Healthy Rivers Senior Policy Analyst
Job Location
Remotely anywhere within New Mexico, or can work from WRA’s office in Santa Fe
On-Site
Type of Job
Full-Time
Salary
$70,000-$90,000 annually
Published By
Publisher Name
Published Date
Oct 4, 2021
About the job
POSITION SUMMARY
Western Resource Advocates (WRA) seeks a passionate and strategic professional to analyze, develop, and advocate for policies, model legislation and other mechanisms that protect the rivers, watersheds, and wildlife in New Mexico. The Healthy Rivers Senior Policy Analyst will help shape responsible river management policy and ensure permanent protections, while building relationships with key stakeholders throughout the state. Reporting to the Healthy Rivers Program Director, this position provides an exciting opportunity to shape equitable state-level water policy in New Mexico and build sustainable communities and economies in the West. This position will start in January 2022.
LOCATION
The position can be based remotely anywhere within New Mexico, or can work from WRA’s office in Santa Fe. WRA employees are strongly encouraged to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the pandemic, some travel to WRA’s Santa Fe office and within New Mexico will be required for collaboration with WRA staff and stakeholders as well as interactions with decision-makers.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES
- POLICY RESEARCH – Develop and advocate for policies, model legislation and other mechanisms that protect New Mexico’s rivers, watersheds, wildlife.
- ADVOCACY – Monitor and engage on relevant state and federal policy developments. Provide strategic advice regarding state water regulation and administrative law. Help build equitable access to conservation policies and practices for historically under-served communities.
- RELATIONSHIP BUILDING – Develop and maintain relationships with conservation community partners, non-traditional allies, government partners, and other stakeholders. Cultivate key relationships with WRA board members, foundation partners, and donors. Work with WRA’s Communications and Government Affairs teams to develop and implement strategies to advance WRA’s objectives, and serve as a spokesperson for WRA in New Mexico.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- EXPERIENCE – Proven and demonstrated experience and/or professional degree in natural resource law, public policy, wildlife management, environmental science, engineering, or related disciplines. Significant experience working on river protection issues. Familiarity with equitable and inclusive policies and mechanisms.
- LEGISLATIVE & ADMINISTRATIVE KNOWLEDGE – Understanding of the procedures related to the application of government policies and public administration. Familiarity with New Mexico’s state water law, water planning, and permitting processes. Well-connected with decision makers and advocacy organizations in New Mexico.
- COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS – Excellent written and oral communication abilities. Motivated self-starter with comfort and skill in communicating with a variety of policymakers, constituencies and audiences. Ability to translate complicated technical concepts into accessible written and spoken content. Ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT SKILLS – Project management experience. Strong organizational skills, with attention to detail, ability to meet deadlines, and follow-through.
- TRAVEL – Willingness to travel 10-20% of time (post COVID-19).
SALARY AND BENEFITS
The salary range for this position is $70,000-$90,000 annually; salary depends on relevant experience and new staff rarely start at the top of the range. WRA’s excellent benefits package includes health, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) retirement plan, life & disability insurance, 3 weeks paid vacation leave, sick leave, parental leave, and sabbatical leave after five years. Position is full-time exempt.