Freshwater Policy Advisor

The Nature Conservancy • Arlington, VA

20d • $105,000 - $120,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Freshwater Policy Advisor develops, leads, and implements U.S. federal freshwater policy strategies to achieve TNC’s goals through interaction with governments, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, and/or the corporate sector. Reporting to the US Federal Water Policy Team Lead on the North America Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) team, the Freshwater Policy Advisor develops, coordinates, and implements strategies to further the work of TNC and its conservation partners through direct interaction with U.S. federal agencies, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to advance federal freshwater policy goals. They serve as an external representative on US freshwater policy and conduct relevant outreach and fosters relationships to support TNC’s goals and priorities. They will collaborate with TNC’s policy, conservation, and science staff and the NAPGR team to identify policy opportunities, evaluate the potential for strategic partnerships, and develop and implement strategies to influence public policy. Please note: The anticipated start date for this position is mid-February 2026. Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team! In this role, you’ll support the engagement of TNC’s staff in planning and management decisions made by relevant federal agencies to advance water quantity and quality management, water resources infrastructure, the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions in water management and freshwater systems restoration. You’ll develop and advance a policy and funding agenda for TNC with respect to the authorities, programs and management decisions of Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal water programs and cultivate a broad set of relationships with relevant agency leadership and staff. You’ll work with Congressional members and staff to advocate for TNC freshwater policy agenda on Capitol Hill on issues related to area of expertise. You’ll work and lead coalitions made up of NGO, academic and private sector members to advance policy priorities. You’ll work with staff within TNC to develop and execute the water policy priorities. You’ll strive to advance equitable policies that support the priorities of Tribes and Indigenous and underserved communities. The Freshwater Policy Advisor will be able to work hybrid in the Washington, DC metro area .

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, government agency, or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience
• Direct experience working with partners and government agencies on policy
• Analytical and project management experience
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment
• Proven experience in strategy development and implementation
• Demonstrated relationship building skills
• Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements
• Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree appreciated
• Federal agency or congressional staff experience or equivalent experience
• Experience presenting to and communicating with federal agency leadership and members of Congress and their staff
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing freshwater policy strategy

Responsibilities

• support the engagement of TNC’s staff in planning and management decisions made by relevant federal agencies to advance water quantity and quality management, water resources infrastructure, the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions in water management and freshwater systems restoration
• develop and advance a policy and funding agenda for TNC with respect to the authorities, programs and management decisions of Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal water programs and cultivate a broad set of relationships with relevant agency leadership and staff
• work with Congressional members and staff to advocate for TNC freshwater policy agenda on Capitol Hill on issues related to area of expertise
• work and lead coalitions made up of NGO, academic and private sector members to advance policy priorities
• work with staff within TNC to develop and execute the water policy priorities
• strive to advance equitable policies that support the priorities of Tribes and Indigenous and underserved communities

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level