Director of Legislative and Government Affairs

Director of Legislative and Government Affairs

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Jobs at Mass Audubon Director of Legislative and Government Affairs Location: Boston, MA
Mass Audubon is seeking an energetic, high-achieving Director of Legislative and Government Affairs to partner with the new VP of Policy and Advocacy to advance our ambitious agenda to protect the nature of Massachusetts.

Mass Audubon is dedicated to taking action to protect the nature of Massachusetts through land protection, on-the-ground restoration, world-class education programs that reach a quarter of a million people each year, and our policy and advocacy work. As such, we serve as a leader and a catalyst for conservation, by acting directly to protect the nature of Massachusetts and by stimulating individual and institutional action through conservation, education, and advocacy.

Mass Audubon adopted its ambitious Action Agenda in March 2021, setting the direction and priorities for the organization over the next five years. A cornerstone of the plan is the organization's commitment to elevate our policy and advocacy work by helping to shape innovative solutions to address climate change and other conservation priorities, and mobilizing our 135,000 members to advocate on behalf of those policies. Along with the launch of our Action Agenda, the passage of the Commonwealth's Roadmap climate bill into law combined with the Biden Administration's commitment to strong policy and financial support for climate and conservation action, there is an unprecedented window for scaling-up impact over the next few years.

This Director of Legislative and Government Affairs will report to the Vice President for Policy and Advocacy, a new executive-level position created to advance our organization-wide policy goals for implementing climate mitigation and resilience through nature-based solutions; protecting 30% of Massachusetts natural lands by 2026; achieving inclusive and equitable access to nature, and securing environmental health and justice for all.

In partnership with VP Policy and Advocacy, the Director of Legislative and Government Affairs will develop legislative priorities and advance those priorities on Beacon Hill and in Washington, DC. The Director will also support the VP and team in efforts to reinvigorate and activate our grassroots advocacy network, including supervising a new community organizer who will engage our extensive network of members, volunteers, and visitors, in issue-oriented policy campaigns. The Director will help ensure that our grassroots actions are highly coordinated and aligned with our well-respected grasstops advocacy efforts, so they are bolstering and amplifying one another. The Director is a member of the senior management team at Mass Audubon and he/she will work with leaders from across the organization to advance our policy priorities.
Responsibilities

• In conjunction with VP of Policy and Advocacy and team, co-develop Mass Audubon's legislative, political and grassroots/grasstops advocacy strategy.
• Shape, lead, and advance Mass Audubon's legislative and administrative priorities and ensure alignment with the Action Agenda and other organizational priorities (e.g., sanctuary defense, federal Community Project Funds).
• Represent Mass Audubon at public and agency meetings, State House, legislative hearings, in local communities and other forums in order to promote Mass Audubon's mission and policy agenda.
• Conduct research on policy and legislative approaches; draft bills and legislative text, and vet new proposals with policymakers, agency coalition partners.
• Develop communications and campaign materials and content (legislative fact sheets, web and social media content, bill testimony, newsletters, blogs) in service of our policy goals and strategy, in conjunction with Policy and Marketing/Communications teams.
• Identify, partner, and coordinate effective NGO, and other public-private sector coalitions.
• Understand Mass Audubon's context, strengths, and limitations as it relates to executing our political and advocacy strategies.
• Supervise community organizer and guide activities of grassroots volunteers on campaigns that support our grasstops advocacy goals and priorities.
• Work with Policy and Advocacy, IT, and Marketing/Communications teams to develop metrics and indicators of performance for advocacy activities.
• Maintain expertise and stay informed about key advocacy issues and help position Mass Audubon as a thought leader on Nature-based Solutions for climate mitigation and resilience
• Contribute to Policy and Advocacy team and organization-wide activities and initiatives including team-building, fundraising, professional development, tracking compliance with lobbying regs, conducting trainings (e.g., lobbying).
• Recruit and manage public policy/legislative interns.
• Position will require working from Mass Audubon's Boston office primarily; working from home and/or other Mass Audubon locations after re-opening and consistent with Mass Audubon's organizational policies when finalized.

Qualifications

• Strong passion for and interest in policy and advocacy on climate change, nature, wildlife, and land protection, equitable access to nature, environmental justice, and all aspects of Mass Audubon's mission and work.
• 8-10 years' experience working on state legislation, policy and programs, including a minimum of 5 years' recent direct experience working with Beacon Hill legislators and legislative staff, state agencies, and other state officials.
• JD or Master's degree in public policy, economics, law, science, political science or a related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of inner workings of: Massachusetts state government, policymaking and budgetary processes, including key legislative committees, legislators and staff; Executive Office and line agencies and key staff; key coalition partners, NGOs, and influential industry players (e.g., utilities, industry associations) is required.
• Knowledge and expertise in climate mitigation/resilience, clean energy, forestry/ag & land use, nature-based solutions policy and programs preferred.
• Experience supervising staff and an ability to collaborate as a leader and member of an interdisciplinary team and organization.
• Demonstrated track record of sustained high-quality work in fast-paced environments. Strong time and project management skills, ability to stay organized, establish and stick to key priorities, and deliver strong follow-up across multiple competing demands and timelines.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with senior and junior staff, legislators, legislative and agency staff and coalition partners.
• Strong track record and comfort with public speaking and presentations. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Familiarity with current Massachusetts political and policy context strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits
This position's base salary range is $80,000 - $90,000; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements. Includes full benefits package.
Additional Comments
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
How to Apply
Please send resume and cover letter to:
Christina Wiseman, Advocacy Operations Manager Advocacy@massaudubon.org Job# 3434 Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Connect With Us Wildlife Sanctuaries

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