At Defenders of Wildlife, we focus our programs on what scientists consider two of the most serious environmental threats to the planet: the accelerating rate of extinction of species and the associated loss of biological diversity, and habitat alteration and destruction. We work to protect and restore America's native wildlife, safeguard habitat, resolve conflicts, work across international borders and educate and mobilize the public. We stand out in our commitment to saving imperiled wildlife and championing the Endangered Species Act, the landmark law that protects them.

We seek talented individuals dedicated to the conservation of our nation's wildlife and natural resources, and we offer our staff competitive salary and exceptional benefits.

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POSITION TITLE: Government Relations Associate

SUPERVISOR: Vice President for Government Relations and External Affairs

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

This professional position is responsible for advancing Defenders of Wildlife's legislative and administrative interests before Congress, the Administration. and the media. Issue priorities are drawn from Defenders' current priorities, including endangered species; wildlife; global warming; public lands; and related appropriations issues. Most immediately, the primary focus will be on climate legislation, including policy solutions to safeguard wildlife in a warming world. Responsibilities include: direct lobbying; developing legislative and advocacy campaign strategies; leading and/or participating in inter-departmental campaign teams; leading and/or representing Defenders' interests in national issue-based coalitions; working with and monitoring Congressional committees; drafting reports, fact sheets and testimony; obtaining legislative and political information; and generally assisting the advocacy work of Defenders' Government Relations and External Affairs division.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

* Play a leading role in clarifying and advancing Defenders' legislative/administrative goals for assigned issues
* Employing sound political judgment, build an effective network of congressional, coalition and public support to advance assigned issues
* Utilizing strong legislative judgment, identify and implement effective legislative/administrative strategies and projects to advance assigned issues
* Continually marshal, leverage, and organize inter-departmental and, where possible, external resources on assigned legislative/administrative issues through ongoing campaign planning, project management, team building, and coalition participation
* Implement, as appropriate, various aspects of issue campaigns through activities including: direct lobbying; coalition representation; legislative, policy and legal analysis; multi-party negotiations; bill drafting; direct and grassroots lobbying materials development; action alert drafting; testimony and public presentations; media representation; and drafting press materials and legislatively focused Web content
* Closely monitor legislative developments in assigned issues and disseminate timely information about those issues throughout the organization
* Provide timely responses to requests for progress reports, funding proposals, budgets and other information requested by departments including: Government Relations, Communication, Online, Membership, and Development
* Contribute to the development of Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund's legislative Report Card through activities by identifying potential votes and drafting vote descriptions
* Effectively contribute to Defenders' positive image on Capitol Hill, with outside organizations, and in the media
* Perform all other related duties as assigned.

NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's (B.A./B.S.) degree or equivalent in Natural Resources, Public Policy, Law, Biology, Education, or related discipline. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience: 2+ years of Capitol Hill or other legislative experience, preferably involving natural resource issues. Experience working with wildlife conservation issues and knowledge of federal resource agencies, laws, treaties and policies dealing with use and conservation of natural resources. Political experience, judgment and sensitivity, including a thorough understanding of lobbying, resource and appropriations committees, budget process and federal legislative procedures and grassroots targeting. Experience developing, implementing, and managing legislative and advocacy campaigns on a national level.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

* Strong writing, media, and verbal communications skills
* Ability to conduct research, analyze information, and produce quality work products in a consistent, efficient, and timely manner
* Ability to effectively lead and/or represent Defenders' interests in national issue coalitions
* Other relevant experience with public policy, education, grassroots organizing, communications, editing, and/or development
* Ability to work effectively as part of Defenders' legislative and administrative advocacy team
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants, please reference "GRA-WPO" in your subject line and submit a letter of interest, along with your resume and salary history (must be included to be considered), to us via e-mail at: HR@defenders.org

Defenders of Wildlife is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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