Manager, Government Affairs

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 Vice President, Government Affairs, the Manager of Government Affairs will be part of a dynamic and growing team working across the political spectrum to advance Audubon’s federal policy priorities, including climate solutions and habitat protections that are essential for birds and people.

Based in Washington, DC, the Manager will be responsible for coordinating decision maker outreach, developing and managing policy advocacy strategies that engage Audubon’s vast community, and providing support to policy experts as part of a matrixed team. Following Audubon’s strategic plan, this person will help weave together ambitious goals to tackle climate change, create an environment in which birds thrive, and create healthy communities for birds and people.

The Manager must be an energetic, adaptable, relationship-oriented, and impact-driven individual who can effectively work across internal teams and with diverse partners in pursuit of policy accomplishments; and who will bring an entrepreneurial spirit and thoughtfulness as we deepen our commitment to building the most effective conservation community across the Western Hemisphere.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the legislative process and policy advocacy, combined with strong prioritization and organizational skills and a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging values. This person will have the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion under limited supervision and as part of a team.

Compensation:

$85,000 / year

• Develop strong, bipartisan relationships with elected officials and their senior staff, committee staff, and relevant state or federal agencies, and clearly communicate Audubon’s conservation priorities as well as negotiate and influence pragmatic policy outcomes.
• Manage outreach and record retention in Quorum to Congress and the Executive branch, including scheduling meetings, attending hearings and policy briefings, and meeting with policymakers.
• Coordinate Audubon’s federal appropriations engagement, working closely with internal teams to develop Audubon’s priorities, coordinating outreach to Executive agencies, Congress, and representing Audubon in coalitions.
• Monitor legislative developments for key congressional committees and relevant agency actions and provide timely updates and strategic and tactical recommendations related to this activity.
• Develop materials to support decision maker engagement, including letters, fact sheets, briefing memos, talking points, and other materials as needed.
• Manage internal process for bill endorsements, coalition letters, and position statements in alignment with Audubon’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conservation Principles.
• Supervise 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.
• Partner with Audubon colleagues to ensure that Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Conservation Principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, natural resources or related field.
• Five years’ experience in government relations, policy, or conservation advocacy; an equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge and experience working on federal environmental and conservation policy; experience with issue advocacy campaigns a plus.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, and an ability to reach a wide range of individuals and forge consensus. Ability to synthesize and communicate technical and complex information to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High proficiency with MS Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint; knowledge with Quorum a plus.
• Able to travel, approximately no more than four times a year, for meetings, conferences and representing Audubon at events.

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

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.

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 Accommodations@audubon.org. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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