Senior Manager, U.S. Government Affairs

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, nonpartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With over 1,000 staff and more than 2.6 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Vice President, U.S. Government Affairs, the Senior Manager is a key member of the U.S. Government Affairs and Global Policy team and will be responsible for developing and implementing effective and durable elements of Audubon’s Healthy Birds, Healthy Planet policy agenda to advance Audubon’s bipartisan conservation goals within the U.S., working primarily with Congress and federal agencies. This role will provide critical policy research, analysis, writing and strategic guidance while serving as a highly visible representative of Audubon with congressional offices and committees, federal agencies and partner organizations. The Senior Manager will work closely with the Senior Director U.S. Government Affairs and other federal policy leaders at Audubon to provide guidance and helpful tools to engage Audubon’s network, including background materials and other relevant content for internal communications.   

This position is classified as on-site based in the Washington, D.C. office.

Compensation:
$107,000 - $120,500 / year

Essential Functions

• In coordination with the Vice President and Senior Director, assess opportunities and identify policy priorities to advance the goals of Flight Plan, Audubon’s strategic plan.
• In partnership with federal policy leaders across the organization, develop and implement strategies in support of policy goals and objectives, providing leadership on issues that specifically support driving durable conservation funding, in particular managing Audubon’s engagement on annual federal appropriations.
• Through partnership with the Senior Director of U.S. Government Affairs, manage efforts that meaningfully cultivate champions for Audubon’s priorities. Assist with developing and implementing metrics to support this effort.
• Monitor the legislative and regulatory developments of key congressional committees and relevant agency actions.
• Prepare high quality policy analysis, fact sheets, position papers, testimony and other materials necessary to support Audubon’s policy priorities.
• Represent Audubon with national issue-based coalitions and partner organizations, monitoring their developments and contributing to coalition-based legislative and administrative efforts.
• Identify and mobilize key allies and stakeholders to help amplify Audubon policy priorities with decisionmakers.  
• Supervise temporary and intern staff through establishment of work objectives and priorities, reviewing and revising these objectives on an ongoing basis to guide and mentor team members in their work progress. 
• Serve as a resource for state/regional-based federal policy staff.
• Support a culture of philanthropy and help identify opportunities for public funding to support conservation priorities, in collaboration with the Public Funding and Community Building teams at Audubon.
• Maintain and foster culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, natural resources or related field and 7+ years’ experience on Capitol Hill, with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant federal agency working on environmental and/or agricultural issues is required. A combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Outstanding policy analysis and research skills, with the demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage a complex workflow. 
• Demonstrated leadership skills, including the ability to collaborate with partners, and manage teams and projects effectively
• Familiarity with and experience navigating Committee and agency process and procedures is required. 
• Experience with political or legislative campaigns highly desired. 
• Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon with a variety of stakeholders, including congressional, government, and partner organizations. 
• Exceptional judgment, with the demonstrated ability to think creatively and make strategic recommendations to key leaders within an organization. 
• A self-starter, with experience working in decentralized organizations and collaborating with cross-departmental teams. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and desire to be part of and contribute to a team effort. 
• Demonstrated interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the National Audubon Society and political insight of the nexus between Congress and environmental issues needed. 
• Support Audubon’s commitments to equity, diversity, and inclusion.     
• Tech-savviness, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, advocacy tools, and other web-based applications required.
• Willing and able to travel as required, approximately once a quarter
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

This position will require tracking of lobbying time and ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements. The position may require registration as a lobbyist. The selected candidate must be willing and able to complete any required registrations and adhere to all related reporting and conduct standards.

This position is represented by the Communication Workers of America (CWA).

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users.  If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.