At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission. We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.
Job Summary:
With limited oversight, develop and implement the Aquarium’s local government and business affairs strategy to enable the Aquarium to effectively conduct its programs and operations and advance its mission, including the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key decision makers and organizations, including elected officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and business leaders and associations. Monitor policy, regulatory and other government activities at the local level, and make recommendations for Aquarium action. Work closely with the U.S. and California Ocean Conservation team and Aquarium operations and other program staff to identify opportunities, assess risks, and advance action to achieve Aquarium goals and priorities at the local level. Oversee and support Aquarium compliance with local regulatory and permitting processes. Performs other duties as required. Must be able to be onsite at the Aquarium on a regular basis and attend in-person meetings in the Monterey region.
Core Activities:
Develop a local government and business affairs strategy, aligned with Aquarium strategic goals and priorities, to enable the Aquarium to effectively conduct its operations and advance its mission, including the promotion of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with key decision makers and organizations, including elected officials, policymakers, regulatory agencies, and business leaders and associations.
Create local support for Aquarium programmatic and operational goals and activities, including the construction of new facilities, conservation policy priorities, and other local priorities. Develop and coordinate the implementation of advocacy strategies.
Monitor and analyze proposed legislation, regulation, and other government activities (including funding opportunities) relevant to Aquarium programs and operations and make recommendations for Aquarium actions.
Oversee and support Aquarium staff in complying with regulations, including permitting processes. Raise urgent issues with Aquarium leadership and recommend actions for addressing them.
Serve as a subject matter expert on legislative and regulatory processes generally (including government permit and approval processes), and specific local issues relevant to Aquarium programs and operations, including water, housing, land use, transportation, and hospitality, among others.
Identify needs and opportunities, assess risks, and implement actions at the local level, working closely with Aquarium program and operations staff and teams.
Represent the Aquarium in government and business association meetings, hearings, and other relevant forums, and coordinate and support other Aquarium staff participation in these meetings.
Collaborate with local business leaders and associations to build coalitions and partnerships that support Aquarium goals and priorities at the local level.
Provide timely updates to Aquarium leadership and other Aquarium staff and teams, as appropriate.
Support the Executive Director and other Aquarium leaders in outreach to local elected officials, business leaders, and other key individuals. (e.g., prep for and attend meetings, prepare briefs and talking points, etc.).
Coordinate with and provide guidance to Aquarium staff across departments engaged in community relations-related activities.
Develop and manage annual work plans and budgets.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):
Bachelor’s degree in public policy or related field or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
At least 6 years experience working in the government relations or regulatory compliance field on behalf of a mid-to-large organization, preferably visitor-serving or nonprofit
Must be able to be onsite at the Aquarium on a regular basis and attend in-person meetings in the Monterey region
Demonstrated ability to effectively develop and implement government relations strategies
Demonstrated ability to effectively represent organizational priorities to external decision-makers and other community leaders
In-depth knowledge of local legislative and regulatory entities and processes, preferably in the Monterey Bay region
In-depth knowledge of local policy and regulatory processes and issues, preferably in the Monterey Bay region
Proven track record of successfully advocating for policy positions and achieving desired outcomes
Excellent policy and regulatory analysis skills. Legal and/or compliance background is a plus
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear and concise manner
Excellent interpersonal skills
Proven ability to develop and implement multi-sector partnerships to achieve shared goals
Proven ability to collaborate across internal teams to develop and implement shared strategies
Commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within organizations and within communities
Reputation as a trustworthy, consensus-building person
Willingness to work flexible hours, including regularly attending evening and early morning meetings and some evening and weekend events
Excellent organizational and project management skills and the ability to balance multiple, competing priorities on tight deadlines
Ability to work within, and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values
Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Leadership Competencies
Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:
Typical office equipment
Constant sitting, standing, walking, bending
Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
Typical office environment, main aquarium and exhibits, occasional offsite events
Annual Compensation Range:
$120,600-$154,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.