etc.
Interest in working with employment law, contracts, investigations, etc.

Strong and effective writing and communication skills.

Solid legal research and analysis skills.

Ability to coordinate and manage the support and advice from outside local counsel for organization’s operations worldwide.

Interest in and ability to quickly and effectively learn and apply the fundamentals of additional areas of law, as needed.

Ability to travel internationally as needed (no more than 10% of the time anticipated).

Salary Range: $100,000 – $147,700

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Federal Policy Fellow in the Advocacy and Restoration Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.

The Policy Analyst plays a key role in tracking and analyzing federal legislative and regulatory policies impacting the Bay watershed including within the state/federal partnership committed to saving the Bay. This person will coordinate and share information across the organization on federal policies impacting our organizational priorities. This is a two-year, term-limited position with the potential for extension into a third year.

Essential Functions:

Monitor, track and analyze federal legislation relevant to saving the Bay including watch and provide summaries of hearings and markups, review appropriations bills, and maintain an awareness of ongoing policy priorities as well as identify emerging policy issues.
Monitor, track and summarize actions by federal agencies including reviewing the President’s budget request and the regulatory agenda.
Support the federal and communications teams in preparing substantive policy materials including letters to the administration, federal agencies, and Congress, issue briefs, blogs, fact sheets and talking points to advocate for our position with different audiences.
Attend and provide written summaries of meetings for the state/federal partnership and coordinate and disseminate information to internal teams.
Collaborate and coordinate across the organization on federal regulatory and legislative policies impacting the Bay, including participate in internal calls, research and analyze policies on the federal level, and help develop strategies for address them.
Other duties as assigned.

Professional Experience and Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree plus at least two years of policy experience, including on Capitol Hill, in a federal agency, at a government relations firm or a nonprofit or advocacy organization, or a comparable combination of experience, knowledge and skills.

Salary Range: $69,000 – $72,000

At the Sierra Club, we believe in the power of interdependence. Together, we remain committed to the fight for a healthy climate built on a foundation of environmental, racial, economic,and gender justice – a future where all people benefit from a healthy, thriving planet and a direct connection to nature.

The Legislative and Political Organizer plays a key role in strengthening the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter’s volunteer-driven legislative and political advocacy. Working closely with the Legislative and Political Director, the Organizer focuses on building the grassroots power necessary to advance environmental priorities at the state level. The Organizer, along with the Legislative and Political Director, leads the organization and execution of citizen lobby days, district-level lawmaker meetings, and other grassroots advocacy actions. They build and support volunteer leadership teams, facilitate training for activists on legislative engagement, and coordinate ongoing volunteer communication and engagement cycles tied to key legislative and electoral campaigns.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend work for volunteer meetings and public events; requires an ability to travel within the state with a valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record; and may require occasional out-of-state travel to regional or national meetings.

The successful candidate must demonstrate the following skills, experience and competencies:

Grassroots organizing & teamwork. You have experience working with groups using democratic decision-making. You have worked with partners to achieve shared goals by building pressure on a decision-maker through escalating advocacy tactics. You can manage a fast-moving, dynamic campaign plan involving multiple stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and decision-makers. You can motivate groups of people to take action for a cause and find joy in developing leaders while building grassroots power. Experience lobbying or representing elected or appointed office at any level of government is highly desirable.
Strong written, oral & facilitation skills. You can communicate complex topics clearly and concisely while tailoring your message to meet the needs of both internal and external stakeholders. You are comfortable speaking in front of large and small groups, hosting virtual convenings, leading group discussions, and facilitating hands-on workshops. You are able to convey information and help everyone share their ideas while moving through an intentional agenda in a timely manner. Reliable communicator who regularly follows up with volunteer leaders.
Project Management: Self-starter with project management and facilitation skills. Able to work well on teams to accomplish goals. Able to facilitate others to buy into projects and timelines. Demonstrates the ability to create rapport and inspire trust. Open to feedback and learning new skills.
Equity Analysis and Practice. You are aware of your group identities and how they have shaped your life and experiences at work. You have an analysis of how racism and other forms of oppression in society impact relationships, systems and culture. You bring experience and skills for working effectively with colleagues across group identities and position/role.
Committed to evolution: You are committed to continuously deepening and evolving your own understanding of systems of oppression through study, openness, and humility. And you easily recognize your own relationship to privilege and power, examining and shifting your behaviors as appropriate.
Tech Proficiency. Experience using Google Suite, Zoom and social media platforms.

