Friday, February 27, 2015

NSAC: Policy Specialist; Wa. D.C.

Position Announcement: Policy Specialist
Location: Washington, DC

The National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition (NSAC) is an alliance of grassroots organizations that advocates for federal policy reform to advance the sustainability of agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural communities. NSAC is currently seeking a Policy Specialist for a portion of our conservation and environment portfolio and an additional issue portfolio to be determined. This position is located at NSAC’s DC office on Capitol Hill. The Policy Specialist, one of five Policy Specialists at NSAC, reports to NSAC’s Policy Director.

Position Description -- NSAC’s Policy Specialist will help to:
Develop and implement policies and strategies focused on working lands conservation programs and related policy issues plus an additional issue assignment to be determined
Advocate on Capitol Hill and with executive branch agencies on a daily basis
Help staff NSAC’s Conservation, Energy, and Environment Issue Committee and one additional issue committee to be determined
Draft policy documents, including legislative language, policy papers, testimony, rulemaking comment letters, and grassroots advocacy materials
Write policy blogs on a regular basis
Contribute to the organization’s annual planning and priority setting, budgeting, and fundraising
Participate in the planning and execution of coalition-wide meetings
Assist with grassroots and grasstops outreach
Represent NSAC at a variety of partner meetings in DC
Represent NSAC at conferences and to the media
Desired Qualifications
An deep understanding of and passion for sustainable agriculture, including agricultural conservation, food systems, and family farm livelihood and opportunity
A working knowledge of the federal policy-making process
Three or more years of Hill, agency, or lobbying experience or other agricultural policy experience
Background with grassroots advocacy campaigns
Excellent written and verbal communications and public speaking skills
Experience with print, radio, and online media
Experience with large, multi-organization grassroots coalitions
Ability to both work independently and be a good team player
Willingness to work around a demanding congressional schedule and administrative deadlines
Willingness to travel domestically several times a year
Compensation and Benefits -- Salary is on a non-profit scale and will be commensurate with experience and qualifications. NSAC offers an excellent employer paid benefits package and a collaborative work environment.

Application -- Please send resume, your salary history, the names and contact information of three references, and a brief cover letter including an explanation of your interests in sustainable agriculture and federal policy to Jeremy Emmi at jemmi@sustainableagriculture.net.