Senior Policy Manager, Western Water

National Audubon Society•National Audubon Society Washington, DC

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Senior Policy Manager, Western Water, to support policy and government affairs efforts that advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives. Working with national, regional, and state staff and external partners, the role will help implement Audubon’s vision for transformative water policy solutions, including policy initiatives across the Western United States and efforts to build resilience in the Colorado River Basin. The position reports to the Policy Director, Water and is hybrid. Employees work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday, plus two additional days each month of their choosing. Candidates should live within commuting distance of Audubon’s Washington, D.C. office. The role is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA) and requires tracking lobbying time and complying with applicable lobbying and ethics requirements. Lobbyist registration may be required. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in political science, natural resources, or a related field, and at least seven years of professional experience in legal, policy, or advocacy work; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered. Water policy, water conservation, and wildlife-related experience is preferred. The role calls for strong analytical, coalition-building, project-management, communication, and public-speaking skills, as well as a commitment to Audubon’s organizational values and inclusive collaboration. Travel is as needed, averaging once per quarter, with some weekends and evenings required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, natural resources, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
At least 7 years of professional experience in legal, policy, or advocacy work.
Familiarity with analyzing environmental documents, guidance, regulations, and legislation.
Outstanding interpersonal skills and experience working with or managing diverse coalitions.
Ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
Excellent and persuasive written and verbal communication skills, including substantial public-speaking experience.
Ability to represent Audubon effectively to members, state and federal elected officials, donors, chapter leaders, and traditional and social media audiences.
Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to successful completion, meeting deadlines and financial goals, and coordinating staff and partners.
Willingness and ability to travel as needed, averaging once per quarter, with some weekends and evenings required.
Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
Willingness and ability to complete any required lobbyist registrations and comply with related reporting and conduct standards.
Must be located within commuting distance of Audubon’s Washington, D.C. office.
Must work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday, plus two additional days each month of the employee’s choosing.

Nice To Haves

Experience in water policy, water conservation, and/or wildlife-related issues.
Understanding of current Western water policy trends related to wildlife management, climate change, land and water conservation, and Indigenous law, with experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation.
Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments.

Responsibilities

Provide input to the Policy Director, Water, and Senior Director, Water for Birds and People, on the development of Audubon’s water policy agenda.
Develop and implement strategies supporting policy staff working across the Western United States on federal, regional, and state water policy initiatives.
Support a multi-organization NGO group pursuing federal funding and policy to build resilience in the Colorado River Basin.
Coordinate and participate in advocacy in Congress and federal and state administrative branches and agencies to advance conservation objectives.
Review, analyze, and write comments on environmental documents, proposed regulations, and policies.
Collaborate with Audubon’s D.C. government affairs and policy teams, consultants, and staff across state and regional offices on Western Water policy issues.
Work with communications and policy staff to produce public policy position documents, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, action alerts, press releases, and social media posts supporting Western Water conservation priorities.
Build and maintain working relationships with NGO partners, federal legislative offices and officials, and federal and state agencies.
Collaborate with the development team on grant reports, deliverables, and proposals as appropriate.
Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas to plan and execute shared priorities.
Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Track lobbying time and comply with applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements; complete required lobbyist registrations and related reporting and conduct standards.