Policy Associate – Wildfire

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California, +5 more states.

📋 Description

• Oversee the creation and dissemination of reports, issue briefs, and various written materials that shape policy discussions on wildfire matters.

• Distill intricate technical, scientific, and programmatic data into accessible, compelling, and clear documents.

• Perform qualitative literature reviews and meta-analyses of existing studies.

• Aid in the formulation and evaluation of policy ideas and strategies, offering technical support to external stakeholders as needed.

• Work in tandem with communications personnel to react to policy changes by drafting articles, fact sheets, memos, op-eds, and social media content.

• Create comment letters, testimonies, and other written documents.

• Facilitate both in-person and virtual meetings, including occasional presentations.

• Collaborate with partner organizations, coalitions, and subject matter experts to enhance research and ensure that written outputs reflect the latest data and best practices.

• Contribute to internal strategic planning and provide guidance to senior staff by translating strategic inquiries into clear, actionable steps.

• Monitor federal legislation, regulatory actions, and administrative developments concerning wildfire risk reduction, response, and post-fire recovery.

• Generate timely evaluations of bills, proposed regulations, and other policy activities.

• Regularly update the AWR team on legislative and regulatory developments.

• Support AWR’s policy research objectives and priorities.

• Maintain systematic files, source materials, and citation records.

• Assist with grant proposals, reporting, and updates for funders related to policy research.

⛳️ Requirements

• Demonstrated qualitative research, analytical, and writing abilities, with proficiency in creating content for both technical and non-technical audiences across various formats.

• Capacity to independently plan, prioritize, manage time, balance projects, and collaborate with both internal and external partners.

• Proven ability to autonomously oversee projects from inception to completion.

• Knowledge of, or a strong interest in, wildfire, natural resources, emergency management, land management, or related policy fields.

• Exceptional attention to detail and sound judgment in fact-checking, sourcing, and citation practices.

• Strong interpersonal abilities; capable of collaborating effectively across policy, government relations, communications, and research teams.

• Dedication to AWR’s mission and objectives aimed at enhancing wildfire response, recovery, and risk reduction.

• Educational background or equivalent professional experience in public policy, political science, environmental science, forestry, natural resources, journalism, law, or a related discipline.

• 3–5 years of experience in policy research, analysis, or related writing roles.

• Experience in managing projects involving multiple staff members and teams.

• Proficiency in developing white papers, issue briefs, or similar research outputs tailored for policy audiences.

• Excellent presentation, written, and oral communication skills, with a background in public speaking and writing.

• Ability to convey complex policy issues effectively in writing to varied audiences.

• Established networks with economic experts, policymakers, and advocates are highly valued.

• Government relations, legislative, or advocacy experience is beneficial but not mandatory.

• A resume and cover letter are required.

• Applicants must highlight their experience in bipartisan relationship building, relevant subject matter expertise, and in creating policy materials for decision-makers.

🏝️ Benefits

• Alternate Fridays off work schedule (employees work 40 hours one week, 32 hours the next week).

• Medical insurance.

• Dental insurance.

• Vision insurance.

• 401(k) plan with a 5% match.

• Generous paid time off.

• Technology allowance.

• Student loan repayment assistance.

• Calm app.

• Mental health benefits.

• Approximately 17 paid holidays per year.