Policy Associate, Wildfire

Resources Legacy Fund•Washington, DC

16h•Remote

About The Position

The Alliance for Wildfire Resilience (AWR) is seeking a curious and rigorous Policy Associate, Wildfire to strengthen the organization’s policy research and analysis capacity. This position focuses on researching wildfire, land management, emergency management, and related policy topics and developing white papers, issue briefs, and other written products that inform AWR’s positions and support the broader wildland fire community. The role also monitors and analyzes federal legislative, administrative, and regulatory developments, translating complex information into clear, useful analysis for AWR’s team and partners. The Policy Analyst may also periodically represent AWR in meetings with policymakers and coalition partners. Government relations experience is welcomed but not required for this role. We are looking primarily for strong research, analytical, and writing skills, along with genuine curiosity about wildfire and natural resource policy. This position will work closely with the Managing Director for Policy and will collaborate regularly with AWR’s policy, government relations, communications, and research staff to ensure written products are accurate, timely, and effective for their intended audiences. The successful candidate will be adept at navigating work in a growing organization and remote work. This is a full-time, exempt position that reports to the Managing Director or Policy. The position is fully remote within the U.S., with occasional travel for team meetings, conferences, or partner convenings (estimated 4 to 6 trips per year).

Requirements

Strong qualitative research, analytical, and writing skills, including the ability to write for both technical and non-technical audiences across a range of products.
Ability to independently plan, prioritize, allocate time, balance projects, and coordinate with internal and external partners.
Ability to independently manage projects from conception to completion.
Knowledge of, or strong interest in, wildfire, natural resources, emergency management, land management, or related policy areas.
Strong attention to detail and sound judgment in fact-checking, sourcing, and citation.
Strong interpersonal skills; ability to collaborate effectively across policy, government relations, communications, and research teams.
Commitment to AWR’s mission and goals to improve wildfire response, recovery, and risk reduction.

Nice To Haves

Education or equivalent work experience in public policy, political science, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, journalism, law, or a related field.
3–5 years of experience in policy research, analysis, or related writing (e.g., in a think tank, government, academic, or nonprofit setting).
Experience managing projects across multiple members of staff and teams.
Experience developing white papers, issue briefs, or similar research products for policy audiences.
Excellent presentation and written and oral communication skills, with experience with public speaking and writing.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing with different audiences about complex policy issues.
Established relationships with economic experts, policymakers, and advocates valued.
Government relations, legislative, or advocacy experience is useful but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage the production and distribution of a variety of written products such as reports and issue briefs that influence the policy debate on key wildfire issues.
Synthesize complex technical, scientific, and programmatic information into clear, accessible, and persuasive written materials.
Conduct qualitative literature reviews and meta-analyses of existing research.
In coordination with other AWR staff, assist in the development and assessment of new policy ideas and approaches and, as appropriate, provide requested technical assistance to external stakeholders on those ideas.
Collaborate with communications staff to rapidly respond to policy developments as needed, including by drafting articles, fact sheets, memos, op-eds, and social media.
Produce comment letters, testimony, and other written materials as needed.
Support in-person and virtual meetings (with occasional presentations)
Coordinate with partner organizations, coalitions, and subject matter experts to inform research and ensure AWR’s written products reflect current data and best practices.
Contribute to internal strategy and advise senior staff on key insights by breaking down strategic questions into clear, actionable steps.
Track federal legislation, regulatory actions, and administrative developments related to wildfire risk reduction, response, and post-fire recovery.
Develop timely analyses of bills, proposed rules, and other policy developments, outlining implications for AWR and its partners.
Communicate regular updates on legislative and regulatory developments to the full AWR team.
Support the development of AWR’s overall policy research agenda and priorities.
Maintain organized files, source documentation, and citation records so research products are well-supported and easy to update.
Support grant proposals, reporting, and funder updates related to policy research work.