Senior Policy Advisor, Freshwater

The Nature Conservancy • Arlington, VA

1d • $129,000 - $149,000

About The Position

What We Can Achieve Together: The Senior Policy Advisor, Freshwater leads and implements The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC’s) federal freshwater policy strategies in service of TNC’s 2030 goals. They work primarily with U.S. federal agencies, Congress, and partners to develop, modify and advance strategies to shape water policy in the United States. The successful candidate must reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Reporting to the US Federal Water Policy Team Lead on the North America Policy and Government Relations team, the Senior Policy Advisor, Freshwater furthers the work of The Nature Conservancy and its conservation partners through direct interaction with U.S. government agencies and Congress focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact conservation and restoration of freshwater throughout America. They serve as a leader for TNC in developing, analyzing and implementing freshwater policy at the federal level in the United States and as a conduit between TNC’s programs and state chapters to key leaders in federal agencies. They will serve as a relationship manager and policy contact for senior officials at the Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation and the US Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water. They will serve as a leader and collaborator with other business units across TNC to develop and present clear and consistent messaging on freshwater priorities. They will possess a deep appreciation and respect for people and a desire to learn from others with varied perspectives and experiences. We’re Looking for You: The challenges facing our planet today require comprehensive solutions that address the well-being of people and nature and lay the foundation for future conservation efforts. In this role, you’ll lead the strategy development for and engagement of TNC’s staff in planning and management decisions made by relevant federal agencies to advance freshwater management, water resources infrastructure, the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions in water management and large-scale riverine restoration. You’ll develop and advance a policy and funding agenda for TNC with respect to the freshwater authorities, programs and management decisions of Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, and other federal water programs and cultivate a broad set of relationships with relevant agency leadership and staff. You’ll work with Congressional members and staff of both parties and both chambers, and advocate for TNC water policy agenda on Capitol Hill on issues related to area of expertise. You’ll serve as contact with the external professional community in the policy arena to keep abreast of new developments and opportunities that may be useful to TNC and to report on and share TNC’s experiences with others. You’ll work and lead coalitions made up of NGO, academic and private sector members to advance policy priorities. You’ll work with staff within TNC to develop and execute the water policy priorities. You’ll strive to advance equitable policies that support the priorities of Tribes and Indigenous and underserved communities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, business or related field and 6 years of senior management level experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent experience.
• Supervisory experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Direct experience working with government agencies and Congress or equivalent experience working on U.S. federal policy for a nongovernmental organization.
• Experience analyzing agency regulations and policy proposals, legislation, drafting comments, and developing alternative policy solutions.
• Experience in leading policy strategy development and implementation.
• Experience working with partners.
• Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
• Experience with relationship building.
• Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree appreciated.
• Experience working in a federal agency or in a congressional office.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with federal agency leadership, and members of Congress and their staff.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy development for and engagement of TNC’s staff in planning and management decisions made by relevant federal agencies to advance freshwater management, water resources infrastructure, the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions in water management and large-scale riverine restoration.
• Develop and advance a policy and funding agenda for TNC with respect to the freshwater authorities, programs and management decisions of Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Water, and other federal water programs and cultivate a broad set of relationships with relevant agency leadership and staff.
• Work with Congressional members and staff of both parties and both chambers, and advocate for TNC water policy agenda on Capitol Hill on issues related to area of expertise.
• Serve as contact with the external professional community in the policy arena to keep abreast of new developments and opportunities that may be useful to TNC and to report on and share TNC’s experiences with others.
• Work and lead coalitions made up of NGO, academic and private sector members to advance policy priorities.
• Work with staff within TNC to develop and execute the water policy priorities.
• Strive to advance equitable policies that support the priorities of Tribes and Indigenous and underserved communities.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level