Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA)-Conservation Policy Manager

Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is looking for a conservation policy manager. The organization was founded in 1922 to conserve, restore and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of natural resources, including soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife. 

***This is a full-time position based in Gaithersburg, Maryland.***

Duties And Responsibilities

• Advocate for legislation and regulations supporting League policy priority areas, including but not limited to, agriculture conservation, ecological restoration, clean water protections, outdoor recreation, and climate change.

• Coordinate the development and implementation of grassroots advocacy campaigns for League policy priorities.

• Maintain relationships with the legislative and executive branches, as a liaison for the League’s conservation programs.

• Educate and engage League leaders and volunteers around federal advocacy priorities.

• Lead a proactive strategy to engage new and existing volunteers beyond League membership as advocates across a range of policy priorities.

• Proactively facilitate involvement of conservation partners to advance the League’s policy priorities.

• Represent the League in relevant coalitions.

• Work with Conservation Program Directors to ensure grassroots advocacy strategies are components of citizen science campaigns, such as Salt Watch and Nitrate Watch.

• Develop content for IWLA website, social media and publications, including Outdoor America magazine, and written materials as needed.

• Working with communications staff and grassroots activists, secure the publication of opinion pieces, letters to the editor, and other public messages that support the League's advocacy work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, political science, communications, or related field.

• At least 3-5 years of public policy experience in Congress, the Executive Branch, or related non-profit or private sector employment.

• Demonstrated experience engaging and mobilizing grassroots advocates in public policy.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative, appropriations, and rulemaking processes.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex concepts in understandable language.

• Ability to think strategically, establish priorities, and independently manage multiple tasks in a fast-moving, high-workload environment.

• Ability to work as a team player with a diverse array of colleagues, partners, and volunteer leaders.

• Knowledge of relevant conservation issues related to the League’s mission would be highly beneficial.

• Strong personal commitment to advancing the cause of conservation and natural resource stewardship.

• Willingness and ability to travel, including for multiple days and overnight.

Compensation

This position offers a competitive annual salary between $60,000 and $65,000 and a generous package of benefits, including health care, paid holidays, vacation and personal/sick leave, and retirement plan.

How To Apply

Please email cover letter, resume and a writing sample to the attention of the Conservation Director with the subject line “Conservation Policy Manager” to conserve@iwla.org. Please submit all materials by February 18, 2022. No phone calls please.

The Izaak Walton League of America is an equal opportunity employer.