Associate Director of Government Relations, Southeast Region

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Florida, +4 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee American Rivers' efforts in government relations and advocacy throughout the Southeast Region.

• Formulate and execute strategies for government relations that align with the priorities of the Southeast Region.

• Build and nurture connections with state legislators, executive offices, legislative staff, agency leaders, Members of Congress, federal agencies, and local elected officials.

• Drive policy development and advocacy initiatives in North Carolina aimed at reforming the implementation of the Clean Water Act through an Integrated Water Management framework.

• Design and implement legislative, administrative, and political strategies and tactics.

• Recognize opportunities to utilize state legislative efforts to further federal legislative objectives and vice versa.

• Transform conservation priorities and field expertise into effective government relations strategies.

• Develop campaigns, link state and regional policy opportunities to federal strategies, create coalitions, and enhance advocacy communications.

• Safeguard existing river protections from legislative or administrative challenges.

• Cultivate strategic partnerships with conservation organizations, water stakeholders, outdoor recreation groups, local officials, Tribes, and other constituents within the Southeast Region.

• Assist in project and program fundraising in partnership with colleagues throughout the organization.

⛳️ Requirements

• At least 8 years of pertinent experience in government relations, public policy, legislative affairs, political advocacy, or a related discipline.

• Understanding of state and federal rulemaking processes and requirements.

• Extensive experience working with state legislatures and natural resource agencies.

• Significant background in managing complex policy advocacy campaigns.

• Established relationships with policymakers, legislative offices, federal agencies, or relevant stakeholder networks in the Southeast Region.

• Experience in conservation, natural resources, public lands, water, or river policy is highly preferred.

• Familiarity with the federal Clean Water Act and its implementation framework in Southeast states.

• Knowledge of Integrated Water Management and One Water policy structures and methodologies.

• Capability to devise and carry out bipartisan legislative and government relations strategies.

• Proven experience in coalition building and collaboration with a diverse set of stakeholders.

• Background in leading policy campaigns that involve direct advocacy, strategic communications, and partner management.

• Exceptional political acumen and the ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive policy matters.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clarify complex policy issues into straightforward advocacy messages.

• Proficiency in managing multiple policy campaigns and priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Dedication to equity and justice, with the ability to engage with diverse perspectives and values.

• Commitment to the mission of American Rivers, promoting healthy rivers, clean water, and resilient communities.

• Must possess legal authorization to work as an employee in the United States.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, and life insurance.

• 3% employer contribution after one year of employment.

• Immediate vesting upon participation; no vesting schedule.

• Four weeks of paid leave.

• Eleven paid holidays.

• Three floating holidays.

• Sick leave.

• Focus Fridays with no internal meetings.

• Opportunities for professional development.

• Home office stipend.

• Sabbatical leave every seven years.

• Paid parental leave of six weeks after one year of service.

• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.