Government Relations Manager, Ocean Conservancy – Washington, DC

Organization: Ocean Conservancy

Position Title: Government Relations Manager

Location: Washington, DC

Application Deadline: Position open until filled

Description: The Government Relations Manager develops, implements, and coordinates efforts to advance Ocean Conservancy’s national policy and legislative agenda. S/he works with our conservation experts to develop principled but pragmatic policy goals, activate new constituencies, and win real policy and legislative changes that protect and promote ocean health. This position will support policy goals across many of the organization’s programs, with a primary focus on supporting our Ocean Planning program and Trash-Free Seas program. Other program areas may include ecosystem restoration in the Gulf of Mexico, ocean and coastal resilience, Arctic Ocean conservation, and more.

Responsibilities:

• This position represents the organization, and maintains close contact with Members of Congress, their staff, and the Administration on ocean conservation and funding issues.
• The Manager will work closely with Ocean Conservancy program 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 Manager will help determine when new legislative authority is needed, draft testimony, legislation, and legislative amendments, and communicate with Congressional staff.
• The Manager will respond to requests for information and advocate for the organization’s positions before Congress and federal agencies.

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 one year of experience working with Congress and/or the federal government on policy issues.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

Advanced degree in political science, environmental policy, law, or marine science preferred.

Knowledge of one or more of the policy issues listed above preferred.

How to Apply: If you think you have what it takes to join Ocean Conservancy’s team, please send a cover letter speaking to your qualifications and abilities along with your resume and salary expectations to: [email protected]and note your name and Government Relations Manager-IL-#15-16.