Policy Specialist, Resilient Coasts and Floodplains

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Policy Specialist to join our Water and Coasts team. In this role you will help guide and implement the team’s federal policy strategies and campaigns, with a focus on resilient coasts and floodplains, including pre-disaster mitigation efforts and post-disaster recovery. Responsibilities will include serving as a NWF policy representative with decision-makers, partners and in key coalitions; collaborating with and supporting government affairs staff to represent NWF policy positions on Capitol Hill; and conducting policy research and providing support and coordination assistance for Water and Coasts team priorities as needed. 

You will also contribute to development and maintenance of relationships with partner organizations, conduct Congressional and Administrative tracking, and develop educational and advocacy materials (ex. reports, factsheets, action alerts, blogs, etc). You will be looked to as an NWF expert on national flood insurance and disaster policy, and coastal resilience policy, with an emphasis on issues in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) space. Familiarity with nature-based solutions policies, projects, and implementation, as well as watershed and coastal restoration efforts, would also be beneficial to the role. At times you may be asked to assist with team coordination activities, including scheduling, note-taking, and facilitating meetings. You may also be asked to support other Water & Coasts team projects (including clean water campaign priorities) on an as-needed basis.

While primarily focused on federal policy, in this role you will collaborate frequently with staff in other program areas on related issues, and will at times be asked to do state-specific research and outreach in addition to federal advocacy work.

• Some familiarity with flood/disaster and coastal resilience policy required.
• Experience collaborating across teams to accomplish shared goals, including working with coalitions or NGO partnerships.
• Experience working with or for Congress and/or conducting Congressional outreach.
• Ability to manage a multitude of projects and meet deadlines.
• Fast and detail-oriented learner.
• Ability to communicate positions clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Self Starter – Able to prioritize workflow and anticipate needs with minimal oversight. Comfortable working independently on projects when needed.
• Strategic thinker – Able to see the big picture and develop an adaptive strategy to accomplish a goal, particularly in political contexts.  
• Five years or more of work or equivalent experience in related policy, advocacy campaigns, or another relevant field. A Master’s or other advanced degree in a relevant field can count towards experience.

• Detailed policy knowledge in the flood/disaster and coastal resilience space, including a strong familiarity with structure and function of existing FEMA and NOAA programs.
• Proven track record of developing and achieving Federal policy reforms, including through Congressional action.
• Experience writing detailed comment letters on technical policy issues.
• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, and/or grant reporting.

Cognitive & Intellectual Requirements

• Ability to understand, analyze, and apply complex information, policies, and concepts
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, problem-solve, and make decisions in situations involving ambiguity or competing priorities
• Ability to maintain focus and sustained attention and manage multiple tasks or work-streams
• Ability to listen, interpret, and respond appropriately in discussions with colleagues, leadership, and external stakeholders

Remote candidates will be considered, but there is a preference for candidates located in the DC metro area.

The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work in the office, in a hybrid manner, or fully remote, to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About-Us/Careers .

• Work is performed primarily in an office or remote environment
• Role may involve extended screen time and participation in virtual meetings

Between 3-4 overnight trips anticipated annually.