Senior State Policy Associate

American Flood Coalition•Washington, DC

6d•$77,000 - $99,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The American Flood Coalition (AFC) is a nonpartisan group dedicated to driving transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC is comprised of over 500 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses working collaboratively to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at all government levels. As the sole organization focused on flooding across local, state, and federal government, AFC is uniquely positioned to champion solutions that ensure community safety. The Senior State Policy Associate will be a key member of the state and technical policy team, responsible for developing and scaling flood resilience policies and best practices between states. This role requires a driven problem-solver adept at policy analysis, research support, and providing strategic recommendations to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will possess subject matter expertise in state legislative and regulatory processes, government funding and finance, infrastructure policy, or environmental and water resources policy. This individual will contribute significantly by asking pertinent questions, developing policy templates, and offering input on strategic decisions, acting as a vital contributor across multiple teams. We are looking for a self-starter passionate about creating structures to address complex challenges, capable of managing both long-term and short-term projects, and skilled at transforming complex information into clear, compelling narratives. This is a full-time position reporting to the Associate State Policy Director, based at the headquarters in Washington, DC, with occasional travel (up to 10%).

Requirements

5+ years of experience in policy research, policy development, or program delivery.
Applied knowledge in areas such as state legislative and regulatory process, government funding and finance, infrastructure policy, or environmental and water resources policy (e.g., experience in a state legislature, state agency, local government, regional entity, or policy-focused nonprofit).
Strong track record of breaking down and communicating complex issues clearly, credibly, and compellingly for various audiences, both verbally and in writing.
Track record of effectively engaging senior stakeholders in both in-person and remote settings.
Demonstrated aptitude in policy development, including project management, critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic communication.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships and effectively engage stakeholders across in-person and remote settings.
Strong writing and editing skills with keen attention to detail.

Responsibilities

Develop state policy recommendations, guidance, and templates by synthesizing insights from evaluations of state legislation and state agency proposals, cross-state comparisons of policy and programs, and research on technical flood topics.
Share information, support knowledge transfer, and spark dialogue on flood resilience best practices and policies, including planning and facilitating in-person and virtual meetings with senior state leaders.
Contribute to internal strategy for advancing flood resilience in key geographies and advise senior staff by breaking down strategic questions into clear, actionable steps.

Benefits

Salary range: $77,000-$99,000.
Generous and flexible paid time off.
12 weeks of paid parental leave.
Health, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium health insurance option for employees.
401k plan with 4% employer match.
Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits.
Relocation assistance of up to $4,000 for new employees living outside of the D.C. metropolitan area.
Hybrid work schedule: In-person in the D.C. office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to regularly work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Company-sponsored outings (happy hours, after-work activities, holiday party, annual retreat, etc.).
Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Modern office with amenities including gym access, snacks and drinks, a smart casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan.