Title: Water and Land Restoration Advocate

Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Salary: 48,000 - 58,000

Reports to: CVNM Political and Policy Director

General Description:

Conservation Voters New Mexico (CVNM) and CVNM Education Fund are a family of nonprofit organizations headquartered in Santa Fe, NM. Our vision is for New Mexicans to thrive in just, resilient communities where our conservation and cultural values guide our decision-makers and public policies. CVNM connects the people of New Mexico to their political power by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.

We are seeking a full-time exempt Water and Land Restoration Advocate to develop, coordinate, and implement public policy initiatives and advocacy strategies that advance New Mexico’s leadership to proactively address legacy mine waste, impacts of hard rock mining projects (current and proposed), groundwater and surface water contamination, watershed conservation, freshwater protection, statewide water allocation and administration reform, and in-stream flow protection. We are looking for an ambitious, collaborative, and goal-driven individual who enjoys working with a team, understands the importance of civic engagement in the policy process, and is passionate about environmental advocacy and climate justice.

The Water and Land Restoration Advocate must be committed to our mission and values of authentic community and stakeholder engagement in policy work, and exemplify a deep understanding and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. CVNM staff incorporate these values into our day-to-day systems and work, and provide key support for collaboration across departments and community and organizational partnerships.

This position is based in Santa Fe, but remote work is possible for the right candidate, and requires the ability to work a non-standard work week including some evenings and weekends particularly during the legislative session and election season.

Job Responsibilities:

● Research and track mining and water related policy developments across the West.

● Develop and recommend statewide mining and water policy priorities for CVNM touching on issue areas including state and federal water quality standards, regulation of the mining industry, legacy uranium pollution clean-up and remediation, state level water administration regulatory reform, federal designation of protected waters including Wild and Scenic and EPA Antidegradation policy, and other mining and water related policy objectives that meet the long term goals of CVNM and CVNM Education Fund.

● Center policy development in CVNM’s diversity, equity, and inclusion framework, striving to build partnerships with community leaders and members most impacted by policy to design policy collaboratively.

● Identify and implement strategies that lead to broad support and passage of policies, including community leader and member advocacy or mobilization, earned media, and civic engagement.

● Engage and educate community leaders and partners to build support for mining and water policy priorities, collaborating with CVNM & CVNM Education Fund programs and staff.

● Represent CVNM and CVNM Education Fund in coalitions, interim committees, and public meetings related to mining and water issues.

● Engage with New Mexico state agencies around mining and water policy decisions including the Energy Minerals and Natural Resources Department, Environment Department, State Land Office, among others.

● Educate legislators on public policy and assist with legislative outreach efforts during legislative session, including acting as an expert witness and lobbying on policy.

● Assist with accountability, electoral, and other policy work that meets CVNM’s goals.

● Other duties as assigned by CVNM Political and Policy Director or other CVNM management.

● Comply with CVNM policies and procedures.

● Provide updates and content for communications and development departments.

Qualifications:

● Minimum 3+ years working on issues related to mining regulation, water policy, hazardous waste clean-up and remediation, and/or issue advocacy.

● Knowledge of how a bill becomes a law or city/county/state policy processes. Knowledge of Navajo Nation and/or Tribal Government policy processes is a plus.

● Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and troubleshoot challenges.

● A team player who is comfortable managing several responsibilities and pitching in where needed throughout the organization.

● Enthusiasm and commitment to amplify the voice and leadership of communities of color in New Mexico.

● Demonstrated ability and comfort working in or with bilingual and multicultural environments, audiences and teams in both group and one-on-one settings.

● Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity, and an interest or commitment to work on environmental issues that impact our air, land, water and community health.

● Demonstrated ability and comfort with leading meetings, engaging in coalition settings, and public speaking.

● Experience designing or helping to shape campaign plans and strategies, and implementing or training others in key organizing strategies and tactics like power-mapping, door-to-door canvassing, and phone banking.

● Understanding of ways that community organizing, leadership development, civic engagement, and decision-maker education can lead to policy or issue change.

● Knowledge of New Mexico’s utility regulatory body and associated bodies of law is a plus.

● A valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and reliable mode of transportation. Both in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.

Compensation:

This is a full-time exempt salaried position based on experience. CVNM also offers a benefits package for full-time staff that includes vacation and sick leave, as well as health, dental and vision coverage.

To apply: Please send your resume, cover letter, and three references to careers@cvnm.org with “Water and Land Restoration Advocate” in the subject line. Position is open until filled. No calls please. CVNM is an equal opportunity employer. Employment with CVNM is at will. If you need additional assistance to apply, please contact careers@cvnm.org.