The Marine Conservation Institute champions ocean conservation and fuses solid science with policy advocacy to protect ocean ecosystems. For more than 14 years we have been providing concrete and well-founded policy solutions to protect endangered marine ecosystems and marine life around the world. Marine Conservation Institute prides itself in being a thought leader in both the science and policy worlds. We also strive to be a successful and well-respected policy advocate. We work in several marine issue domains at both national and international levels, including marine protected areas, high seas biodiversity conservation, endangered species conservation, destructive fishing practices, ocean governance reform, and federal financial support for marine science and management programs. To learn more about our dynamic, growing organization and the work we do, visit us at www.marine-conservation.org.
Reports to: Vice President for Government Affairs
Responsibilities and Duties: The primary role of the Legislative Director is to manage and carry out the Marine Conservation Institute's work with the US Congress and Executive branch agencies to promote marine conservation. In concert with the President and Vice President for Government Affairs, the Legislative Director takes a lead role in developing policy-related strategic goals, objectives and activities, which includes promotion of adequate federal funding for marine conservation and effective implementation of marine laws that guide place-based marine conservation (e.g., national marine sanctuaries, marine protected areas and coral reef conservation). He/She persuasively represents the organization's core priorities and legislative agenda to government officials, industry and users groups, advocates and allies, and the media. The Director develops and maintains relationships with Capitol Hill offices, as well as with agency, industry, conservation and science community contacts. The Director works with the fundraising team to develop grant proposals.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop policy-related strategic goals, objectives and activities, project budgets and annual work plan
- Manage and carry out the Marine Conservation Institute's work with the US Congress and Executive branch agencies to promote marine conservation. Represent the priorities of the organization to Congress, Administration officials, federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, scientific forums, and the media.
- Advocate and develop robust Congressional support for the organization's federal appropriation and place-based marine conservation-related portfolios
- Build and, in some cases, lead, coalitions of interest groups to advance major federal coastal and ocean policy initiatives by developing a network of influential people and organizations that understand and support mutually beneficial goals
- Provide sound advice to senior managers and the Board of Directors on political implications of the organization's stances, policies and activities
- Analyze policy activities, legislative proposals and reports, and monitor political developments that might affect the organization's policy objectives
- Write documents (comment letters, backgrounders, fact sheets, reports) in support of the organization's priorities, goals and policy projects
- Identify and analyze emerging ocean conservation issues and opportunities that Marine Conservation Institute may want to work on in the future, while maintaining focus on established priorities
- Work with the VP for Government Affairs and the board to ensure key board members remain active and participate in federal legislation and administrative activities
- Coordinate the institute's team of policy experts and advocates in Washington DC to advance organization goals
- Assist VP for Government Affairs as needed on organizational management and undertake additional projects and duties as needed
Specific Qualifications
- Experienced advocate, preferably in the conservation or related field. Staff experience on Capitol Hill with legislation and/or appropriations strongly preferred.
- Experience working with NOAA, the Department of the Interior and other agencies desirable.
- Minimum of five years of comparable-level advocacy, legislative or public policy work on ocean conservation issues
- Graduate degree in marine science, marine policy, political science or law.
- Exceptionally strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to synthesize and summarize information quickly and accurately, and to edit documents of others. Ability to verbally summarize and explain complex topics succinctly and clearly.
- Media experience not required but a plus
- Ability to diplomatically but effectively obtain information from a variety of sources and to disseminate information to others
- Mature professional judgment and discretion
- Effective and professional personal style compatible with small office environment, including the ability to coordinate and set priorities among multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and lead or work as a member of team
- Enthusiasm for Marine Conservation Institute's mission and energy and commitment to achieving the strategic goals of the organization
Salary: Based on experience
Benefits: Employer pays 95% of employee premium for a group health and dental insurance plan. A 403(b) retirement plan (voluntary and self-directed) is available, with a generous employer matching contribution after one year's service. Full-time employees earn 15 days paid vacation, 10 days sick leave, and 10 paid holidays/personal days.
Reply to: Send a cover letter, resume and writing sample to jobs@marine-conservation.org by July 15. Early application encouraged. Reference "Legislative Director" in the subject line.
Marine Conservation Institute reserves the right, at any time and in its discretion, to amend, supplement or modify the position description and benefits described herein.
Marine Conservation Institute is an equal opportunity employer.
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 06/30/11
