Advocacy Associate

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•,

3d•$67,500 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org POSITION SUMMARY The Advocacy Associate will work in the Green Finance & Economic Development department whose mission is to: accelerate the shift to a sustainable, resilient, and equitable financial and economic system, and mobilize public resources and private capital for climate investment that reduces emissions and enhances livelihoods and lives. This position will work closely with the Director, Climate Funding Impact and others to drive project and task management for priority initiatives including developing project plans and timelines, researching, creating content and materials, and coordinating associated internal and external communications. The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035). This is a limited term 2 year position.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience
1-3 years of directly related experience and/or equivalent education or experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent research and analytical skills.
Outstanding problem-solving skills, including the ability to proactively identify obstacles and propose solutions or recommendations to overcome them.
Demonstrated ability to manage projects involving multiple people and deliverables, and to perform or quickly learn new tasks, systems, and technologies eg. Asana.
Ability to prioritize and efficiently execute many tasks, follow institutional procedures, and work independently with meticulous attention to detail.
Ability to work with a broad range of people on different projects.
Strict adherence to confidentiality requirements and discretion with sensitive information.
Growing proficiency with AI tools and interest in learning them
High proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), in addition to knowledge of or ability to learn relevant industry and NRDC specific software and platforms.
Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse colleagues, leaders and partners.
Ability to occasionally travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10% annually
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles

Nice To Haves

Experience in project management and/or event production a plus

Responsibilities

Coordinate priority initiatives, including contributing to project plans and timelines, tracking key deliverables, managing workflow in asana, and maintaining files on centralized drive.
Plan meetings, including scheduling, crafting summaries, preparing agendas, and synthesizing takeaways and task assignments; follow up with responsible parties to ensure accountability.
Plan and prepare for external events such as convenings, webinars and coalition/partner meetings – including scheduling, crafting agendas, preparing event materials and supplies, and communicating to participants.
Develop strong relationships and drive collaboration with internal and external partners.
Research, collect, and synthesize information relevant to capacity, sector and/or geo-specific and/or climate advocacy.
Draft user-friendly and tailored resources such as factsheets, presentations, and infographics.
Draft messaging, talking points, newsletters, academic papers and other communication resources in support of advocacy initiatives.
Communicate with internal and external partners regarding initiative updates, plans and progress.
Support execution of special projects identified by the Climate Funding Impact Director.