The Director for Advocacy and Rapid Response provides organization-wide leadership for policy efforts in conservation advocacy and rapid response, reporting directly to the VP for Public Policy.
This work includes the following major responsibilities:
- Develop, with staff, policy and communications strategies (both defensive and pro-active) for TWS conservation initiatives that focus on organizational priorities, national as well as key issue campaigns, driving an increased breadth and strength of support for conservation of wild lands
- Develop and lead a team of 1 rapid response issue researcher and work alongside the Director of Advocacy Communications. Assure effective and efficient structure and performance of the rapid response team, including staff roles and relationships, operations, staff development, supervision, and inter-staff communications
- Lead the policy department, in close coordination with communication department, to ensure that advocacy messaging is strategic, effective, timely, and consistent to external audiences. Establish and/or maintain systems and processes to ensure effective coordination
- Develop and manage the rapid response advocacy team, leading TWS in its defensive efforts of policies and places, while designing and implementing integrated campaigns
- Integrate rapid response closely with other TWS departments and programs, increasing the effectiveness of TWS science, communication, and place-based efforts
- Assure forward-thinking planning and innovative use of all tools available towards maximizing advocacy and conservation policy impacts, including use of Capitol Hill relationships, the entire legislative process, electronic communications and social media. Partner with Web team to aggressively integrate electronic communications into rapid response
- Initiate and maintain excellent working relationships with key members of Congress and their staff, other NGO’s and their rapid response teams, and bloggers nationwide in an effort to amplify message
- Assist Development staff in raising funds for staffing and operations of conservation policy
- Engage importantly in broader departmental and organizational identity initiatives
The position is stimulating, central to the success of TWS policy and communication success and constituency-building, and offers the opportunity to lead and fuel creativity.
Qualifications and attributes:
The ideal candidate understands the linkage between good public policy and effective messaging, and has significant experience in advocacy, rapid response, campaigns and political work; possess outstanding strategic instincts; ability to organize and work with a team of committed policy and communication professionals; and ability to manage diverse programmatic processes, issues, and media. Knowledge of legislative process/public affairs is essential (Capitol Hill experience highly desired), as well as understanding of public participation in public lands conservation. Ability to lead strategic development of a rapid response team, personnel, resource allocations, and relationships is key.
Candidates should be agile at handling multiple issues and processes simultaneously, enjoy and are adept at working in teams, and have a good sense of humor.
Candidates should have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a (preferably) related field and 5 years relevant experience. The position is located in Washington, DC, though some travel is required.
The Wilderness Society offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a retirement savings plan. At TWS, we advocate for and protect the rich variety of life, values and experiences that wild places provide; as an organization we are equally committed to honoring diversity in our staff and creating an inclusive work environment.
Consider becoming a member of our team by sending your resume and cover letter to: staffing@tws.org
