Policy Specialist, Everglades

National Audubon Society•Audubon, FL

1d•$75,526 - $89,000•Remote

About The Position

The National Audubon Society has identified the Everglades as a national conservation priority and a centerpiece of Audubon’s hemispheric water strategy. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem supports 70 threatened and endangered species and is home to more than 8 million people. Everglades restoration is the world’s largest ecosystem restoration program and ensuring effective implementation of this program is one of our key priorities. Restoration is complemented by efforts to reducing nutrient pollution and other threats to the Everglades through science-based water policy initiatives. Aligned with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Policy Director of Everglades, this person will oversee the continued strategic and measurable implementation of conservation goals in the Greater Everglades that results in the organization’s increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats. This position is remote in Southeast Florida, and the successful candidate must live in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward or Miami-Dade counties. Remote work within the United States may be considered only for employees not within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employees’ choosing. If the successful candidate lives within 40 miles of our Miami office, they will be hybrid and if they are outside of the 40 miles but in those counties, they will be remote.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in policy, political science, biology or related field required.
A minimum of 5 years of experience with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant government agency working on water management, environmental regulations, or similar is required. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
Knowledge of Florida water statutes, rules, and regulations.
Excellent policy analysis and research skills.
Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon’s interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision-makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.
Self-starter and results-oriented with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required, familiarity with social media tools a plus.
Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.
A valid driver’s license.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
This position will require tracking of lobbying time and ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements. The position may require registration as a lobbyist. The selected candidate must be willing and able to complete any required registrations and adhere to all related reporting and conduct standards.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection preferred
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Play an essential role in advancing Audubon’s Everglades policy goals and objectives by researching, analyzing, and providing guidance on Everglades issues.
Advise the Senior Policy Manager, Everglades on potential State and Federal legislative and administrative priorities, opportunities and risks.
Research and analyze existing water and agricultural Florida Statutes, rules, and regulations, and advise potential improvements that result in implementing Audubon’s Everglades policy goals.
Prepare high quality analysis on restoration project Environmental Impact Statements and other on restoration programs related to the Everglades.
Draft fact sheets, comment letters, testimony, and other materials necessary to support Audubon’s Everglades policy goals and priorities.
Lead in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for the Everglades.
Develop working relationships with leadership and key staff at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District in order to communicate Audubon’s Everglades priorities and influence policy outcomes.
Coordinate with Audubon’s science team members across the Everglades.
Identify and recruit strategic allies to help spread Audubon’s key Everglades policy goals.
Represent Audubon at Everglades-related public meetings and issued-based coalitions; monitor developments and contribute to coalition-based legislative positions that support Audubon’s key policy priorities.
Maintain and foster culture of safety.
Other job-related duties as assigned.