Policy Manager

The National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state, regional, national, and international programs, nature centers, and chapters have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. As a sentinel species, we recognize that the fate of birds is inextricably tied to the fate of us all.

Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the United States and seven countries in 17 state and regional offices, 41 nature centers, and 23 wildlife sanctuaries. Together as one Audubon, we aspire to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss.

Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged, with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon will bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.

Reporting to the Policy Director and working in close coordination with the Western Water and National Policy Team, the Arizona Policy Manager is charged with building political power and executing National Audubon Society priorities, while effectively leveraging and building upon the organization’s grassroots and grasstops assets and relationships. As part of the state office, the Policy Manager will spearhead the planning, integration, and coordination of policy communications, outreach, event planning, and research needs. The Policy Manager would provide expertise and capacity for the development of educational, outreach, and communications materials to deploy to raise awareness of the importance of water and climate resilience with decision-makers and influencers in the state of Arizona. The Policy Manager will work with a multidisciplinary team to plan, implement, and achieve Audubon’s policy goals. The Manager will provide critical capacity to the Policy Director and help expand and develop productive relationships with key state-elected and agency officials and leaders, as well as the Arizona congressional delegation and federal agencies critical to Audubon priorities.

Compensation:

$80,000-$85,000 per year

• In consultation with key leaders, design and manage aspects of priority water policy work for the Water for Arizona Coalition, including setting goals, strategy, targets, tactics, establishing messaging and media needs, work plans and timelines.
• Support the Policy Director’s engagement in state and federal level policy work as the spokesperson and state leader.
• Work closely with the Water for Arizona Coalition leadership to grow the power of rural Arizona leaders, demanding change for groundwater management.
• Identify potential research projects that could support policy work, and work with GIS specialists to implement Story Maps and other forms of science communication.
• Help integrate and coordinate campaign work across programmatic departments.
• Identify grant opportunities and projects that align with partners as well as Audubon’s water and climate resilience goals. And, when appropriate, applying for those grants.
• Assist in managing consultants such as lobbyists, issue experts, and/or communications professionals.
• Supervise Arizona policy team staff, such as the Senior Coordinator, Campaigns.
• Lead and/or represent Audubon in coalition work.
• Coordinate and oversee the digital engagement as they relate to the policy work in Arizona.
• Build new and leverage strong, strategic relationships with a diverse set of instate organizations needed to advance the policy work.
• Track and monitor policy outcomes.
• Provide regular updates to leadership on progress and outputs, such as letters to the editor, outreach activities, in-district meetings, etc.

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, water policy, natural resources or related field required.
• 5 years of related professional experience in water conservation, campaigns, grassroots advocacy, policy, public service or related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Established background in water policy and other climate-related issues highly desired.
• Demonstrated management experience of programs, program effectiveness, people, and budgets. Experience running programs at the local, state, and/or federal level.
• Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to oversee and mentor professional staff while working effectively in a team-based environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills and the ability to build consensus among a wide range of individuals. Must be comfortable with public speaking.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing multiple complex or multifaceted projects through to success, including meeting financial goals, and project deadlines.
• A self-starter who is motivated and able to work in a decentralized work environment with minimal supervision and coordinating with staff and partners.
• Thorough understanding of advocacy, communications, and grassroots engagement.
• Experience working with diverse public audiences and possess a keen interest in engaging new constituents.
• Experience leveraging social media and digital mobilizing tools to advance policy priorities.
• Demonstrated success working in coalitions and building nontraditional partnerships.
• A strategic thinker, one with outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions.
• Tech-savvy, with proficiency in MS Office applications, GIS, campaign/advocacy tools and other online software.
• Willingness to travel across the assigned state, as well as throughout Audubon network, including the possibility of some regional or national travel. Must have a flexible approach to work, including comfort working evenings and weekends as the job responsibilities demand.
• A valid driver’s license is necessary.
• Strong commitment to conservation, climate solutions and to the mission of the National Audubon Society.

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

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All new hires must be fully vaccinated prior to their start of employment unless they are pre-qualified by HR for exemption.