Conservation Policy Manager

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

CONSERVATION POLICY MANAGER

ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

The mission of the Izaak Walton League of America, founded in 1922, is to conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources, including our soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife. Our members and staff combine hands-on conservation action, policy work with legislatures and resource agencies, and public education to pursue our conservation goals at the local, state, and national levels.

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The Conservation Policy Manager has two primary responsibilities: advocating for the League’s public policy priorities to decision-makers in Congress and the Executive Branch; and coordinating the League’s grassroots advocacy campaigns. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine direct advocacy with grassroots campaign management to achieve conservation and environmental policy milestones. As a member of the League’s conservation team, the Conservation Policy Manager will support programs focused on clean water, sustainable agriculture and regional conservation by developing advocacy campaigns centered around each program’s needs and objectives. This is a full-time position based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·        Advocate for legislation and regulations supporting League policy priority areas, including but not limited to, agriculture conservation, ecological restoration, clean water protections, outdoor recreation, and climate change.

·        Coordinate the development and implementation of grassroots advocacy campaigns for League policy priorities.

·        Maintain relationships with the legislative and executive branches, as a liaison for the League’s conservation programs.

·        Educate and engage League leaders and volunteers around federal advocacy priorities.

·        Lead a proactive strategy to engage new and existing volunteers beyond League membership as advocates across a range of policy priorities.

·        Proactively facilitate involvement of conservation partners to advance the League’s policy priorities.

·        Represent the League in relevant coalitions.

·        Work with Conservation Program Directors to ensure grassroots advocacy strategies are components of citizen science campaigns, such as Salt Watch and Nitrate Watch.

·        Develop content for IWLA Web site, social media, and publications, including Outdoor America magazine, and written materials as needed.

·        Working with communications staff and grassroots activists, secure the publication of opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and other public messages that support the League's advocacy work.

QUALIFICATIONS

·           Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, political science, communications, or related field.

·           At least 3-5 years of public policy experience in Congress, the Executive Branch, or related non-profit or private sector employment.

·           Demonstrated experience engaging and mobilizing grassroots advocates in public policy.

·           Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative, appropriations, and rulemaking processes.

·           Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts in understandable language.

·           Ability to think strategically, establish priorities, and independently manage multiple tasks in a fast-moving, high workload environment.

·           Ability to work as a team player with a diverse array of colleagues, partners, and volunteer leaders.

·           Knowledge of relevant conservation issues related to the League’s mission would be highly beneficial.

·           Strong personal commitment to advancing the cause of conservation and natural resource stewardship.

·           Willingness and ability to travel, including for multiple days and overnight.

COMPENSATION

This position offers a competitive annual salary between $60,000 and $65,000 and a generous package of benefits, including health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, and retirement plan.

HOW TO APPLY

Please email cover letter, resume and a writing sample to the attention of the Conservation Director with the subject line “Conservation Policy Manager” to conserve@iwla.org. Please submit all materials by February 18, 2022. No phone calls please.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an equal opportunity employer.