Jobs

Policy Director, Audubon North Carolina

About the job

OverviewThe 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.Position SummaryReporting 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 campaign staff, 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.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 on 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 proclaimations, 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 Director and Senior Communications Manger to build long-term grassroots power.
• Support the Executive Director and Development staff in fundraising for the policy program.

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.
• 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 siting 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.

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

Apply here

Job posted: 2023-02-02