Federal Policy Associate for Defense

Job Title:  Federal Policy Associate for Defense
Department:  Conservation
Reports To:  Senior Washington DC Director & Team Leader – WDC

Context:  Carries out the strategies and activities for assigned legislative and administrative advocacy campaigns in coordination with the broader Federal Policy Team in support of the federal policy defense efforts.  The Federal Policy Associate will help develop and carry out the federal policy defense strategies and priorities for assigned issues and will support various federal defense issues as needed.

Scope:  The Federal Policy Associate for Defense collaborates with the Director of Federal and Administrative Advocacy, members of the Federal Policy Team and volunteer leaders who work on federal defense efforts.  The Federal Policy Associate for Defense creates materials for use in public policy and outreach and education campaigns, and represents the Sierra Club to government officials, the media, and other organizations, travels occasionally to lobby, participate in Chapter and federal defense activities, and coordinates with and trains volunteer leaders.  Takes appropriate action to ensure that campaign and federal policy goals and objectives are met.


Job Activities:

1. Represents the Sierra Club to legislators, government officials, other environmental groups, news media, and the public by participating in meetings, public speaking, and establishing and maintaining contacts. Carries out federal and administrative lobbying to support the federal defense effort.
2. As part of federal  defense, lobbies members of Congress and their staff and other relevant elected officials on behalf of the Club on various issues ..
3. Develops relationships with administrative officials and their staff, including the Environmental Protection Agency, Department of the Interior and Department of Energy.  Carries out administrative lobbying campaigns associated with the assigned national program.
4. Works closely with other capacities to ensure federal policy objectives are prioritized and met.
5. Supports media outreach activities related to the campaign/program, including implementing media outreach plans. Serves as issue expert for both reactive response and proactive pitching to media outlets in coordination with communications staff.
6. Provides content for educational and campaign issues information. This may include the writing, editing and distribution of fact sheets, newsletters, alerts and take actions, and political and educational materials.  It may also include the writing, editing and reviewing of articles, blogs and social media content for conservation-related publications.
7. Supports and mobilizes grassroots conservation campaign activities by providing guidance and information to activists and volunteers, fellow Sierra Club staff, [specific campaign] leadership and delivery teams, and coalition partners. Takes the lead in organizing the Sierra Club’s participation in volunteer lobby weeks.
8. Performs miscellaneous duties as directed.

Knowledge & Skills:

• B.A./B.S. degree in Environmental Studies/Science, Political Science, or a closely related field
• 1 - 2 years’ experience in the environmental field that includes legislative experience or lobbying, research and campaign organizing, press relations and public speaking.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong leadership skills and a willingness to take on  responsibility for a campaign or issue
• Prior experience and ability in writing training information and materials
• Prior experience and knowledge of the national legislative process
• Demonstrated ability and effectiveness working with volunteers

This position is represented by a collective bargaining unit and is subject to the terms and conditions of the contract between Sierra Club and Progressive Workers Union.

The Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical, dental, and vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan. This is a category 5 exempt position.

Sierra Club is a 501(c)(4) organization. Sierra Club does not sponsor H1B visas.

The Sierra Club is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.

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