Delaware River Watershed Policy Fellow - Audubon, United States - National Audubon Society

Description

Audubon, PA
Part time
Posted 15 Days Ago
JR74

Position Summary

The National Audubon Society is seeking a Delaware River Watershed Policy Fellow to advance Audubon's policy objectives for the Delaware River watershed. Reporting to the Policy Director, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, the Fellow will play a key role in addressing water resource management challenges in the watershed and evaluating public funding for management and restoration. The Fellow will learn about and gain experience in the conservation policy field, with specific focus on advancing federal and state (NY, NJ, DE, PA) legislation, supporting conservation priorities to include federal appropriations. The Fellow will leverage the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus (Caucus) leadership to accomplish policy goals, as appropriate.

The ideal candidate is a skilled, strategic thinker who works well in coalitions, with experience and knowledge of water issues in the Delaware River Watershed (DRW), wildlife conservation, environmental and/or climate policy. They will have a passion for policy advancement and be skilled at verbal and written communications. This position is an exciting opportunity to enrich a career in policy by contributing to policy research and tracking, while developing skills needed for a career in the environmental policy field.

This is a full-time, one-year grant-funded position that will begin approximately March 2024 and last until March, 2025. The position is remote; however, this position will require travel to Capitol Hill, State Capitols and throughout the Delaware River Watershed.

Compensation:

$18.00-$20.00 / hour

Essential Functions

Outreach:

Create and disseminate issue-specific information sheets, talking points, and email alerts.

Facilitate information sharing and briefings for members of the Congressional Caucus and their staff.

Collaborate with key state and national NGO partners and agencies.

Work with the network team to engage Audubon chapters in communicating policy priorities to relevant federal and state officials, as needed, work with the team to launch action alerts for Audubon members to participate in the policy process.

Develop and implement strategies to support the efforts of policy staff working across the watershed on federal, regional, and state water policy initiatives.

Provide input to the Director of Water Policy on the development of Audubon's DRW policy agenda.

Collaborate with Audubon's D.C. government affairs and policy teams on DRW related policy issues and develop strong and effective working relationships with staff across the Audubon network.

Policy Research

Gather and analyze information about DRW priority policy issues.

Conduct legal and policy research and analysis of bills moving through Congress and regulatory actions that are underway by federal agencies.

Conduct legal and policy research and analysis of bills moving through Basin State Assemblies.

Develop materials including fact sheets and briefing books on specific issues.

Work with communications staff to develop website and newsletter content including legislative spotlights and blog posts related to policy developments.

Write letters to support, improve, or oppose policies moving through Congress/Basin State Assemblies or their Administrations.

Monitor hearings, and work with Audubon policy staff to engage congressional/Basin State Assembly offices on policy priorities.

Track and analyze bills and legislative trends, utilizing Legislation Tracking Software, and share updates with Audubon's network and key allies.

Review, analyze and write comments on environmental documents, proposed regulations, and policies.

Meetings and Events

Help organize events (both in-district and on Capitol Hill) to convene legislators around issues important to the Caucus.

Organize regular briefings on Audubon priority topics for internal Audubon staff, coalition members, and external stakeholders.

Work with partner organizations to plan in-watershed events such as site tours related to on-the- ground conservation program work.

Represent Audubon at select meetings and events.

Qualifications and Experience

Working knowledge of policies related to watershed management, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat.

A Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university required. Graduate-level law or policy coursework is preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in place of education experience

Experience working with elected officials and/or on campaigns is preferred.

Experience planning and executing events is preferred.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Excellent research skills and experience translating complex information into an engaging format.

Microsoft Office Suite products, Google applications, and basic database management.

Ability to work self-guided and within a team setting is essential.

Ability to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues in other states.

Ability and willingness to travel to events as needed.

EEO Statement

The 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 Statement

The 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 This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation.

Audubon's state programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action.

Since 1905, Audubon's vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization.

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