Potomac Conservancy seeks a Policy Director to lead local and state level policy and advocacy campaigns in Maryland and Washington, D.C. This role develops and leads campaign strategies that encourage elected officials and other decision makers to enact river-friendly land-use policies, sufficient appropriations, and pollution reduction programs.
Founded in 1993, Potomac Conservancy is a vibrant and growing environmental organization. We are the region’s leading clean water advocate, advancing an agenda to ensure the Potomac River boasts clean drinking water, healthy lands, and connected communities. You will be joining a fun and entrepreneurial team of dedicated staff members who seek to improve the water quality of the Potomac and its tributaries by motivating and activating an impassioned base of local river advocates. Join us and make a difference in your community!
The Policy Director serves as an important member of the Potomac Conservancy team and will contribute to organizational management strategies that help shape the growth of the organization. The ideal candidate is a passionate and committed advocate with a knack for campaign strategy, lobbying, policy analysis, and coalition building. Successful candidates will have demonstrated experience exercising disciplined thinking to craft strategic, efficient, and effective policy campaigns. This position reports to the President and coordinates with other Conservancy programs to optimize the breadth of the organization in advocacy efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Track, analyze, and formulate policy positions on legislation, agency regulations, and local codes and ordinances.
- Meet with and educate decision-makers at the local, state, and agency level.
- Draft and deliver comments and testimony on the organization’s position related to local and state policies, rules, and regulations.
- Identify opportunities for unique leadership and co-leadership roles to drive effective conservation results in the Conservancy’s priority local jurisdictions.
- Serve as the organization’s lead external representative on key policy and legislative coalitions in Maryland and D.C.
- Draft grant proposals and grant reports to strengthen advocacy efforts.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3+ years’ experience working in conservation policy or advocacy.
- Demonstrated success advocating on conservation issues.
- Strong writing abilities and skills communicating difficult technical issues to lay audiences, including elected officials and the general public.
- Successful track record of securing grant funding.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Disciplined focus, demonstrated ability to execute plans.
- Passion and commitment for rivers and streams and the conservation of these water resources.
- Knowledge of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL is strongly preferred.
Location, Schedule, and Travel: Potomac Conservancy is headquartered in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland, with a field office in Winchester, Virginia. This position will be based in Silver Spring and reports to the President. The position requires regular travel within the region.
Compensation and Benefits: This is a full-time, hourly position (40 hours per week) with an annual compensation of $48,000 – $53,000. In addition to staff outings, benefits include medical and dental coverage, 18 days paid time off and 10 holidays per year, working with bright, fun coworkers, and interacting with an engaged Board of Directors.
To Apply: The deadline for applications is January 22, 2016. To be considered, you need to submit a cover letter and resume to resume@potomac.org. Potomac Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer.