The strongest candidates will also demonstrate the following skills, experience, and competencies:

Issue Expertise: Knowledge of environmental issues, and either expertise or an ability to develop expertise in state energy, water, transportation, climate justice, and/or conservation areas.
Political Expertise: Knowledge of the political, policy, and regulatory landscape in the state. Best candidates will have some relationships and/or an understanding of the major players in business, organizations, and government. They will also have experience working on electoral campaigns and working with candidates running for office.
Volunteer Development: Track record of recruiting and developing volunteer leaders along a progression of leadership. Skillful at building trusting, mutually accountable relationships with a diversity of volunteer leaders. Skillful at placing volunteers with roles that match their expertise and passions.
Digital Tools: Experience with digital organizing tools like Hustle or VAN.

The salary range for this position is $59,000 – $62,000 annually.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Director, Federal Affairs to lead AZA’s and AZA Action’s government affairs activities on Capitol Hill. The Director will lobby on issues impacting the AZA community and build and maintain relationships with key congressional offices, with an emphasis on the House Committee on Natural Resources; Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works Committee; and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. This position is a hybrid role with AZA and AZA’s advocacy organization, AZA Action.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Senior Vice President, External Affairs. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office or on Capitol Hill.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of AZA’s conservation and natural resources congressional outreach strategy, including lobbying congressional offices to further AZA’s policy goals
Build relationships and maintain frequent interactions with members of Congress and staff
Attend political events and Capitol Hill hearings and briefings
Grow and support the bipartisan Congressional Zoo and Aquarium Caucus
Develop issue briefs and other documents and materials to support AZA’s congressional advocacy efforts
Support planning AZA’s Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., including the annual congressional reception
Participate in relevant policy coalitions
Help coordinate activities of the AZA Government Affairs Committee, particularly the Legislative & Policy Working Group
Attend AZA conferences and related meetings to support departmental responsibilities which may include presenting information, assisting with sessions, or coordinating activities.
Perform other duties as requested

Qualifications

Education and Experience

5+ years of congressional affairs experience, preferably on Capitol Hill, with a political campaign, and/or with a member service association
2+ years of experience leading projects, teams, or key initiatives
Bachelor’s degree required; major in political science or related field strongly preferred
Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations a plus

Skills and Abilities

Strong knowledge of the U.S. federal legislative and political processes
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional offices and non-governmental organization representatives
Strong strategic, diplomatic, and organizational skills
Exceptional skills in communication, both oral and written
Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team
Ability to represent AZA, its programs, and members professionally and to serve as a voice to external audiences
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with AZA staff and Association members
Ability to travel required

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) seeks its next Montana State Director to lead the Montana Business Unit (BU) and serve as a partner with colleagues in TNC’s Western US and Canada Division as we execute on our ambitious conservation goals.

The Montana State Director functions as the visionary leader, senior manager, and principal ambassador for a mid-size, complex BU. The Montana State Director will lead an effective and seasoned team creating durable conservation outcomes in some of Montana’s most critical grasslands, forests and sagebrush steppe regions. The Montana Chapter achieves large-scale land and water protection and management outcomes, ecologically-focused stewardship, and common-sense policy outcomes through effective partnerships with community-led organizations, private landowners, NGOs, and Tribal, Federal, State and Local agencies. The State Director is accountable for the BU’s success in implementing TNC’s conservation approach, producing measurable conservation results and maintaining organizational values. They ensure outcomes are achieved in priority areas that fall within the BU’s responsibilities, and contribute intellectual, financial, and/or human resources to the formulation and execution of priority cross-boundary efforts. They support the alignment of activities by securing, coordinating, and configuring resources, capacity, and programs to address the most critical organization-wide projects, threats and strategies. They are responsible for collaborating with others on the procurement and application of resources to address the conservation priorities established by TNC, both in their ecoregions or BU and in areas beyond their span of authority. They serve as the primary local spokesperson for TNC to internal and external audiences (including staff, volunteers, the Board of Trustees, public and private donors, government agencies and officials, community leaders and other partners) and cultivate those audiences to support and promote TNC’s mission and vision.

