The Endangered Species Coalition leads the grassroots movement to protect threatened and endangered species and to defend the Endangered Species Act. We boldly confront threats to wildlife and wild places. We protect and restore biodiversity and seek to ensure its benefits are shared equitably by all communities. What sets ESC apart is that we are a force of genuine collaboration, long-term movement building, and innovation. We are a convener of more than 400 conservation, community, humane, science, faith, sporting, and other groups, along with more than 600,000 individuals. We use our decades of expertise to empower, strategically coordinate, and lift up those member groups and voices around the common goal of saving species. We believe that power is an abundant resource that grows as it is shared; by empowering other organizations and individuals, we empower ourselves and build a true movement for biodiversity justice.
ROLE
The Policy Advisor will persuade decision-makers to strengthen and defend endangered species protection and to adopt national biodiversity policies. The Legislative Advisor will implement targeted outreach and educational efforts and develop relationships with key congressional staff, Members of Congress and the Administration. The Legislative Advisor is a part of ESC’s member group team and will support and leverage the strength of the 400-strong coalition members to respond to their policy needs and to jointly advance national biodiversity policy. The Legislative Advisor works closely with and reports to the Director of Institutional Engagement. The position is remote but applicant must be located in the Washington, D.C. area (or willing to relocate there).
Responsibilities will include the following:
PROGRAM
- Serve as a thought leader on Endangered Species Act (ESA) and biodiversity policy. Survey member groups on policy priorities. Strategize, lead, craft, and articulate ESC’s policy priorities. Engage member groups in advancing these priorities, including by setting up high-level meetings for ESC and member groups.
- Cultivate congressional champions. Stay in close contact with congressional staff, Members of Congress and the Administration to safeguard the ESA and adopt proactive biodiversity policies. Lead strategic efforts to cultivate the ESA caucus and working group.
- Work collaboratively with the legislative teams of the groups participating in regular ESA defense efforts and attend regular ESA meetings.
- Lead lobby days in coordination with ESC’s campaign and member group teams.
- Support field staff by informing them of ongoing developments with the political situation relating to the ESA through emails, staff calls updates, etc.
- Support ESC’s campaign and member group teams, for example: giving presentations on how to lobby, joining in fly-in lobby days, etc.
COMMUNICATIONS
- Respond to member groups’ ESA questions and requests.
- Create and seek out opportunities to speak and write about ESC’s policy priorities, including at conferences, in opinion editorials, fact sheets, Letters to Congress and the Administration, blog posts, etc., including seeking out opportunities for other staff and member groups.
- Participate and update the staff on meetings and discussions had with decision makers on weekly ESC staff calls.
- Participate and update the community on meetings and discussions had with policy makers on weekly ESC member calls.
- Create presentations to communicate key policy issues for a variety of audiences, including congressional staff, member groups, donors, etc.
DEVELOPMENT
- Keep funders informed about current ESA and biodiversity policy issues via monthly written updates and in funder presentations.
- Collaborate with the operations team to support their appeal-writing and grant-writing efforts.
KNOWLEDGE
- Familiarity with legislative processes, particularly with environmental laws.
- Awareness of and interest in endangered species and environmental/biodiversity justice.
- A strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
ABILITIES
- Work independently on multiple projects and in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Build and maintain strong interpersonal relationships and communicate effectively with people from diverse political and social backgrounds.
- Work collaboratively with ESC staff and within various coalitions, including the ability to negotiate and/or find common ground in a peaceful manner.
- Analyze, synthesize, and summarize information for a wide variety of audiences.
- Write and speak effectively, and communicate openly and honestly.
- Work remotely, via email, video, and conference calls.
SKILLS & QUALITIES
- High-functioning, self-aware, and self-regulating, with an understanding of how one works best.
- Self-starter with a flexible nature who knows when to seek direction.
- Creative thinker—possess the ability to think strategically and in innovative ways to identify new opportunities and solve problems.
- Culturally aware—work equitably and inclusively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and cultures and are respectful of others’ opinions, positions, and differences.
- Competent with basic Microsoft software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Google products (Gmail, Drive, Calendar, Slides).
- Equipped with a good sense of humor and good judgment.
BENEFITS
The position includes a benefits package designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance including: a remote/virtual work environment, half-day Fridays, generous holiday, personal, and vacation time off (including a winter recess from Dec. 24-Jan. 1), paid parental leave, 100% employer-paid medical and dental insurance, monthly stipend, flexible work arrangements, and a values-based culture that seeks to advance the principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI).
SALARY
USD $63,500 – USD $65,000 / year
TO APPLY
- Send your cover letter, resume and at least three references to [email protected]
