Salary Range:$65,000.00 To 71,000.00 Annually

Location: Washington, DC

To Apply: Please submit resume & cover letter through our online application system by November 20th

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Wilderness Society seeks a highly creative and skilled individual to join our Government Relations team in Washington, DC to develop and implement strategies and tactics to advance federal policies that protect priority public lands and waters as in close collaboration with external partners, with a focus on advancing Executive and Administrative protections including the designation and expansion of national monuments and national wildlife refuges as part of our efforts to protect 30% of US lands and waters by 2030.

Reporting to the Director of Government Relations and working internally with field, legal, communications and other staff from across the organization, particularly our Conservation Campaigns team, the Representative will develop and lead government relations strategies and tactics to advance key policies. These will include supporting locally led campaigns in advocating to Members of Congress and the Biden Administration for the designation of national monuments and national wildlife refuges as well as other priorities which advance the Wilderness Society’s mission.

This Representative plays an important role in supporting an inclusive organizational culture that is grounded in trust and accountability to shared goals and outcomes.   TWS has made diversity, equity, and inclusion strategic priorities for the organization and the Representative will integrate these priorities throughout their work, including by developing equitable policy outcomes and campaign strategies through inclusive processes that bring partners to the table early and lift up the voices of historically underrepresented communities.  Across our team, we aspire to be campaign oriented, nimble, collaborative, innovative, transparent, and supportive of staff – our greatest asset.

The Wilderness Society (TWS) is a national non-profit organization whose mission is to unite people to protect America’s wild places.  We believe public lands belong to and should benefit all of us. Our organization and work must embody the cultures and perspectives of people and communities across our nation and connect and inspire people to care about the outdoors.

PRIORITY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and lead the execution of government relations strategies – with Congress and the Administration – to support and advance key policies to improve equitable access to nature and achieve related strategic priorities, collaborating with field, legal, communications and other TWS staff and national and local partners.
• Track and manage an evolving portfolio of public land conservation designation proposals that impact priority landscapes and/or efforts to meet a 30x30 goal.
• Educate Members of Congress, congressional staff and agency officials on priority conservation issues; support TWS staff and partners with lobbying and working with Congress and the Administration.  Develop and maintain strong working relationships with congressional and Administration staff.
• Support and build TWS’ national partnerships and engage in coalitions with key stakeholders, including public land user groups and BIPOC partners, while supporting the growth of more inclusive and diverse coalitions for public lands conservation.
• Analyze designations, proclamations, legislation and other formal policies in support of TWS’ priorities.
• Develop fact sheets, talking points and other outreach and advocacy materials; represent TWS with the media where appropriate; and partner with policy, legal and communications staff as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Competencies

• Minimum 3 years of experience working on policy or advocacy campaigns or a related field
• Track record working successfully in teams representing a rich mix of talent, backgrounds, and perspectives—across race and gender.
• Strong experience working with elected officials and a solid understanding of the legislative and/or administrative process at the federal level.  Experience working on Capitol Hill or in federal agencies a plus.
• Experience working collaboratively within inclusive coalitions and engaging a broad set of partners across lines of difference including race, ethnicity, socioeconomic class, and interests.
• Proven ability to evaluate and analyze legislation and/or other policy solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including the ability to translate complex policies succinctly and clearly for a public audience and decision makers.
• Proven ability to develop strategies and tactics to achieve an advocacy goal.
• Strong problem-solving skills and careful attention to detail.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.   Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.   Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to adverse weather conditions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position of Senior Representative and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of experience, skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.

TWS has instituted a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all staff reporting to a TWS office or engaging in in-person work meetings.   There is an exception to the vaccine mandate for any staff who have an objection because of a medical or religious reason.  We will do our best to devise reasonable accommodation that respects your objection while balancing the competing demands of your specific position.

The Wilderness Society offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; sick and vacation leave; a sabbatical program; paid parental leave and a retirement plan.  TWS is an equal opportunity employer and actively works to ensure fair treatment of our employees and constituents across culture, socioeconomic status, race, marital or family situation, gender, age, ethnicity, religious beliefs, physical ability, veteran status or sexual orientation.

As an organization, we aspire to being inclusive in the work that we do, and in the kind of organization we are.  Internally this means working as a team that listens to different points of view, recognizes the contributions of every employee and empowers each employee to bring their whole selves to work every day.  Externally this means ensuring that public lands are inclusive and welcoming, so that our shared wildlands can help people and nature to thrive.  We are committed to equity throughout our work, which we define as our commitment to realizing the promise of our public lands and ensuring that all can share in their universal benefits.

To learn more about our commitment, please see http://wilderness.org/our-commitment-diversity-equity-and-inclusion-wilderness-society