The Montana State Director oversees the leaders of conservation, external affairs, fundraising, and finance for the BU and partners with Division-wide leaders of marketing/communications, finance, conservation, and HR. Leadership will include approving budgets, setting priorities which dictate private and public fundraising goals, supporting philanthropy, resources and external affairs staff in the cultivation and direct solicitation of donors (private, bilateral and multilateral government) to meet fundraising goals. They are responsible for a significant portion of the BU’s direct fundraising.

In addition to their responsibilities leading and managing the Montana BU, the Montana State Director serves on the Leadership Team for the Western US & Canada Division. The Division’s current priorities include cross-boundary, system-scale initiatives in Indigenous-led Conservation, major river restoration, forest, grassland and sagebrush steppe health, climate and renewable energy, and federal policy and public lands. The Montana State Director will lead fundraising efforts and deploy staff to support these Division-level initiatives. The Montana State Director plays a leadership role in local-to-global fundraising for The Nature Conservancy.

The Montana State Director reports to the Western US and Canada Division Director and works closely with the local Trustees.

What You’ll Bring:

Bachelor’s degree and minimum of 7 years of management experience or equivalent relevant combination.

Leading and managing a mid-size multi-disciplinary team with the strong ability to motivate, lead, set objectives and manage performance.

Direct experience working and operating in Montana state.

Experience in natural resources and/or the environment more broadly.

Strategic planning and systems thinking for large, complex initiatives.

Financial experience managing a multi-million-dollar budget.

Experience communicating with and presenting to different types of audiences, including donors, board members, employees, and outside partners.

Experience working with Indigenous tribes and sovereign nations.

Fluency in English; excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desired Qualifications:

10+ years’ experience as a proven leader in the conservation arena, non-profit sector, advocacy, or related for-profit area, including demonstrated experience producing results and meeting program/department goals.

Experience demonstrating general knowledge of the natural resources of Montana and the Western US, their conservation challenges, and current management approaches.

Experience in fundraising and commitment to increase program fundraising success in support of the Conservancy’s global, regional, and local priorities, especially by identifying innovative forms of fundraising, cultivating major donors, and forging relationships and results in the Montana market.

Experience building partnerships or multi-lateral agreements across business and/or government.

Experience creating and fostering an environment that allows staff to feel empowered and creating a culture of trust, fairness, and development.

Experience cultivating strong interpersonal engagement and relationships in a global, multicultural context and developing relationships to drive organizational outcomes.

Experience demonstrating skills in board development and recruitment for fundraising and influencing results.

Exposure to policy influence and development.

Navigating and leading within a global, matrixed organization.

Experience demonstrating knowledge of the tech industry, such as key organizations and navigating contacts within them.

Please note that this role includes ~40% of time traveling within the state of Montana and ~10% traveling out of state. During the initial 3-4 months, travel may be as much as 75% of total time.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $152,000 – $180,000 for annual base salary.

Established in 1978, Arizona Land and Water Trust (Trust) is now celebrating its 47th year of operation. Arizona Land and Water Trust protects Southern Arizona’s vanishing western landscapes, its farms and ranches, wildlife habitat, and the waters that sustain them. To date, the Trust has permanently protected over 71,700 acres and conserved over one million gallons of water in Southern Arizona.

