Senior Manager, Policy

National Audubon Society•Seattle, WA

23h•$115,000 - $129,000

About The Position

The Senior Policy Manager will lead policy efforts and oversee governmental affairs functions to advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives in Washington State. Reporting to Audubon's Vice President, Washington, this role works closely with state and national staff to develop and implement strategic policy agendas, initiatives, and campaigns. Under the guidance of the Vice President, the Senior Policy Manager will lead the development and execution of our policy agenda and goals that advance Audubon's priorities at the state and federal levels, focused in the near-term on proactive climate and clean energy policies; private working lands and public land policies that facilitate habitat restoration, conservation, and protection; and conservation funding. This work includes collaborating with the conservation staff in strategy development and execution of statewide policy agendas and collaboration with Audubon’s Government Affairs staff on federal policy agendas. The Senior Policy Manager builds coalitions, develops strategic partnerships, guides cross-team collaboration, and serves as a primary spokesperson and advocate for Audubon’s policy priorities. This position requires leadership, strategic planning, and the ability to navigate complex political, governmental, and stakeholder environments while strengthening grassroots engagement and supporting the organization’s broader fundraising efforts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in policy, political science, or government affairs. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
Seven plus years of experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, conservation policy, or related fields.
Strong knowledge of Washington State’s political, policy, and regulatory landscape, with demonstrated experience influencing federal, state, and local policy outcomes.
Applied expertise in issues such as climate and clean energy policy, natural climate solutions, habitat and wildlife conservation, working lands, and conservation funding.
Demonstrated success building bipartisan support for environmental or public-interest policy initiatives.
Experience leading complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives and managing staff, contractors, and cross-functional teams.
Proven ability to build coalitions and collaborate with Tribal governments, agencies, NGOs, community organizations, and grassroots networks.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and the ability to distill complex policy issues for diverse audiences.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work diplomatically across a large, complex organization.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort with digital advocacy systems; ability to travel as needed.
Driver’s license and own transportation required.

Nice To Haves

Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy agenda for Washington, ensuring alignment with regional and national priorities.
Provide advice and input to the Vice President and Audubon’s Government Affairs team on organizational strategy pertaining to policy matters and engage advisory board members as needed, to assist in achieving Audubon’s policy goals in Washington.
Build and maintain bipartisan relationships with state-elected officials, Tribal governments, agencies, and local leaders, and collaborate with Audubon’s policy staff to build and cultivate relationships with members of the U.S. Congress, to advance our conservation priorities.
Serve as a primary advocate and spokesperson for Audubon’s policy positions, delivering presentations and representing the organization to legislators, regulatory bodies, coalitions, and public audiences.
Serve on issue specific task forces as appropriate.
Identify and act on policy opportunities in Washington by monitoring legislative and regulatory developments at the state and federal levels.
Develop and strengthen partnerships, coalitions, and alliances across diverse constituencies to increase support for Audubon’s policy goals and priorities in Washington.
Expand statewide grassroots advocacy capacity by designing engagement strategies, collaborating with chapter network manager to provide training, and work with chapters and volunteers.
Coordinate with staff, contract lobbyists, and external consultants as needed to effectively implement policy strategies, fostering teamwork and cross-departmental collaboration.
Promote an organizational culture rooted in equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging and foster cooperation, communication, and trust across all policy and partnership efforts.
Support resource development strategies, including grant writing and donor engagement, to advance policy campaigns and conservation objectives.
Maintains and fosters culture of safety.
Other duties as assigned.