The Director of Policy is responsible for establishing NWF’s leadership role in advancing mitigation solutions to climate change that protect wildlife and habitat, and will be the organization’s primary spokesperson and advocate with federal decision makers. The Director will also oversee policy development and advocacy for the climate and energy program’s priority campaigns, including its dirty energy and new energy solutions campaigns. The Director of Policy will be the point person for decisions on climate and energy policy positions to achieve NWF’s objectives.  The Director will supervise relevant staff and will assist in fund raising and program development. The Director of Policy will lead to establish and implement NWF’s climate policy goals, working closely with the staff of the Climate and Energy program, the leadership of NWF, and with staff of related programs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:              

• Oversees the development and implementation of policies that advance NWF’s goals of reducing carbon pollution. This includes but is not limited to the development of policy, legal and political strategies within the executive or legislative branch.
• Develops and executes campaign and political strategies including policymaker outreach and lobbying; supervising policy and legal staff, coordinating with other NWF programs, and working with NWF’s partners and in coalitions.
• Directs and oversees policy advocacy for the climate and energy’s priority campaigns, including advancing new energy solutions and preventing expansion of dirty energy.
• Assists with the climate and energy program’s fundraising and development efforts, and be responsible for raising revenue to support the program, including new climate advocacy projects.
• Serves as a lead spokesperson for NWF in the media on climate policy, through traditional and social media channels.

EDUCATION:

• Masters or other advanced degree preferred, bachelor degree considered if candidate has exceptionally high-level climate policy experience and political network.

EXPERIENCE:

• 7- 10 years practical experience advancing climate, or clean energy-related policy objectives through strategic engagement with federal policymakers (both legislative & administrative) and constituents.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. climate policy or U.S. energy policy.
• Demonstrated experience in managing or implementing advocacy campaigns, or complex projects.
• Demonstrated success and proven results advancing policy objectives through strategic outreach, lobbying and engagement.

SKILLS:

• Effective written and oral communication skills; demonstrated track record working with traditional and social media.
• Staff supervision and development; ability to lead a team of professionals to achieve policy goals and desired outcomes.
• Understanding of how the Executive Branch and Congress operate; demonstrated knowledge and experience working with the U.S. legislative process
• Ability to convene, mediate and facilitate discussions among senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and enjoys building relationships with diverse groups and individuals.

National Wildlife Federation is outcome-oriented, places a high priority on cooperation, team building and leadership, and fosters a culture of shared responsibility.  The Director will exhibit all of the above characteristics to succeed.