Sr. Specialist, LWCF Policy

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

One of TWS’ highest organizational priorities is to achieve robust and consistent funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), the premier federal program used to meet the nation’s growing desire to preserve natural areas, culturally and historically significant landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities.  The LWCF program has added millions of acres to our national parks, national wildlife refuges, national forests, national historic and scenic trails, wild and scenic river corridors, Bureau of Land Management lands, and other federal lands.

Over the past two years, LWCF has become a major priority for the Obama Administration, as evidenced by its FY 2012 budget request of $900 million for the program.  Additionally, legislation was introduced in both houses of Congress last year which would have provided full and dedicated funding for LWCF.  In response, the Land and Water Conservation Fund Coalition along with a number of national environmental organizations have increased the intensity of their work on behalf of LWCF to protect its funding during these difficult budget times while building the base of support for this important and very popular program.

The Wilderness Society seeks a highly creative and skilled individual to join the core staff of the Policy Department to provide national support to our LWCF campaign while developing and implementing strategies to build political support for this critical program in Congress. This position will provide advocacy and Hill lobby efforts to support The Wilderness Society’s Conservation Funding Department and the LWCF Coalition by cultivating new Congressional support for LWCF as well as continuing to update and arm our legislative champions with the latest information and opportunities. The Policy Advisor will assist in developing advocacy materials, target lists, talking points and direct lobby activities in support of national LWCF movement-building activities.

This person will serve as a key member of a dynamic, creative, and skilled team of Wilderness Society staff (in Washington, DC and throughout the country), along with key coalition partners, working to achieve robust and consistent funding for LWCF.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

• Devise and implement a strategy to support full funding for LWCF in the annual budget and appropriations in coordination with the Director of Conservation Funding and the LWCF Coalition
• Develop and implement plans to increase awareness of LWCF and grow support among key legislators, relevant administration and land management agency personnel. 

Key aspects include:

• Develop and implement an outreach and education effort in Congress to ensure that the broadest support for LWCF is possible
• Lead Coalition efforts to both educate new members to the importance of LWCF and defend against efforts to weaken or attack LWCF
• Identify and engage new and non-traditional Congressional legislative support of LWCF; Demonstrate that support through sign-on letters, votes, and willingness to engage leadership, etc.
• Assist in the development and implementation of lobbying and advocacy strategies and materials for The Wilderness Society and the LWCF Coalition that support strong national and local campaigns in advancing the goal of robust and consistent funding for  LWCF, including work to broaden and diversify coalition participants and to develop more effective campaign support in the field
• Support and advance LWCF through lobbying and other efforts aimed at the annual appropriations process and other legislation pertaining to LWCF.  Aide the Director of Conservation Funding as a liaison between the LWCF Coalition and partner organizations at both the regional and national level.  Close coordination with Wilderness Society staff, the coalition field director and other coalition staff is essential, including staff in regional and local offices

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge & Skills:

 

• At least five years experience working on advocacy or national campaigns, preferably in the conservation movement
• Strong experience working with elected officials and a solid understanding of the legislative process, at the federal level.  Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of public land issues and conservation policy
• Strong leadership skills
• A personal commitment to protecting public lands
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to work with a wide array of individuals
• Proven public speaking skills as well as excellent writing and editing skills
• Bachelor’s degree required. Relevant graduate work will be highly regarded.

Interpersonal:

The ideal candidate would have these leadership characteristics:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Ability to be an effective and resourceful advocate with Hill staff and members of Congress to develop new support
• A solid professional presence combined with proven ability to serve in a variety of roles within an organized campaign
• Superb organizational and communications skills combined with the ability to prioritize conflicting demands
• Ability to work as part of a team in a fun and collegial but occasionally stressful atmosphere
• Ability to work effectively with many different interests and personalities

We offer a very competitive salary and benefits package, including health and dental insurance and a 403b & 401a retirement savings plans. 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