Overview
Put your passion and skills to work for the planet. Climate change is the most urgent issue of our time, and we need people like you to help us build a vital Earth — for everyone.
We’re Environmental Defense Fund, a fast-paced nonprofit with a growing staff of more than 850 people in nearly 30 countries. We deliver game-changing solutions that cut climate pollution and strengthen people’s ability to thrive despite the effects climate change is already having. We work wherever we can have the most impact, from local communities to top companies to governments worldwide, and even in space.
Our culture, values and commitment to diversity make EDF an exciting and meaningful place to work. Every job here makes a difference. Won’t you join us?
Responsibilities
With world attention on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. By focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships, and market-based approaches, we tackle urgent threats with practical solutions. We are one of the world’s largest environmental organizations, with more than two million members and a staff of approximately 800 scientists, economists, policy experts, and other professionals around the world. We operate in 22 geographies with unique projects running across four programs. You will be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents, and contributions, where innovation and results are a way of life.
Overall Function
Under the direction of the AVP, Regional Affairs, the Senior Manager, Southwest Region is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of policy advocacy strategies in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico that support attainment of EDF’s goals. The Senior Manager will also work with EDF’s Political Affairs team to coordinate and align regional activities to enhance EDF’s credibility and influence with these states’ congressional delegations and federal agency officials for the region.
The Senior Manager’s responsibilities include managing consultants and lobbyists, identifying internal and external synergies and conflicts, working in concert with partner organizations, and relationship development with influential people and interest groups in the region. The Senior Manager will work closely with the AVP, Regional Affairs and other EDF team members to ensure that all regional policy advocacy, communications, and relationship management are consistent, aligned with EDF organizational goals, and mutually reinforcing and supportive across EDF program strategies. The Senior Manager will report to the AVP, Regional Affairs.
Location
This position is Remote; Preferred Nevada, Arizona, or New Mexico locale with convenient access to an airport. Up to 25% travel expected.
Key Responsibilities
- In consultation with the AVP, identify policy and political objectives for State Affairs in the Southwest Region and help design and lead the implementation of, strategies for effective state and federal policy engagement in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- Coordinate and oversee various State Affairs activities in the region while providing related strategic guidance, decision-support, cross-EDF coordination, and internal reports.
- Lead various collaborative efforts across EDF programs, affiliated groups, and the national political team to deliver effective advocacy in support of EDF goals in the region.
- Embed with EDF program teams as required to shape advocacy goals and strategies through synthesis of issue research, policy analysis, and political perspective.
- Prepare materials in furtherance of EDF’s advocacy agenda, strategic communications efforts, and other purposes.
- Speak on behalf of EDF in key external forums and establish a reputation as a go-to resource for policy makers and other stakeholders.
- Lead key elements of EDF’s policy and advocacy strategy in the region.
- Work to ensure that State Affairs strategies and activities support the development of EDF’s credibility and influence with the congressional delegations for Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico and priority federal agency officials for the region, in alignment with EDF Political Affairs’ strategic approach, priorities and operations.
- Develop and manage the execution of strategic communications plans, in partnership with EDF Marketing and Communications and Political Affairs staff and consultants based in the region.
- Develop workplans for teams and project groups, including managing consultants and lobbyists, to ensure accountability for deliverables and critical tasks.
- Attend, participate, and represent EDF in events, workshops, and meetings with policymakers, advocacy coalition partners, community-based and environmental justice groups, and various other external stakeholders.
- Work closely with the AVP, Regional Affairs to ensure the State Affairs team’s effective management of relationships with policy makers in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico.
- In collaboration with team members, produce grant application and report materials, and develop and manage discrete project budgets to support advocacy goals.
- Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF's values.
Qualifications
- At least eight years of professional experience with a bachelor’s degree, or advanced degree Ph.D., with at least four years of experience.
- Demonstrated leadership potential and experience managing teams and workgroups
- Strong preference for previous advocacy and/or political campaign experience
- Preference for previous experience in water and natural resources policy, management, and/or related campaigns
- Detail oriented, organized, self-starter, able to adapt to frequent change and prioritize effectively
- Creativity, energy, and the ability to multi-task and get work done under pressure
- Ability and willingness to work as a strong team player, while at the same time able to work independently
- Strong written and oral communications skills
- Adaptable and flexile while working with a diverse team from varied backgrounds
- Good judgement, initiative, and ability to anticipate problems and follow through with confidence
- Commitment to Environmental Defense Fund's mission of protecting public health and the environment
- Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to build effective coalitions and work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds
Minimum Salary
USD $105,000.00/Yr.
Maximum Salary
USD $115,000.00/Yr.
EEO Information
Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.