Director of Policy and Advocacy

Director of Policy and Advocacy

(Senior Director considered for candidates with extensive state-level policy experience)

About Upstream

Every year, billions of live fish are shipped across state lines with inconsistent oversight, creating one of the largest and least regulated pathways for aquatic invasive species and pathogens in American freshwater systems. Upstream Aquatic Institute is a conservation nonprofit working to modernize how this trade is regulated, protecting native fish populations and the freshwater ecosystems that anglers, communities, and wildlife depend on. 

We work state by state, partnering with legislators, fish and wildlife agencies, anglers, and conservation groups. Our track record includes enacted legislation in Delaware, regulatory engagement in Colorado, and an active bill in New York.

The Role

We're hiring a U.S.-based policy lead to run our state-level advocacy campaigns. This is a hands-on, outward-facing role. You'll spend your time in rooms with legislators, on calls with agency staff, and building coalitions with local allies, not writing reports that sit on a shelf.

You'll work closely with the co-founders, who lead research, operations, and long-term organizational strategy. Your focus is translating that research into policy outcomes: building relationships with state agency staff, navigating regulatory processes, finding the right bill sponsors, and keeping campaigns moving through the slow and unpredictable reality of state government. Much of our work involves engaging directly with fish and wildlife agencies and natural resource departments, so experience working with or within state agencies is just as valuable as traditional legislative lobbying.

What the work looks like

• Leading meetings with state legislators and fish and wildlife agency staff
• Building and maintaining relationships with allied organizations: fly-fishing groups, riverkeeper organizations, lake associations, and local conservation partners
• Developing campaign strategies for target states and adapting them as political conditions shift
• Managing the day-to-day progress of active bills and regulatory processes across multiple states
• Serving as a spokesperson for the organization's policy work, including pitching media, writing op-eds, and representing Upstream at public hearings and conferences
• Working with the founders to shape campaign priorities and contribute to the organization's overall direction

Who we're looking for

This role suits someone who is energized by the work of persuasion and coalition-building, comfortable with ambiguity, and motivated by the challenge of moving policy in a space where the political terrain is still being mapped. You should be someone who thrives with high autonomy, builds trust easily across ideological lines, and is more interested in outcomes than process.

Preferred experience

These aren't hard requirements, but candidates with this background will have an advantage:

• State-level legislative or regulatory advocacy experience
• Experience leading or managing an advocacy coalition
• Track record of building relationships with elected officials, agency staff, or political stakeholders
• Experience with earned media strategy: op-eds, press outreach, spokesperson work
• Familiarity with conservation, fisheries, or natural resource policy (helpful but not essential)
• Comfort using AI and modern tools to work efficiently in a lean organization

Requirements

• U.S. work authorization (we are unable to sponsor employment visas)
• U.S.-based, remote
• Willingness to travel approximately 3 weeks per year (non-consecutive) for hearings, conferences, and stakeholder meetings

Compensation

• Director of Policy and Advocacy: $70,000–$95,000 USD
• Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy: $95,000–$125,000 USD

The Senior Director title and band are available to candidates bringing significant, directly relevant state-level policy or coalition leadership experience. Final offers within either band are commensurate with experience and adjusted based on local cost of living.

Benefits include 20 days paid vacation and health insurance stipend.

We would consider a part-time or reduced-hours arrangement for the right candidate. If this interests you, please note it in your application.

How to Apply

To apply, please fill out the application form here. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For full consideration, please apply by July 24, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Questions? Reach out at contact@upstreamaquatic.org