Jobs

Senior Policy Advocate

Toxic Free NC fights for environmental health and justice by advocating for safe alternatives to
harmful pesticides and chemicals in agriculture and consumer products.
Position Overview
Toxic Free NC is seeking a Policy Advocate to ensure that public policy is responsive to those
most affected by petrochemical pollution. The Policy Advocate is a champion for justice,
strategically advancing our platform through coalition partnerships, advocacy that builds public
participation, and issues-based campaigns that move the needle toward safer policies that
protect everyone in our community. This position is responsible for managing Toxic Free NC
policy research and advocacy priorities, planning and implementing legislative and
administrative agency advocacy strategies, and working closely with staff on organizing and
mobilization campaigns in tandem with those advocacy strategies. The Policy Advocate is closely
involved with national and state coalition partners working to advance environmental health
and justice. The Policy Advocate is a strong communicator, able to synthesize and persuasively
convey technical information to any audience. They are passionate about transitioning to a just
and sustainable food system, and shifting the regulatory paradigm from “risk mitigation” toward
precautionary protection of community health and safety.
This position may be titled and banded “Policy Advocate” or “Senior Policy Advocate” based on
experience, expertise, and other factors.
Responsibilities:
● Leads Toxic Free NC legislative and administrative advocacy efforts for the protection of
public health and the environment based on rigorous and transparent science
● Serves as a policy expert and regulatory watchdog on pesticides and adjacent issues in
North Carolina
● Increases public awareness and involvement in policy-making, communicatin decision
makers and community members on key issues through policy briefs, position papers,
public comment letters, action alerts, and media outreach
● Works closely with staff and coalition partners to advance issues-based campaigns and
shared advocacy goals and strategies
● Monitors and lobbies relevant stakeholders, and works closely and cooperatively with
other staff to bridge organizing and advocacy efforts
Here’s what we’re looking for:
● Policy experience with environmental or health advocacy issues, or work on
issues-based campaigns
● Clear and compelling public speaking and written communication skills, with the ability
to convey scientific concepts to any audience.
● Knowledge of pesticide issues, food systems, environmental health science, and/or
environmental justice issues in North Carolina, with capacity and enthusiasm to learn
more.
● Helpful: educational background or training in environmental policy, public policy,
environmental science, public health, chemistry, or a related field
● Embodies Toxic Free NC’s mission and values, including a commitment to addressing
systemic inequity
● A team player who can work collaboratively, balance priorities, and engage meaningfully
with impacted communities
● Spanish language fluency helpful but not required.
● Must be able to work at the Toxic Free NC office in downtown Durham.
● Must have a valid driver’s license and ability to travel occasionally throughout North
Carolina
If you feel that you are a good fit but don’t meet all of the criteria above, we encourage you to
apply by including a statement of how you would contribute to the role.
Benefits:
This is a full-time position (40 hours/week) with paid vacation, holidays, and health and dental
benefits. The starting salary range for this position is $46,800-65,220 annually, commensurate
with experience and other factors. The job is based at our office in downtown Durham and
requires occasional travel around the Triangle and the state.
To apply:
Send us a cover letter, résumé, two writing samples, and three job related references to
jobs@toxicfreenc.org with the subject line “Policy Advocate Application.” If you would like to be
considered for the title and pay band of “Senior Policy Advocate,” please specify that in your
subject line and include justification of expertise, experience, and other factors in your cover
letter. Applications will be reviewed starting August 15 and reviewed on a rolling basis until the
position is filled.
We want you! Toxic Free NC is an equal-opportunity employer. We value the lived experience of
community members impacted by environmental exposure and we are committed to creating
an inclusive and anti-racist working environment. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and
especially those with personal connections to communities impacted by pesticides are strongly
encouraged to apply.
Summary: The Policy Advocate advances strategic policy priorities by collaboratively planning,
organizing, executing and evaluating science-based campaign initiatives, actively leading and
participating in coalitions and partnerships, mobilizing citizen calls to action, building legislative
champions and developing legislative policy proposals.
Responsibilities:
● Lead Toxic Free NC’s policy efforts by identifying issue areas and entry points for Toxic
Free NC to advance legislation, administrative advocacy, and corporate policies that
improve environmental health for North Carolina, and move the dial toward a
precautionary approach to pesticides and other chemicals.
● Represent Toxic Free NC and work in close and supportive collaboration with coalition
partners and working groups.
● Attend meetings and watchdog activities of the NC Pesticide Board.
● Act as policy spokesperson, and provide thought leadership on toxics and pesticide
reform through engagement with community, media, partner coalitions, regulatory
boards and bodies, and policymakers.
● Keep decision makers, stakeholders, and staff informed on key issues through creation
and dissemination of policy briefs, position papers, public comment letters, action alerts,
and media outreach.
● Work closely with staff and coalition partners to strategize and implement issue
campaigns and advanced shared advocacy goals. Ensure campaigns are science-based,
true to mission, and inclusive.
● Stay abreast of national, local, and municipal pesticide policies that impact our state,
and work in partnership with organizing staff to provide opportunity for our base to take
meaningful action to influence change.
● Support the sustainability and growth of Toxic Free NC by supporting fundraising efforts,
administering grant requirements including reporting, and ensuring deliverables are met
through implementation and/or team support.
● Collaborate with and support members of the Toxic Free NC staff on programs,
engagement, and organizational initiatives to increase breadth of impact and advance
mission of the organization.
● Support team communications such as the development of educational materials,
newsletters, and appeal campaigns.
● Participate in team meetings, and offer ideas for continuous improvement of programs,
initiatives and campaigns.
Reports to: Executive Director

Job posted: 2023-08-28