Thursday, February 26, 2015

Policy Specialist: National Sustainable Ag Coalition

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.

NSAC is an equal opportunity employer.  We actively encourage people of color to apply for this position.

110 Maryland Avenue NE, Suite 209
Washington, DC 20002-5622
(202) 547-5754   f (202) 547-1837