Senior Policy Manager, Western Water

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:

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Senior Policy Manager, Western Water to support policy efforts and government affairs functions to advance Audubon’s mission and bird conservation objectives under Audubon’s Strategic Plan. The Senior Policy Manager will play a key role in implementing Audubon’s vision for transformative water policy solutions by working in collaboration with other national, regional, and state staff and external partners. This position reports to the Policy Director, Water.

This position is classified as hybrid, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employee’s choosing. Candidates should be located within commuting distance of Audubon's office in Washington, D.C.

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

Essential Functions

• Provide input to the Policy Director, Water and Senior Director, Water for Birds and People, on development of Audubon’s water policy agenda.
• Develop and implement strategies to support the efforts of policy staff working across the Western United States on federal, regional, and state water policy initiatives.
• Support a multi-organizational group of NGOs working for federal funding and policy focused on building resilience for the Colorado River Basin.
• Lead coordination efforts and participate in advocacy activities in Congress, as well as federal and state administrative branches and agencies, to advance conservation objectives.
• Review, analyze, and write comments on environmental documents, proposed regulations and policies.
• Collaborate with Audubon’s D.C. government affairs and policy teams and Audubon’s relevant consultants on Western Water related policy issues and develop strong and effective working relationships with staff across the Audubon network, including state and regional offices.
• Work with communications and policy staff to support Audubon’s Western Water policy conservation priorities to include writing public policy position documents, fact sheets, articles, newsletters, action alerts, press releases, and social media posts.
• Build and maintain working relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including NGO partners, federal legislative offices and officials, and federal and state agencies.
• Collaborate with Audubon’s development team on grant report, deliverable, and proposal writing, as appropriate. 
• Support a culture of philanthropy, including public funding efforts.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Americas including through joint planning and execution of shared priorities.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, natural resources, or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience in legal, policy or advocacy work. Experience in water policy, water conservation, and/or wildlife related issues is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
• Familiarity with analyzing environmental documents, guidance, regulations and legislation.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and experience working with or managing diverse coalitions.
• Understanding of current policy trends in water in the West related to wildlife management, climate change, land and water conservation, Indigenous law, with experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
• Proven ability to work effectively in a team-based environment.
• Excellent and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal, including substantial public speaking experience, and the ability to effectively represent Audubon to members, state and federal elected officials, donors, and chapter leaders, as well as in traditional and social media.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex or multiple projects through to success, including meeting project deadlines, financial goals, and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.
• Willingness and ability to travel as needed, on average once per quarter, some weekends and evenings required.
• 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.