The Director for Migratory Bird Conservation Policy is charged with leading Audubon’s efforts to develop and advocate for policy solutions that conserve migratory birds with a focus on the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and migratory bird conservation funding programs. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Conservation Policy, they are a member of the National Audubon Society’s policy leadership team and will closely collaborate with state and national leadership across the country. Within their area of responsibility, the Policy Director is responsible for monitoring, coordinating, developing, and negotiating policy positions; supporting state and national policy and program staff; and leading Audubon’s engagement with outside stakeholders including state and federal decision makers, coalition partners, and a wide range of affected interests from agriculture to the energy industry. This work includes proactively communicating issues and positions through earned and social media, and helping attract resources to support this important work.
- Develop and advance policy priorities to defend and achieve policy solutions under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act as well as other funding and other opportunities to advance migratory bird conservation in collaboration with the Senior Vice President for Conservation Policy, the Chief Conservation Officer and other Audubon leaders as appropriate.
- Support the implementation of the Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Implementation plan and the Pacific Shorebird Management Plan by developing shared policy agendas in concert with partner organizations and help advance those agendas.
- Oversee planning and implementation of key policy campaigns working with communications, campaign, program and policy staff at all levels of the organization. Responsible for driving goals and strategy, framing policy positions, staying abreast of legislative or administrative developments, and drafting supporting materials such as briefing papers, talking points and comment submissions.
- Negotiate policy outcomes with administrative or legislative decision makers as well as important conservation agreements with industry partners.
- Represent Audubon within coalitions that advance assigned policy priorities.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with key elected and agency officials and staff.
- Manage consultants retained for lobbying, policy work, or other technical expertise.
- Coordinate and support any litigation on policy priorities within the Policy Director’s portfolio.
- Provide real time content in support of Audubon policy objectives for web and social media platforms; be active in the communication and dissemination of Audubon objectives and successes in the policy arena.
- Serve as a visible ambassador for Audubon, engaging key stakeholders including government officials, major funders, business leaders and the media to advance conservation efforts.
- Other duties as assigned.
- 7-10 years’ progressive professional experience, to include 5+ years working on policy and government relations related to wildlife conservation in business, government or the non-profit arena. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered.
- Demonstrated expertise with wildlife and environmental laws, including the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. Experience with other wildlife and environmental laws and policy, including federal land management authorities and compensatory mitigation policy, is preferred.
- Successful track record working in, federal, state, and local governmental processes especially with state and federal wildlife agencies and congressional committees with jurisdiction over these issues.
- Experience working to advance grassroots issue-based advocacy campaigns is preferred.
- Strong understanding of current policy trends in wildlife, environmental protection, and land conservation, and experience applying this knowledge to policy advocacy and implementation strongly preferred.
- A self-starter who is able to prioritize multiple simultaneous projects and complete work with minimal supervision while meeting deadlines.
- Technically savvy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability synthesize and interpret technical information for various audiences, including the grassroots network, decision makers and the news media.
- Superior interpersonal skills – a leader that is seen as effective organizational ambassador in order to cultivate relationships with partners, government officials, donors, and the public.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly across the state and elsewhere as needed, some weekends and evenings required.
- Knowledge of and deep interest in conservation and the mission of the National Audubon Society.