Mid-Atlantic Conservation Policy Manager

## Description
Join the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) in our mission to protect the Northeast and Mid‑Atlantic Appalachian region, ongoing since 1876. Our values encompass diversity, inclusivity, trust, and respect for the environment. As an employee, you’ll gain access to enriching programs, policies, and procedures that enable you to drive real change. If you’re ready to explore, protect, and create memories within a dynamic community, apply now to be a part of the AMC team!

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic conservation advocate and public policy professional to lead our coalition‑based work to advance conservation and recreation in the Mid‑Atlantic Region, based out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. They will work with our policy and advocacy team to advance our policy priorities related to conservation, outdoor recreation, and the intersections with climate mitigation, as well as advancing greater equity in the outdoors. As part of our team of advocates from Maine to Pennsylvania, they coordinate with conservation and research staff, as well as our volunteers, to help build relationships between AMC and federal and state agencies, including regulatory bodies, elected officials, the private sector, and other non‑profit organizations.

A qualified candidate will be enthusiastic about AMC’s conservation and recreation mission, have a proven track record as a skilled communicator, and will have experience in community and constituency engagement around environmental and outdoor recreation issues.

The Conservation Policy Manager is primarily focused on eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Priority initiatives include state and federal legislative and regulatory public policy issues in the region that protect and invest in the region’s landscape and waters and advance equitable access to the outdoors.

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## What You’ll Be Doing at AMC
– **Conservation & recreation policy** — Lead AMC’s conservation and recreation policy work in the Mid‑Atlantic region, including identifying and implementing public policy and advocacy campaigns at state and federal levels, often in coalition with other non‑profit organizations.
– **Pennsylvania Highlands Coalition** — Lead and support the Pennsylvania Highlands Coalition and the 4‑state Highlands Coalition (CT, NJ, NY, PA).
– **Government relations** — Build relationships with federal, state, and local officials, especially in areas supporting AMC operations and trails priorities.
– **Policy analysis** — Analyze and comment on legislation, regulations, and policies related to land conservation, natural climate solutions, outdoor recreation, and equity in the outdoors.
– **Coalition building** — Build and convene coalition partnerships and recruit additional business and community voices for conservation advocacy.
– **Communications writing** — Write and edit action alerts, social media posts, blog entries, policy memos, testimony, lobbying materials, and press releases.
– **Program organization** — Organize and host informational programs and events such as webinars, meetings, and presentations.
– **Community engagement** — Engage AMC members, volunteers, the public, and partner organizations; coordinate events and recreational outings.
– **Grant development** — Conceptualize projects, pitch and write grant applications, and strengthen relationships with funders.
– **Strategic initiatives** — Identify and lead new initiatives such as expanding programs or developing innovative tools for AMC’s mission.
– **Representation** — Represent AMC at regional conferences, press events, and meetings.
– **Internal coordination** — Support coordination across Conservation, Trails, Research, Lands, Policy, Operations, Growth, and Development teams.

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## Qualifications
### What AMC Is Looking For
– **Passion for conservation** — Commitment to AMC’s outdoor recreation, conservation, and education mission.
– **Relevant experience** — Background in environmental policy, advocacy, land/water protection, campaign work, volunteer relations, community outreach, constituency engagement, communications, or social science; at least five years of experience or a mix of professional and graduate experience.
– **Coalition experience** — Ability to build or contribute to coalitions, identify key stakeholders, and facilitate information exchange.
– **Communication skills** — Strong research, writing, verbal communication, and comfort with public speaking.
– **Technical skills** — Solid computer skills and willingness to learn more.
– **Teamwork** — Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
– **Volunteer engagement** — Experience supporting and engaging volunteers of varied backgrounds.
– **Equity & inclusion** — Commitment to creating an equitable, inclusive, culturally relevant environment.
– **Driver’s license** — Valid driver’s license; willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends and travel with overnight stays (typically no more than two nights per month).
– **Physical abilities** — Majority office‑based work; ability to occasionally travel safely in backcountry conditions carrying up to 20 lbs; ability to sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment.

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## What AMC Can Offer You
### Salary
Salary range: **$56,380 – $71,760**

AMC is committed to fair compensation practices. External candidates typically start at the beginning of the range. Final compensation is based on experience, education, skills, and geographic factors.

### Benefits
– **Health Plan** — Generous employer contributions through Cigna; optional vision and dental.
– **Other Insurance** — 100% employer‑paid life insurance, AD&D, and long‑term disability.
– **Career Progression** — Potential for annual compensation reviews based on performance.
– **Retirement** — Mandatory 403(b) with 4% employer match and vesting schedule.
– **Paid Time Off** — Up to 4 weeks earned time plus up to 11 paid holidays.
– **Other Perks**
– 30% discount on AMC merchandise
– Free annual AMC membership
– 10 free nights at AMC locations
– Educational assistance
– Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear

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## To Apply
Please include a resume and cover letter. No phone calls or agencies, please.

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## Safety & Background Checks
The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. AMC requires all employees to undergo an annual criminal background check, with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

AMC also requires annual background checks for employees working in programs or facilities serving children, disabled persons, or the elderly.

Learn more here