Director of Advocacy and Campaigns

Richmond, VA 23220, USA
Posted on  

Job Description

Director of Advocacy and Campaigns

Overview

The Virginia League of Conservation Voters (VALCV) is a dynamic and impactful nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that advocates for progressive environmental policies, educates, and endorses candidates for public office, and holds elected officials accountable on issues including our air, land, water, democracy and public health. The VALCV family of organizations also includes the VALCV Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, and VALCV PAC, our political arm that directly helps elect pro-conservation candidates.

As the Director of Advocacy and Campaigns, you will hold a key leadership role in advancing VALCV's mission by providing strategic direction in the development and implementation of the organization’s policy, legislative, civic engagement, and political campaigns. This position requires a seasoned professional with a strong background in legislative advocacy and program management. You will work closely with VALCV's executive team, government officials, community partners, and other stakeholders to drive impactful change.

The current organization budget is $2.6M with 12 employees located on West Franklin Street in Richmond, VA. VALCV is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. Go to www.valcv.org to learn more!

Summary of Primary Job Responsibilities and Duties

Legislative Advocacy
  • Working with community stakeholders, develop VALCV’s long-term and short-term legislative agenda.
  • Monitor legislative activities at the local, state and federal levels to identify opportunities and threats to environmental conservation and access to democracy.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive legislative advocacy strategies.
  • Cultivate relationships with policymakers, government agencies, and allied organizations to promote VALCV's policy agenda.
  • Testify at hearings, draft legislative position memos, and engage in direct lobbying.
  • Collaborate with the communications team in the development of an annual legislative scorecard.
  • Manage a team of staff and contract lobbyists to assist in government affairs efforts.

Campaign Management and Community Engagement
  • Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of VALCV's public education, advocacy, civic engagement and political programs, campaigns and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure programs align with organization’s strategic goals and objectives.
  • Develop campaign plans and track metrics and benchmarks to measure the impact and success of programs.
  • Foster relationships with diverse communities to ensure a broad representation in organization’s campaigns.
  • Work with the fundraising team to develop and maintain relationships with funding partners, secure program grants and assist in grant writing and proposal submission.

Strategic Leadership and Decision-Making
  • Directly manage and mentor the Statewide Field Director who is responsible for overseeing the field organizing team.
  • Provide strategic direction, conduct performance reviews, and evaluate field strategies for effective community engagement.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, encouraging professional development for the team.
  • Collaborate with the Executive team to make strategic decisions aligned with VALCV’s mission.
  • Provide leadership shaping the overall direction of advocacy and campaign initiatives.
  • Ensure cross-functional collaboration for seamless integration of efforts across teams.
  • Work closely with the finance team to oversee the program budget.
  • Allocate resources strategically to maximize program impact.
  • Participate in program budget planning, forecasting, and reporting for financial accountability.

Coalition Building
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with environmental and other values and politically aligned organizations, businesses, and other stakeholders.
  • Collaborate with the national League of Conservation Voters (LCV) to align statewide initiatives with broader conservation goals.
  • Work collaboratively with coalitions to amplify the impact of environmental advocacy efforts.

Communications and Public Relations
  • Represent VALCV in media interviews, public forums, and other communication channels as appropriate.
  • Collaborate with the communications team to develop compelling narratives and messaging to support policy and program goals.

Other Duties as Determined

Key Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities
  • Minimum of 8 years of experience in government affairs, electoral politics, environmental policy, legislative advocacy, or program management.
  • Strong understanding of Virginia's political landscape and environmental challenges.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage a team effectively.
  • Demonstrated success in building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
  • Committed to the organization's mission, values, and advancing racial justice and equity.
  • Demonstrates discretion and professionalism with confidential information.
  • Must be available Monday through Friday, generally from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with extended hours during seasonal periods.
  • This role requires frequent travel, including in-person meetings and attendance at the General Assembly. The ideal candidate should be able to commute to and around the Richmond, VA area as required.

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