Manager of Public Policy - Southern Region

• Under the supervision of the Regional Director of Public Policy, manage and support DU’s public policy priorities across 13 Southern Region states
• Serve as DU’s liaison with partner organizations to advance conservation and related policy outcomes.
• Oversee policy volunteer engagement and coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts. This includes serving as the primary staff liaison to DU’s regional policy committees.
• Manage regional policy communications, including action alerts and policy updates.
• Support DU’s federal policy priorities in coordination with the federal affairs team.
• Plan and execute regional public policy events that elevate DU’s brand and visibility among elected officials.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Public Policy.

• Lead several major, long-term policy projects with defined goals and measurable impacts (e.g., MS Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund, SC Conservation Bank appropriations, Coastal Wetland Restoration funding in LA/TX).
• Identify and assist with smaller, short‑term policy issues arising from other DU departments.
• Balance long-term strategic projects with immediate policy needs and ongoing responsibilities.

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal DU partners across Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communications.
• Engage and support DU volunteers, including state chairs, policy chairs, and senior volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate volunteer advocacy activities such as lobby days, project tours, and visits to state capitols or Washington, D.C.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including NGOs, state agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the Governor’s offices.
• Take leadership roles in local or regional coalitions that support DU’s work but have broader goals beyond our mission. 
• Represent DU professionally and effectively in all interactions

• Organize and execute policy-related events, including lobby days, wetland field tours, and regional meetings. As well as partner and coalition-related events. 
• Attend DU events such as state conventions and leadership meetings to provide policy updates and strengthen volunteer engagement.

• Draft official DU communications, including letters to state or federal agencies, state legislators, and Governor’s offices.
• Prepare op-eds, social media content, and volunteer communications in coordination with DU’s Marketing/Communications team.
• Track legislation and regulatory actions across the nine-state region and provide clear, digestible updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex policy and scientific information into accessible formats for diverse audiences.

• 2–4 years of experience in public policy, conservation, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, wildlife, natural resources, or related field; OR a 2‑year degree; OR equivalent professional experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific or policy concepts to non‑experts.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Ability to work independently with general guidance and defined outcomes.
• Passion for wetlands, waterfowl, wildlife, and conservation.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to DU’s strategic direction.

• Additional experience beyond the minimum in public policy or conservation.
• Budget management experience.
• State or federal legislative experience.
• Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience working on conservation issues from a policy or science perspective.

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Position will be based in DU’s Southern Regional office near Jackson, MS for the first year.
• Based on experience or performance, location to another state within the 13‑state region may be considered at the supervisor’s discretion.

As a remote employee, you may be required to come in at any time, with reasonable notice, into a DU office (or other designated location) for meetings and other business needs.

To Apply: Please fill out all application materials and attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position, your resume, and three professional references.

Benefits: DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.