Position Summary: In accordance with ANS’ Strategic Plan and the need to respond to climate change, the Advocate will research, coordinate and implement grassroots action and lead advocacy on climate resilience, local clean water, environmental justice, and land use policy issues in Washington, DC. Partner and network with local, regional and state environmental, community and business groups to achieve policy outcomes. Engage with the public to increase awareness, and organize and mobilize ANS members, volunteers and local community members to take action to protect and restore local watersheds, prepare for and adapt to climate change, and preserve green space in our urban communities. Read more about the ANS Conservation Department and our Policy Priorities at www.anshome.org/conservation, and on our blog at http://conservationblog.anshome.org.

Essential Duties:

Advocacy and Organizing

· Network, convene, and facilitate meetings, events, and trainings for partner organizations (environmental and community groups) in Washington, DC to achieve shared advocacy goals.

· Educate and organize residents of Washington, DC to advocate for nature in their communities, and lift up their voices to achieve ANS’ environmental policy goals as they intersect with community goals.

· Build and foster relationships and in partnership with Conservation Director, conduct regular meetings with local decision makers (i.e. DC Council, Office of the Mayor, city agencies) and their staffs.

· Identify and communicate top threats to nature, climate, and clean water in Washington, DC; and in partnership with Conservation Director and network partners, actively work to achieve policy (legislative & agency, including budget funding) outcomes that mitigate these threats.

· Identify Washington, DC advocacy concerns that warrant ANS Action Alerts and coordinate communications with ANS Conservation and Communications Directors.

Communications and Outreach

· Engage, train, equip and mobilize people of all ages in the DC metro region to monitor local water quality using ANS's Creek Critters app and various watershed-focused engagement activities.

· Attend and present ANS advocacy and citizen engagement initiatives at ANS events, local and regional conferences and community meetings.

· Engage with coalition partners to design and lead community engagement programs.

· Provide on the ground coordination of volunteer field activities and direct and work with volunteers on research and organizing needs.

· Work closely with ANS Communications Director to communicate Washington, DC policy wins and threats through ANS and partner communication channels, including the ANS website, Conservation Blog, and social media.

· Regularly communicate with grant funders and donors as directed by the Conservation Director and Development Director.

Regular Duties:

Provide regular reports and documentation on the following:

· Time sheets, travel and expense reimbursement forms, time spent on grant funded projects.

· Written memos and testimonies documenting key activities and strategic decisions/recommendations.

· Attend staff meetings at Woodend Sanctuary in Chevy Chase, MD, on an up-to weekly basis.

· Attend ANS Annual Meeting and other ANS events as assigned by Conservation Director.

Required Qualifications

· Basic familiarity with Washington, DC’s communities and environmental concerns.

· A passion for protecting our natural resources and landscapes through organizing and policy change.

· Strong collaboration and community engagement skills and experience, including prior advocacy and/or community organizing experience.

· A commitment to working respectfully across differences and bringing diverse communities together.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.

· Proficient in social and app based communication.

· Proficient in Zoom and Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word, Excel.

Desired Qualifications

· Resident of Washington, DC.

· Connections to communities, leaders, organizations, and/or coalitions East of the Anacostia River.

· Bachelor of Science in Biology, Environmental Policy, or related field. Master Naturalist or similar adult education would also be valuable, as would personal experience/interest in nature and/or policy.

· Working knowledge of environmental issues including for example: climate change mitigation and adaptation, water quality including urban runoff/stormwater management, land use planning, and/or related issues (we will teach this skillset to the right candidate).

· Proficient/conversational in Spanish.

Physical Requirements

· Must be able to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain carrying a load of 20 pounds.

· Must be able to balance on slippery rocks and scale down steep embankments.

Other Requirements

· Must be able to attend events out of work time (i.e. weekends & evenings) 1 or 2 times per week, up to ~4 times per month. Workday schedule flexibility available to accommodate this need.

· Must be comfortable working independently and outside of the office.

· Must have access to a vehicle and/or driver license (transportation costs reimbursed, including carshare/rental if needed)

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume, including three professional references, to conserve@anshome.org. Please include the job name in the subject line and cover letter. This position will stay open until filled. Preferred application deadline is July 25, 2021. Preferred start date will be end of August/beginning of September.

ANS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. ANS is committed to modeling inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility as best practices for the region’s environmental community in our Strategic Plan. People of color and those from economically disadvantaged communities are particularly encouraged to apply.