Government Relations Manager

Salary: $80,000.00 Annually
Position Title: Government Relations Manager
Department/Program: Government Relations
Reports To: Director, Government Relations
Status: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
Location: Washington, D.C.

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy unites science, people, and policy to protect our ocean, today and for generations to come. We envision a healthy ocean and a thriving planet, forever and for everyone.

POSITION SUMMARY

Ocean Conservancy’s Government Relations team works to develop and implement policy solutions to address key ocean threats. Through strategic engagement with Congress, the Administration, partner organizations and other stakeholders, we work to educate policymakers on ocean issues and influence ocean-related legislation and policy decisions to achieve lasting change. We pride ourselves on promoting policy solutions that are visionary, but pragmatic; inspiring and activating key constituencies in new and innovative ways; and working with our program teams to win real policy and legislative changes that protect and promote ocean health.

The Government Relations Manager develops, implements, and coordinates efforts to advance Ocean Conservancy’s national policy and legislative agenda. The Government Relations Manager has the responsibility of developing and executing comprehensive government relations strategies for achieving our objectives in both congress and the administration. The primary focus of this position may include coverage of issues related to sustainable fisheries, Arctic conservation, and climate. Other programmatic topics could include appropriations.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Represent the organization, and maintain close contact with Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration on ocean conservation and funding issues.
• Work closely with Ocean Conservancy program staff to identify and create opportunities to advance specific policy goals, and to develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve effective policy outcomes.
• Policy analysis, legislative strategy development and implementation, selective stakeholder outreach, and coordination of the NGO community.
• Help determine when new legislative authority is needed, draft testimony, legislation, legislative amendments, and communicate with Congressional staff.
• Respond to requests for information and advocate for the organization’s positions before Congress and federal agencies.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of one year of experience working with Congress and/or the federal government on policy issues.
• Proven ability to understand and analyze complex regulatory and legislative issues; and develop and implement strategies to advance policy and legislative goals.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, including capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate across disciplines and work collaboratively with diverse teams, networks, and coalitions.
• A strategic thinker who can identify, maximize, and create opportunities to advance Ocean Conservancy’s policy goals.
• A high-level performer who will bring the necessary creativity, energy, and commitment; and with the ability to move rapidly in response to policy opportunities as they present themselves.
• Understanding of Congress, the Administration, and the policy-making process.
• Attentive to details and adheres to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
• Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
• Experience working in a government agency, congressional office, or experience lobbying is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of or familiarity with one or more of the policy issues listed above preferred.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, marine science or related field is required.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary is $80,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

TO APPLY

If you think you’d be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy’s team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required. We want to support employees’ career growth and in return, our employees help Ocean Conservancy grow into a stronger, more inclusive institution.