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19 Nov 2021

Full-Time Policy Director

The National Audubon Society – Posted by humanresources Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Job Description

Location: Washington, DC or Alaska

Position Summary

The Policy Director, Alaska will lead and define policy efforts and overall governmental affairs functions to advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives in Alaska. Reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon Alaska, they will serve as a part of Alaska’s senior leadership team and work closely with all staff to design strategic conservation campaigns.

The Policy Director will lead the development and execution of a state and federal policy agenda to advance both state and federal priorities, focusing on public lands, climate conservation priorities, and protection for Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and at-risk species. The Director is responsible for coordinating and implementing policy efforts with staff across National Audubon and Alaska programs. This includes engaging chapters, grassroots networks, partners, proactively communicating issues and positions, and helping attract contributions to execute successful policy campaigns and conservation outcomes. The Policy Director will also be tasked with government affairs activities in coordination with our national policy team leadership, and efficiently organize our membership in Alaska and across the U.S. to take action on issues that impact birds and communities in the state.

The ideal candidate is a skilled, experienced manager and strategic thinker with in-depth experience and  knowledge of Alaska wildlife conservation, environmental, energy and/or climate policy. They will also have experience working across Alaska’s diverse social and ecological geographies.

Willingness to travel, including regular visits to Alaska (if based in Washington DC), and comfort working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

**Please submit a cover letter with your application for consideration.**

Essential Functions

  • Lead the development and effective implementation of annual and longer-term state and federal policy strategy, advocacy and campaign goals as directed by the Alaska Executive Director and the VP of Conservation Policy, including the effective engagement of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Provide periodic updates and recommendations to state and national board and staff to facilitate more productive integration at all levels of the organization. This may include identifying important issues that need to be addressed across the range of priority conservation programs and highlighting successful case studies.
  • Develop productive relationships with key state-elected and agency officials/leaders, as well as the regional Congressional delegation and federal agencies critical to Audubon goals.
  • Coordinate the efforts of state staff working on federal, state, regional and local policy initiatives.
  • Advance policy priorities through issue campaigns that engage and expand Audubon’s network of individual volunteer advocates, chapters and allies in Alaska with support from Audubon state and national staff.
  • Work with communications and policy staff to plan and implement a communications and digital organizing program in support of Audubon Alaska’s conservation priorities and issue campaigns to include writing public policy position documents, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, and press releases and social media posts.
  • Engage board members to assist in achieving Audubon Alaska’s policy goals.
  • Promote an organizational culture and structure that fosters cooperation, communication, collaboration, teamwork, equity and trust.
  • Collaborate with Audubon’s development team to identify, cultivate, and make requests to donors and foundations.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, or related field and 10+ years’ professional experience in policy, grassroots advocacy, wildlife conservation, public service or related field, including at least 3 years managing staff and teams, required. Experience in conservation, renewable energy, and/or climate related issues is preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
  • Successful track record working in federal, state, and local governmental processes especially with Governors’ offices, state and federal agencies, and/or legislative committees.
  • Keen understanding of current policy trends in Alaska related to wildlife management, climate change, land and water conservation, Indigenous law and experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
  • Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to oversee and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability build consensus amongst a wide range of individuals. Comfort with presenting and engaging others in public-speaking events is also necessary.
  • Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, project deadlines, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
  • Desire and ability to advocate for complex, aggressive conservation positions in both small and large settings.
  • Thorough understanding of how advocacy, communications, and grassroots engagement components effectively work together.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
  • Technically savvy, to include proficiency with Microsoft Office suite applications and comfort using web-based engagement systems. Experience with EveryAction or similar voter/volunteer database desired. Salesforce experience a plus.
  • Familiarity with planning, regulatory, and political processes with respect to environmental issues in Alaska.
  • Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society.

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

COVID Policy

Beginning September 15, 2021: Audubon requires all staff either to provide proof of being fully vaccinated or, if they cannot provide such proof for any reason, to wear a mask while working indoors, including in all Audubon facilities and offsite, and while working outdoors in situations where they cannot maintain social distancing. In addition, at this time and until CDC recommendations change, all staff in counties the CDC identifies as having “substantial” and “high” COVID transmission rates must wear masks indoors (unless alone in a closed office) and outdoors in situations where they cannot maintain social distancing regardless of vaccination status.

This policy covers national and state offices, centers, and sanctuaries, as well as Audubon employees working offsite. Should you be selected for this position, you will be asked to acknowledge you have read the above policy and provide your vaccination status.

How to Apply

Please visit Policy Director to apply

Job Categories: Environmental. Job Types: Full-Time.

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