Policy Director

at  Western Landowners Alliance

About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012 by landowners and managers, the organization aims to increase the wellbeing of working lands in the American West and the living communities, including human and wildlife, that depend on them.
Position Overview: The policy director will work with organizational leadership, members and partners to identify policy priorities, and to develop and execute strategies to achieve policy goals. This will include representing the organization in outreach efforts to Capitol Hill, the federal executive branch, state and local government leaders, and other key stakeholders. It will also include facilitating the WLA policy committee, engaging WLA members and partners, drafting letters, handouts and policy documents, conducting research and policy analysis, and designing and implementing public policy advocacy campaigns.
Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday
Location: This position is remote, but individual must reside in the American West. Preferred location is in Denver, Colorado or Santa Fe, New Mexico. Regular travel will be required, particularly during legislative sessions.
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Compensation: $80,000- $110,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental and medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Relevant graduate or professional degree with minimum of five years of experience in public policy, including experience with political engagement, lobbying and strategic campaign development
• Nonprofit advocacy experience
• Coalition building and community organizing experience
• Excellent communication skills (writing, editing and speaking); detail orientation; strong independent work ethic; and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders
• A broad understanding of agricultural and environmental public policy issues
• Able to set and meet strategic long and short-term goals and objectives
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• Excellent time management
  Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office and field setting. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day, conducting business over the telephone and via email, standing for long periods of time, periodic travel and traveling long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads). This position may also require moving materials up to 25 pounds.
  Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter via our website. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusiveness and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all team members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply.
  Target Start Date: Immediatel

• Develop and execute organizational State and Federal policy strategy
• Engage WLA leadership, members, and strategic partners in informing and leading collaborative policy initiatives
• Inform WLA leadership, members, and partners on relevant policy issues, including regular policy briefings and recommendations
• Coordinate educational outreach and lobbying activities, including fly-ins and scheduling, and attending meetings with elected officials and staff in DC and in various locations across the West
• Develop materials to execute on policy strategy (I.e., program-related reports, papers, policy briefs, and promotional materials).
• Serve as an organizational spokesperson to the media, decision makers, partners, funders and the general public
• Oversee and manage policy-related staff and contractors
• Comply with all ethics laws, lobby disclosure and registration/reporting requirements
• Create reports and perform benchmarking exercises as required
• Assist in grant writing and fundraising in support of policy program
• Serve as a member of the leadership team
• Other duties as assigned.