This Role

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Land & Water Program Director is a pivotal position at the Trust which identifies, develops and completes land and water transactions in Southeastern Arizona in accordance with the Trust’s strategic plan. Specifically, the Program Director is responsible for managing individual real estate transactions, including fee title and conservation easement projects, from initial conceptualization through landowner negotiations and due diligence to final transaction closing and recordkeeping as well as supporting the Trust’s long-term stewardship, restoration and resiliency efforts. They will support the Land and Water Program team with project planning, GIS mapping, grant administration, and outreach including developing and strengthening partnerships with landowners, government agencies, conservation organizations and funding sources. These partnerships further the Trust’s mission to plan, develop and implement conservation acquisitions protecting significant land and water resources. The Land & Water Program Director also provides supervision to Program Staff as directed by the Executive Director. Like all current staff, the Program Director will support a variety of efforts, and must be highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and have the ability to work independently when required. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a collaborative non-profit organization.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g. land use planning, natural resource management, pre‐law, real estate or related field) and a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience
Experience with personnel supervision and management
Experience with, or training in, real estate transactions and real property law
Experience working with agricultural landowners
Experience with GIS mapping and organizing related databases
Understanding of basic hydrology principles with familiarity of water-resources law, policy and management in Arizona or another western state considered a plus
Experience in or familiarity with conservation preferred, alignment with the Trust’s values and mission essential.

Compensation and Employee Benefits

The Land and Water Program Director is a salaried, non-exempt, position based on a 40-hour work week. Annualized Salary $72,000 to $82,000, commensurate with skills and experience.

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave benefits. Cost-shared medical and dental benefits available, along with a 401(k) plan with employer match and an employer-paid life insurance policy.

The Vice President of Government Relations leads Defenders’ congressional advocacy and key federal Executive Branch initiatives. This role strengthens relationships with Congress, the White House, agencies, and partner organizations; directs major legislative and administrative campaigns; and shapes policy positions for decision-makers and represents those positions to the media and other environmental organizations. Responsibilities include managing advocacy strategy and resources, supervising staff, overseeing budgets, ensuring compliance with lobbying laws, and driving constituency-building efforts on priority issues.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Build and maintain effective relationships with Congress, the White House, administrative agencies, and other conservation/environment organizations;
Assumes lead responsibility for developing and implementing strategies to enhance Defenders’ political effectiveness and strategic positioning through methods including direct lobbying, grassroots organizing and partnerships with other environmental organizations.
Leads the process of identifying Defenders’ priority legislative and administrative advocacy objectives and the development of campaigns, strategies and the distribution of organizational resources to advance those objectives.
In coordination with others, develops strategies for communicating Defenders’ views on legislative and administrative issues to Congress, the White House, administrative agencies, and other environmental and issue-related organizations.
As a member of the leadership team, actively engages in the development and implementation of Defenders-wide strategies in support of the broader organizational culture.
Presents information regarding government relations to the Board of Directors at the request of the President & CEO, and fulfills various other senior management administrative duties including: providing input on organizational planning and strategic direction; negotiating and signing contracts when necessary; and assisting in developing agenda for Board of Directors’ meetings.
Oversees the department’s professional staff of lobbyists and grassroots outreach specialists, assist staff to advance priorities internally and externally.
Oversee the advocacy operations of Defenders’ national outreach program
Performs services for Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund, including developing an annual legislative scorecard and developing grassroots lobbying initiatives.
Represents Defenders at various national environmental community coordination committees as needed.
Represents Defenders in coalitions, public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, national and international forums, and in general communications with public officials, the media, members, the donor community and the public.
Establishes and maintains efficient and functional office and communication systems within the Government Relations department and complies with applicable administrative procedures, including timely submission of plans, budgets, time sheets, reports, check requests, leave requests, and reimbursement requests.
Assists Development Department in preparing foundation grant proposals in assigned program areas; initiates creative and long-term mechanisms for organizational growth within the Government Relations Department; promotes programs to members and donor community.
Coordinates media strategies with the Communications department and assists in identifying and pursuing national, regional and local media coverage of Defenders’ issues.
Is a committed and effective advocate for all Defenders’ programs and objectives.
Develops short- and long-range operating objectives, organizational structure, and staffing requirements.
Ensure communication of duties and responsibilities to direct reports and monitor performance. Provide regular coaching and counseling. Identify training needs. Prepare and deliver salary and performance reviews; review and approve performance and salary appraisals as necessary.
Some travel required
Performs all other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent

Experience: 15 years; 7 years supervisory; 5 years managing 2+ layers

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

SALARY: $195,000 – $210,000