Water Resources Program Manager

Job Details

Description
Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation has grown into America’s largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization, with 52 state and territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. The mission of the National Wildlife Federation is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrives in our rapidly changing world. We advance this mission through programs focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, advancing environmental justice, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

The National Wildlife Federation is seeking a Water Resources Program Manager to lead water resources-related projects and policy advocacy for the Federation, providing crucial leadership and coordination for the Water Protection Network. In this role, you will amplify the organization’s project and policy expertise to enhance water resources planning and promote nature-based solutions that protect both people and wildlife. This position reports to the Legal Director, Water Resources and Coasts.

Principal Duties

Advance Water Resources Policy and Project Advocacy

• Support NWF’s Legal Director for Water Resources and NWF’s Mississippi River initiatives, conducting factual and policy research focused on wetland, floodplain, and river protection managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and EPA.
• Assist efforts to advance nature-based solutions, protect wildlife habitat, and improve water quality across Mississippi River mainstem states.
• Provide subject-matter expertise on issues related to Army Corps of Engineers authorities, policies, and projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with key water resource decision-makers, with an emphasis on the Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi River basin.
• Prepare reports and disseminate findings to professional and general audiences.
• Represent NWF in internal and partner coalition meetings.

Lead and Coordinate the Water Protection Network

• Increase the effectiveness of the Water Protection Network (WPN) and strategically recruit new members.
• Coordinate WPN’s leadership and members, and develop and implement campaign plans aligned with WPN priorities.
• Act as the main contact for WPN, manage communications, maintain the WPN website, and handle the WPN listserv.
• Organize WPN events, including virtual and in-person meetings, webinars, trainings, and workshops.
• Assist in fundraising efforts for WPN.

Provide Team Support for the Water & Coasts Program

• Collaborate with teammates to support broader organizational efforts to protect clean water and wetlands.
• Provide organizational and administrative support to NWF’s Water & Coasts team, including organizing meetings and events, advancing the team’s environmental justice plan, tracking progress on grant deliverables, and assisting with grant writing and reporting.

Qualifications

• At least five years’ experience in natural resource policy or campaign management, outreach, and coalition building.
• Degree in Natural Resources, Environmental Science or Policy, or related field (post-graduate degree or relevant work experience preferred).
• Familiarity with federal agency processes related to environmental protection and restoration, especially the Army Corps of Engineers.
• Experience with policy research and analysis.
• Capacity to design and manage campaigns with clear objectives, benchmarks, and deliverables.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in leadership roles with coalitions or NGO partnerships preferred.
• High initiative, ability to be a self-starter, and independence in project management.
• Strong interpersonal and networking skills, with a proven ability to build productive relationships.
• Proficiency in Excel, Mailchimp, WordPress, HubSpot, Microsoft Suite, and Airtable.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Commitment to equity and justice in environmental work.

NWF Values

Actions are expected to reflect the National Wildlife Federation’s values of collaboration, mindfulness, empowerment, inclusivity, and mission focus. Your competencies should include:

• Motivation by equity and a responsibility to marginalized communities.
• Consistent empathy and social skills.
• Commitment to deepening an environmental justice approach in policy and program development.
• Active engagement with feedback from team members.
• Dedication to NWF’s internal equity transformation and encouraging partners to integrate equity into their work.
• Passion for NWF’s mission.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods.
• Dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, such as using a keyboard.
• Communication skills using the spoken word.
• Ability to see and hear within normal parameters.
• Mobility, including handling materials weighing up to several pounds.

Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated individually.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 3 to 5 times per year.

Location and Work Mode

The National Wildlife Federation supports flexible work environments with a community of care for all staff. This position is a part of the National Advocacy Center with an office in Washington, DC. The position location is flexible and may be remote, with a preference for proximity to Washington, DC, or a Mississippi River mainstem state (LA, MS, TN, KY, MO, IL, IA, WI, or MN). The final work mode will be determined in consultation with the supervisor during the interview process.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $72,000 – $80,000, based on experience.
• Paid time off including vacation, wellbeing days, and 10 holidays.
• Paid winter break from December 25 to January 1.
• Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave.
• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Free access to a therapist, pet insurance, and discount perks.
• Annual wellbeing allowance.

Additional Financial Supports

• Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Adoption and Surrogacy assistance.
• Pet adoption stipend.
• Student loan management.

Application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.
NWF is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in all elements of our work. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

For accommodations during the application process, please contact [email protected] or 703-438-6244.

If selected for this role, a background check will be conducted.