DEPARTMENT: External Affairs
REPORTS TO: Director of Government Relations
DURATION: Full-Time
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS TEAM
Ocean Conservancy’s External Affairs team has a focus that spans government relations, communications and marketing. We strive to condition the climate for change by informing, inspiring and empowering the public to take action; and then build on the new coalitions we create through strategic engagement of stakeholders, policymakers and corporate leaders. We pride ourselves on reaching key constituencies in new and innovative ways; building Ocean Conservancy’s brand promise via strategic partnerships; and working with our program teams to win real policy and legislative changes that protect and promote ocean health.
PRIMARY RESPOSIBILITIES
The Congressional Affairs Manager develops, implements, and coordinates efforts to advance Ocean Conservancy’s national policy and legislative agenda. S/he represents the organization to, and maintains close contact with, Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration on ocean conservation and funding issues. S/he will work closely Ocean Conservancy programs and staff to identify, and create opportunities, to advance specific policy goals, and to develop and implement strategies and tactics to achieve effective policy outcomes. This work will include policy analysis, legislative strategy development and implementation, selective stakeholder outreach, and coordination of the NGO community. The Congressional Affairs Manager will help determine when new legislative authority is needed, draft testimony, legislation, and legislative amendments, and communicate with Congressional staff. S/he responds to requests for information and advocates for organization’s positions before Congress and federal administrative agencies.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven ability to understand and analyze complex environmental and legislative issues; and develop and implement strategies to advance policy and legislative goals.
- Minimum of three years of experience working with Congress and/or the federal government on policy issues.
- Advanced degree in political science, environmental policy, law, or marine science preferred.
- Superior oral and written communication skills, including capacity to communicate complex ideas compellingly to a variety of audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate across disciplines and work collaboratively with diverse teams, networks, and coalitions.
OTHER/PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
- A strategic thinker who can identify, maximize, and create opportunities to advance Ocean Conservancy’s policy goals.
- A high-level performer who will bring the necessary creativity, energy, and commitment, and with the ability to move rapidly in response to policy opportunities as they present themselves.
- Thorough understanding of Congress, the Administration, and the policy-making process.
- Attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind.
- Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach.
- Personable, passionate, productive, and focused on advancing the cause of ocean conservation.
BECOMING AN OCEAN CONSERVANCY TEAM MEMBER: The expected start date for this position is ideally September or October 2010. Ocean Conservancy offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. We welcome candidates with a dedication to conservation and a commitment to leveraging the power of partnerships to create momentum for change.
Ocean Conservancy staff use and value our resources—time, talent, and money—to achieve powerful gains for the protection of the ocean that sustains all life. We’re dedicated to long-term issues, and we create sustainable solutions based on science, not ideology. We see the big picture and offer realistic solutions to protect the ocean and improve our quality of life. Some things about us you should know:
- Our mission is to inform and inspire. Our strategic communications capacity is prioritized and valued throughout the organization.
- We provide concrete solutions that lead to high-impact results. These include landmark policies like: protecting sea turtles by mandating Turtle Excluder Devices, the establishment of marine protected areas in California, and the protection of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
- We stand on the shoulders of more than 35 years of policy expertise, and we have the longest track record defining priorities and translating science into sound, practical policies that protect our oceans.
- We leverage our strong networks and deep connections. We’ve won the trust of legislators over the years, and our access to key decision-makers in Congress allows us to serve as the voice of the ocean in the halls of power. Our grassroots network helps to amplify our voice across the country.
- We recognize that real leadership means cooperation. We know when to stand firm and when to negotiate on behalf of the ocean to achieve lasting victories.
- We’re committed to creating long-term change. We continue to monitor legislation and policies long after they fall from the front-page headlines to ensure that vital aspects of ocean life are always protected.
APPLY FOR THE POSITION: If you think you have what it takes to fill this critical leadership position on Ocean Conservancy’s team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities with your resume and salary expectations to: jobs@oceanconservancy.org and note your name and "Congressional Affairs Manager #1016" in the subject line.
