Advocacy Program Manager

Job Description

Location: Telework now, Washington, D.C. preferred when offices reopen

The Walton Conservation Coalition (WCC) is seeking to hire a skilled, highly motivated, and entrepreneurial individual to join as an Advocacy Program Manager. This individual must have a passion for, and knowledge of, conservation issues generally, along with experience with issue advocacy, electoral, and legislative campaigns at the state and/or federal level.

About the Position
The position calls for a commitment to conservation advocacy (particularly freshwater, sustainable agriculture and fisheries issues), the ability to navigate both the state and federal policy landscape and willingness to work on both sides of the political aisle. The role requires self-direction and strategic thinking, combined with the acumen to identify effective advocacy opportunities and build trusted relationships with partners.

This position will not have any direct reports.

What you will do
The Advocacy Program Manager will manage a diverse portfolio of state and national partners and strategies to advance conservation priorities.

Specific duties include the following:
• Assess and monitor the advocacy landscape in priority states
• Assess and monitor federal advocacy efforts across multiple issues in Congress and the Executive Branch
• Design advocacy strategies to advance WCC objectives
• Source, develop and vet thoroughly funding recommendations to advance conservation priorities
• Prepare concise, compelling executive briefing documents and strategic funding memos
• Build and maintain relationships with partners, relevant external organizations, key policymakers, stakeholders and issue experts
• Track and evaluate progress on WCC funding priorities and objectives

Who we are looking for
You are a self-starter with outstanding communications and writing skills. You are a fast learner, networker and problem-solver ready to take initiative to develop effective strategies and partnerships in order to further conservation priorities. You demonstrate sound political judgement and possess a proven track record developing successful legislative, advocacy or electoral campaigns and programs.

Qualifications required for your success
• 6+ years of experience working in a leadership role in issue advocacy, legislative or electoral campaigns
• Strong written and oral communications and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze advocacy plans and strategies, develop and manage budgets, and establish and evaluate progress achieved by partners
• Ability to create and nurture relationships with stakeholders and maintain a diverse network of contacts at the state and federal level
• Capacity to think strategically and manage multiple projects at once
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Zoom plus a willingness to learn new technology platforms
• Willingness to travel (when that is a thing again) to develop and maintain partner relationships and assess program opportunities.

Additional Helpful Experience Includes
• Experience working on conservation policy, in a legislative, electoral or advocacy capacity
• Experience assessing and building the long-term effectiveness and capacity of advocacy organizations

Personal attributes that support your success
• Brings a diverse set of experiences and perspectives
• Demonstrates commitment to work toward bipartisan solutions
• Has the capacity and flexibility to work as part of a team as well as independently
• Thrives in a fast-paced work environment and adapt easily to different methods of communication and work
• Has the intellectual agility and the ability to analyze, think critically and anticipate emerging issues
• Brings a robust network of political, legislative, and advocacy professionals
• Is helpful, a team player, and collaborates respectfully with others
• Exercises sound judgement and handles sensitive and confidential environment appropriately

Benefits Information
We offer a comprehensive and generous benefits package which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401 (k) retirement plan and paid time off.

About the Walton Conservation Coalition
The Walton Conservation Coalition is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization dedicated to the health and conservation of our oceans and rivers in the face of climate change. We foster leadership in policy and advocacy at the local, state, and federal level for pragmatic solutions to today’s pressing environmental concerns. WCC supports partners and builds winning coalitions to produce durable policy and electoral gains for conservation.

WCC’s conservation advocacy activities support the strategic goals of the Walton Family Foundation’s Environment Program.

About Walton Enterprises
Walton Enterprises supports the personal, philanthropic and business activity for the Walton family. We are a family-led organization, supporting multiple generations of Sam & Helen Walton’s family.

Walton Enterprises is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building and maintaining a culturally diverse workplace that is free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate.

Basic Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience working in a leadership role in issue advocacy, legislative or electoral campaigns
• Strong written and oral communications and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to analyze advocacy plans and strategies, develop and manage budgets, and establish and evaluate progress achieved by partners
• Ability to create and nurture relationships with stakeholders and maintain a diverse network of contacts at the state and federal level
• Capacity to think strategically and manage multiple projects at once
• Strong technical skills, including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Zoom plus a willingness to learn new technology platforms
• Willingness to travel (when that is a thing again) to develop and maintain partner relationships and assess program opportunities.