Chief Policy Officer

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: WLA connects the dots from people on the land in the West to decision makers in state capitols and Washington, DC to ensure public policies sustain the West's working lands, connected landscapes and native species. The Chief Policy Officer 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 in Washington, DC, and engaging with 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 preferred location is in Denver, Colorado. Regular travel will be required, particularly during legislative sessions.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Compensation: $90,000- $115,000. 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.

Duties/Responsibilities Include:

● 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 and executive leadership team

● Other duties as assigned.

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 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. This position may also require moving agency materials up to 25 pounds. This position requires the ability to enunciate clearly and interface professionally with the public.

Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter via email to info@westernlandowners.org or apply on our website. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusivity and is thus always looking to diversify our staff with an eye toward race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and age, among other areas. Candidates who bring such diversity are encouraged to apply. Target start date: Immediately.
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