Position Title: State Policy Advocate, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Department: Government Relations
Location: Remote Temporarily
Reports To: Director, Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed
Classification: Salaried, exempt, full-time regular, 40 hours per week
Job Description:
The State Policy Advocate of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed (Coalition) (www.delriverwatershed.org) facilities outreach, grassroots advocacy, and civic engagement efforts to support NJ Audubon’s Conservation Priorities and the Coalition’s state policy goals throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New York. The State Policy Advocate will coordinate closely with the Director of the Coalition to develop and implement the Coalition’s policy and outreach strategy, build and maintain relationships with members, stakeholders, and funders, and contribute to the overall operations of the Coalition and the NJ Government Relations team. The State Policy Advocate will be responsible for coordinating the state-based activities of the Coalition, including managing the State Lead initiative, organizing state advocacy activities, and engaging and mobilizing Coalition members.
Major Responsibilities:
Develop a broad understanding of the mission, activities and accomplishments of the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed and New Jersey Audubon with the goal of enhancing collaboration among members, engaging in advocacy around relevant state legislative and funding priorities, and raising awareness of activities throughout the Basin
Communicate the Coalition’s goals, operational plans, and strategic vision throughout all levels of the Coalition and partners
Develop an understanding of relevant state and federal policies and related advocacy initiatives NJA, State Lead organizations, and Coalition members are advancing and identify new policy opportunities for member engagement
Manage the Coalition’s State Lead Initiative, including coordinating with the four state outreach lead organizations on developing outreach and policy agendas for each state, overseeing a re-grant program, budgeting, reporting, implementing relevant issue-based campaigns, identifying additional sources of funding, and engaging Coalition members
Works with the state leads to support the planning, coordination, and execution of the Coalition’s annual Delaware River Watershed Day on Capitol Hill
Review, analyze, and track relevant potential and pending legislation in all basin states
Develop a wide range of written materials to support Coalition and advocacy efforts, including educational materials, action alerts, testimony on pending legislation, and meeting summaries
Engage in grass tops with elected officials and grassroots outreach with partners to organize around state policy and funding issues in coordination with NJA Government Relations staff, State Lead organization staff, and Coalition members as needed
Represent the Coalition and New Jersey Audubon at external events
Identifies gaps and opportunities to strengthen our collective impact through work plan development and policy setting in the region
Recruit and cultivate new organizations, businesses, and government representatives to engage within the Coalition’s priorities, including those focusing on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) within their communities
Participate with other NJ Audubon staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the assigned center
Assume additional responsibilities as required for the Coalition and New Jersey Audubon
Qualification/knowledge/skills:
Four-year degree required.
Three to Four years of relevant policy and work experience is also required
Media, web, legislative and grassroots advocacy and grant writing experience desired
Knowledge of water/environmental/justice/conservation issues and/or experience working in a coalition a plus
Excellent Computer Skills - Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Excellent organizational, time and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, shifting priorities and meet deadlines
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to relate to and motivate a diverse range of people, exercise cultural competence and inclusion, and accept direction and constructive feedback
Motivated self-starter able to work independently in the execution of their responsibilities while collaborating with other organizations in various coalitions with the ability to demonstrate initiative and a positive attitude.
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Willingness to travel in the watershed as needed.
Starting date: Immediate
Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled
Salary: $48,000 to $52,000 annually
Please submit cover letter, resume, writing sample and three references as a single PDF document to Human Resources via email to hr.govrelations@njaudubon.org.
Download the job description here.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage all qualified professionals to apply. The New Jersey Audubon Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, age, national origin, ethnic background, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.