Senior Manager of Policy, TreePeople – California

Organization: TreePeople

Position Title: Sr. Manager of Policy

Location: Beverly Hills, California

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: Reports to the Director of Policy

TreePeople works to ensure we have enough tree canopy, healthy soil, and locally-sourced water for a climate-resilient Los Angeles. We do this by working at both the policy level and the grassroots community level to create unstoppable momentum for change. Over the past 20 years, we have led the facilitation, planning, funding and implementation of numerous multipurpose watershed projects.

TreePeople’s track record makes us one of LA’s most trusted organizations working on smart, sustainable management of our urban ecosystem. Today, TreePeople’s Policy Department is focused on two key initiatives: A “Water Resilience Initiative” and a “Collaborative Governance Initiative”. Aspects include:

• Facilitating unprecedented collaboration among the leaders of LA’s water agencies;
• Advising local, regional, and state policymakers on smart responses to California’s drought;
• Facilitating LA City’s first Stormwater Capture Master Plan; and
• Translating best practices from Australia’s water system and policies to influence Los Angeles’ drought response and long-term water planning.

POSITION SUMMARY: TreePeople is seeking a Senior Manager to join our policy team. We’re looking for a leader who is passionate about transforming Los Angeles into a climate and water-resilient region. The Senior Manager must be eager to create significant policy changes requiring long-term planning and commitment, yet sufficiently focused and detail-oriented to master the day-to-day steps required to see these changes through. The Senior Manager will be responsible for helping to create laws, policies and incentives to significantly increase the region’s local water supply, with a focus on distributed stormwater capture. The candidate must be motivated, articulate and an independent problem solver. Candidates must have professional experience in environmental policy, with experience in water policy, stormwater management, green infrastructure and interagency governance preferred.

Reporting to the Director of Policy, the Senior Manager is responsible for implementing TreePeople’s Policy agenda, including performing policy research, managing policy projects, and maintaining relationships to ensure, enable and accelerate the implementation and success of TreePeople’s Strategic Vision.

Responsibilities:

1. Work with the Director of Policy to implement TreePeople’s policy initiatives at the local, state and federal levels to further TreePeople’s Strategic Vision and objectives.
2. Actively research and critically analyze policies, laws and practices related to TreePeople’s Strategic Vision to inform TreePeople’s policy efforts. Provide written or verbal comments to relevant agencies as appropriate.
3. Represent TreePeople at public meetings and stakeholder groups, advocating for progressive policies and laws to support increasing our local water supply and creating collaborative governance structures.
4. Write policy briefs, reports, advocacy and communications materials as necessary.
5. Create and maintain relationships with policymakers and their staff to facilitate their understanding and support for key policy positions.
6. Manage day-to-day logistics for policy projects, including developing strategy, scheduling meetings, tracking timelines, and working with key partners to successfully complete projects.
7. Analyze and monitor policy initiatives developed by other organizations, coalitions or legislators and engage as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Strong professional and educational background in public policy, with a focus on environmental and/or water policy. Advanced degree in a related field preferred.
• Knowledge of Los Angeles-based governmental agencies and community-based organizations.
• Excellent public speaking, writing, communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, as well as work on multiple projects at once.
• Ability to communicate complicated data in a clear and effective way through reports, charts and other written means.

How to Apply: Send Cover Letter, Resume, and Salary History to: Jodi Toubes, Director of Human Resources & Administration, TreePeople, [email protected]