Political Affairs Director

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc. • Washington, DC

2d • $162,000 - $180,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Political Affairs Director of the NRDC Action Fund develops and executes electoral program plans to build the Action Fund’s political impact and influence in Washington and key states. Working under the overall leadership of the Managing Director of Political Affairs, the Director develops and manages programs to endorse and support pro-environment candidates for federal and state office. This includes coordinating with partner organizations and allied groups on PAC contributions, GiveGreen fundraising, and legally permitted coordinated campaign activities through the NRDC Action Fund or independent expenditure PAC NRDC Action Votes. The role also supports donor engagement and fundraising, may collaborate on non-electoral advocacy campaigns involving c4 funds, helps manage the Action Fund core team and workflow, and contributes to designing and implementing Action Fund work plans. The Action Fund’s budget is primarily devoted to non-electoral issue advocacy and accountability campaigns.

The Director leads development and implementation of the Action Fund’s advocacy, political power-building, and electoral strategies; oversees coordinated electoral activities and communications; and represents the Action Fund to political allies, coalitions, partners, donors, and other stakeholders. The position also works with Campaigns and Government Affairs teams to incorporate the Action Fund’s goals into priority issue advocacy campaigns.

This position is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035). The role requires working from the NRDC office at least eight times per month and travel outside normal office operations approximately 20% annually. Work is hybrid, with occasional flexible or longer hours, including nights and weekends, when required by projects.

Requirements

• At least 10 years of relevant experience working on political campaigns.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or a combination of equivalent education and experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively, and earn trust across levels of institutional seniority.
• Familiarity with online and offline campaigning strategies, including direct advocacy, grasstops outreach, digital organizing, field work, and earned and paid media.
• Understanding of how to engage elected officials on the political side in Washington and key state capitals.
• Familiarity with the c4 and 527 political space and ability to navigate conversations with partners representing different entities.
• Understanding of and experience with PAC fundraising.
• Experience planning and implementing political events of varying scopes and sizes.
• Strong project management and oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to facilitate team discussions and build consensus.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities simultaneously, including amid ambiguity.
• Familiarity with legislative lobbying and advocacy concepts and practices.
• Ability to handle complex and sensitive discussions and processes with diplomacy, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
• Ability to commute to and work from the NRDC office at least eight times a month, and additionally as needed.
• Ability to travel for work outside normal office operations approximately 20% annually.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.

Nice To Haves

• Some combination of experience working in campaign roles and official-side roles with elected officials.
• Campaign management experience and/or experience in a senior position in a frontline member office.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Managing Director and key stakeholders to develop the Action Fund’s advocacy and political power-building strategy and align tactics with that strategy.
• Help develop and implement the Action Fund’s next three-year plan as a member of the senior team.
• Collaborate with the Development Director on fundraising for the Action Fund and its PAC.
• Represent the NRDC Action Fund within the climate community’s c4 community and with political allies and partners.
• Partner with the Managing Director to oversee Action Fund core staff.
• Formulate and implement the Action Fund’s electoral strategies and plans.
• Oversee and execute coordinated electoral activities, including endorsements, get-out-the-vote efforts, member outreach, and communications.
• Align the electoral plan and endorsements with GiveGreen and the Action Fund’s PAC giving.
• Represent the Action Fund in developing and implementing GiveGreen political strategy and plans, including endorsement decisions, candidate listings, and race prioritization.
• Coordinate with the NRDC Action Votes Director to align independent expenditure strategy with the Action Fund’s overall political strategy.
• Work with the Action Fund’s Communications Director and NRDC Media and Digital, Advocacy and Fundraising teams to develop and implement electoral communications, messaging, and targeting.
• Work with the Managing Director and Development Director to fundraise for the electoral plan.
• Present electoral strategies, plans, and updates to stakeholders, including the Action Fund Board of Directors, donors, and NRDC and Action Fund leadership and staff.
• Represent the Action Fund in coalition and partner meetings.
• Prepare and present a post-election summary of the Action Fund’s electoral plan and accomplishments.
• Work with the Managing Director to design and implement political engagement plans for election and non-election years that strengthen relationships with elected officials and allies.
• Plan and manage key off-hill political events.
• Ensure the Action Fund’s strategic goals are incorporated into priority c3/c4 issue advocacy campaigns.
• Work with Campaigns and Government Affairs teams to design and implement priority c3/c4 issue advocacy campaigns.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $162,000 to $180,000, commensurate with skills and experience.
• Generous time-off policy and company-wide year-end Rest & Recharge Week.
• Family leave policy beyond federal requirements.
• Matching 403(b), whether or not the employee contributes.
• Hybrid work policy with eight in-office days per month; qualifying work-related off-site events and travel can count toward the requirement.
• Comprehensive healthcare and mental health programs.
• Supportive working environment.

What This Job Offers

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