Job Description

Position Title: Director of Policy

Department:    Government Relations

Location:          Temporarily Remote (Bernardsville, NJ Office)

Reports to:      Vice President of Government Relations

Job Classification:  Salaried, Exempt, Full time (40-hour week)

Job Description:  The Director of Policy will work to advance the conservation priorities of NJ Audubon (NJA). General responsibilities include, testifying before the Legislature, education of state and federal elected officials and their staff, communications with the public and occasionally media, and interfacing with conservation partners. The position will lead the coordination efforts of the NJ Keep it Green Coalition, the State’s preeminent open space preservation coalition, and provide policy and advocacy assistance to the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed, as requested.

Major Responsibilities:

• Overseeing and coordinating major components of conservation campaigns, including Legislator and media outreach and securing support of partner organizations when needed.
• Spearheading NJA’s coordination of Keep It Green Coalition by organizing lobby days and regular committee calls and meetings, coordinating member group participation, overseeing staffing (as appropriate), etc.
• Preparing and presenting testimony on pending legislation and the state budget before the State Legislature.
• Planning and executing legislator events and cultivating participation to further NJA goals and mission.
• Building relationships with and educating members of the State and Federal Delegations and their staff on NJA issues including existing and desired legislation.
• Leading NJA’s Federal policy priorities including but not limited to Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, Land and Water Conservation Fund, State Wildlife Grants, Bird-Safe Buildings, Horseshoe Crab Recovery, etc.
• Reviewing potential and pending state and federal legislation and providing feedback to appropriate staff when needed.
• Developing an understanding of NJA activities in all mission areas and building relationships with NJA staff in order to better integrate conservation priorities into Government Relations efforts.
• Coordinating with internal NJA staff on development of new and review of existing legislation to further conservation priorities.
• Developing and implementing strategies to achieve both NJA and various environmental coalition’s legislative goals in coordination with the V.P. of Government Relations.
• Managing all components of specific grants including preparing and editing grant applications and reports as well as fulfilling grant deliverables.
• Engaging in grasstops and grassroots outreach with environmental and other stakeholders, communications and organizing as needed to support the NJA conservation agenda.
• Representing NJA in meetings, public forums and events.
• Working with NJA Communications staff and consultants to prepare press releases, letters to the editor,  and opinion pieces.

• Drafting letters to decision-makers that reflect NJA concerns, position, or policy suggestions.

• Providing policy and advocacy support to the Coalition for the Delaware River Watershed as needed.
• Participating in NJA fundraising efforts.
• Preparing reports and presentations for the public, the membership, the Board, the President and the Vice Presidents.

• Participating with other staff to adopt a “team” approach towards daily operations at the office.
• Assuming additional responsibilities as requested.

Qualification/knowledge/skills:

• Four-year degree related to conservation, policy, or environmental issues and three-plus years relevant work experience required. Masters degree preferred but not required.
• Knowledge of environmental and conservation issues helpful.
• Media, web, legislative and grasstops advocacy and grant writing experience desired.

• Must be willing to travel to Trenton with some frequency and to Washington DC on occasion.

• 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.
• Strong professionalism and work ethic with the ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality
• Flexibility to adjust hours to meet deadlines and needs of the organization, including availability to work occasional evenings and weekends
• Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces and be able to lift at least 25 pounds in order to participate in special events
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Starting Date:  Immediate

Salary:  Commensurate with experience. $58,000-$62,000

Application Deadline:  This position will remain open until filled.

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 40,000 - 60,000.

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