Policy Director, Audubon North Carolina

Job Description:

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President and Executive Director of Audubon North Carolina (ANC), the Policy Director is a member of the state leadership team responsible for establishing the organization's policy goals and position(s) on emerging policy, overseeing government relations, and helping to set organizational strategy to further landscape-scale conservation goals. The Policy Director will collaboratively establish a comprehensive vision for effective state policy that protects birds and the habitat that supports them in North Carolina. The Policy Director will manage priority external partnerships and work with national and state staff to further Audubon's conservation goals within the state. This role is hybrid in the Raleigh - Durham area allowing work to be done from your home and requiring a daily commute to legislature so must be able to travel frequently and stay locally. This is a full-time, 40 hours a week, role with some work on the weekends. This role is based out of the Audubon North Carolina State Office, in Durham, NC.

Compensation:

$110,000-$120,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

* In coordination with the national and state science and policy teams, develop proactive state policy goals that further Audubon's conservation priorities. Establish criteria for evaluating policy priorities and determining Audubon's official position on emerging policy issues.

Serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues including climate and energy, forests, and coasts. Apply a diverse knowledge of issues and strategies relevant to bird conservation to further programmatic goals.

* Responsible for state government relations, lawmaker, and congressional outreach & lobbying, growing bipartisan political power and executing state and national campaign policy priorities. Manage interns, consultants, and contract lobbyists as needed.

* Maintain positive working relationships with state and federal agencies and advocacy partners relevant to policy priorities, including Office of the Governor, NC Wildlife Resources Commission, NC

Department of Cultural and Natural Resources, NC Department of Agriculture, Coastal Federation, Environmental Defense Fund, Southern Environmental Law Center, The Nature Conservancy, The Conservation Fund, and others.

* Serve on issue-specific task forces and partner coalitions including offshore wind energy.

* In collaboration with the Director of Conservation and field staff, assist with the process of rule making and implementation of policies resulting from advocacy wins.

* Support chapters with Bird Friendly proclamations, resolutions & ordinances at the local level.

* In coordination with the Executive Director and Senior Communications Manager, identify opportunities to enhance Audubon's reputation as a thought leader on priority policy issues, including participation in policy forums and development of communications materials for public and target audiences.

* Review and support production of policy communications intended for Audubon membership to ensure accuracy and alignment with Audubon policy priorities.

* Partner with the engagement and communication staff to build long-term grassroots power.

* Support the Executive Director and Development staff in fundraising for the policy program.

* Work closely with the Audubon Action Fund, 501 (c)(4) affiliate to the National Audubon Society, on developing and implementing a strategic and tactical plan to help advance priority organizational state and federal policy priorities in South Carolina.

* Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

* Master's or advanced degree in policy, law, economics, natural resources, or equivalent experience.

* 10 years' experience leading advocacy, policy, wildlife conservation, public service, or related field.

* Seasoned professional comfortable with developing and advocating for public policy initiatives, grasstops and grassroots campaigns, lobbying, and/or direct involvement in state or federal policymaking. Preference for individuals with experience related to climate, energy, forestry and/or coastal policy.

* Must register or be registered to lobby in North Carolina.

* A strong commitment to the mission, values, and programs of the National Audubon Society. Demonstrated interest in and a commitment to conservation and climate change solutions.

* Experience and ability managing multiple projects through to success, including meeting goals, project deadlines, managing budgets and coordinating the work of key staff and partners.

* Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color, in the consideration of impacts and outcomes of a decision-making process.

* Knowledge and appreciation of, as well as a connection to, North Carolina and its environment, conservation, and political history.

* Must have reliable transportation.

* Understanding of clean energy policy and sitting issues (e.g. solar & offshore wind).

* Outstanding interpersonal skills, judgment, and a demonstrated ability to collaborate and build coalitions with a wide range of individuals and organizations at the local and regional level. Ability to motivate people to action.

* Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills, including an ability to communicate complex science and technical issues to the public and those without specialized knowledge.

* Willingness to conduct some in-state travel, occasional out-of-state travel and be comfortable with working evenings and weekends as job responsibilities demand.

* Must have a valid driver's license.

EEO Statement

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.

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.
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