National Audubon Society Delaware River Watershed Policy Fellow US-PA Job ID: 2024-5656 Type: Temporary, Part-Time # of Openings: 1 Category: Internships/Fellowships National Audubon Society OverviewThe National Audubon Society is a nonprofit conservation organization that protects birds and the places they need today and tomorrow. We work throughout the Americas towards a future where birds thrive because Audubon is a powerful, diverse, and ever-growing force for conservation. Audubon has more than 700 staff working across the hemisphere and more than 1.5 million active supporters. North America has lost three billion birds since 1970, and more than 500 bird species are at risk of extinction across Latin America and the Caribbean. Birds act as early warning systems about the health of our environment, and they tell us that birds and our planet are in crisis. Together as one Audubon, we are working to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss, leading to healthier bird populations and reversing current trends in biodiversity loss. We do this by implementing on-the-ground conservation, partnering with local communities, influencing public and corporate policy, and building community. Audubon is committed to a culture of workplace excellence, where our talented and diverse staff are deeply engaged with a strong sense of belonging. The birds Audubon pledges to protect differ in color, size, behavior, geographical preference, and countless other ways. By honoring and celebrating the equally remarkable diversity of the human species, Audubon brings new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work throughout the hemisphere.Position SummaryThe National Audubon Society is seeking a Delaware River Watershed Policy Fellow to advance Audubon's policy objectives for the Delaware River watershed. Reporting to the Policy Director, Audubon Mid-Atlantic, the Fellow will play a key role in addressing water resource management challenges in the watershed and evaluating public funding for management and restoration. The Fellowwill learn about and gain experience in the conservation policy field, with specific focus on advancing federal and state (NY, NJ, DE, PA) legislation, supporting conservation priorities to include federal appropriations. The Fellowwill leverage the Congressional Delaware River Watershed Caucus (Caucus) leadership to accomplish policy goals, as appropriate.The ideal candidate is a skilled, strategic thinker who works well in coalitions, with experience and knowledge of water issues in the Delaware River Watershed (DRW), wildlife conservation, environmental and/or climate policy. They will have a passion for policy advancement and be skilled at verbal and written communications. This position is an exciting opportunity to enrich a career in policy by contributing to policy research and tracking, while developing skills needed for a career in the environmental policy field.This is a full-time, one-year grant-funded position that will begin approximately March 224, and last until March, 2025. The position is remote; however, this position will require travel to Capitol Hill, State Capitols and throughout the Delaware River Watershed.Compensation:$18.00-$20.00 / hourResponsibilitiesOutreach:
Create and disseminate issue-specific information sheets, talking points, and email alerts.
Facilitate information sharing and briefings for members of the Congressional Caucus and their staff.
Collaborate with key state and national NGO partners and agencies.
Work with the network team to engage Audubon chapters in communicating policy priorities to relevant federal and state officials, as needed, work with the team to launch action alerts for Audubon members to participate in the policy process.
Develop and implement strategies to support the efforts of policy staff working across the waters ed on federal, regional, and state water policy initiatives.
Provide input to the Director of Water Policy on the development of Audubon's DRW policy agenda.
Collaborate with Audubon's D.C. government affairs and policy teams on DRW related policy issues and develop strong and effective working relationships with staff across the Audubon network.
Policy Research
Gather and analyze information about DRW priority policy issues.
Conduct legal and policy research and analysis of bills moving through Congress and regulatory actions that are underway by federal agencies.
Conduct legal and policy research and analysis of bills moving through Basin State Assemblies.
Develop materials including fact sheets and briefing books on specific issues.
Work with communications staff to develop website and newsletter content including legislative spotlights and blog posts related to policy developments.
Write letters to support, improve, or oppose policies moving through Congress/Basin State Assemblies or their Administrations.
Monitor hearings, and work with Audubon policy staff to engage congressional/Basin State Assembly offices on policy priorities.
Track and analyze bills and legislative trends, utilizing Legislation Tracking Software, and share updates with Audubon's network and key allies.
Review, analyze and write comments on environmental documents, proposed regulations, and policies.
Meetings and Events
Help organize events (both in-district and on Capitol Hill) to convene legislators around issues important to the Caucus.
Organize regular briefings on Audubon priority topics for internal Audubon staff, coalition members, and external stakeholders.
Work with partner organizations to plan in-watershed events such as site tours related to on-the- ground conservation program work.
Represent Audubon at select meetings and events.
Qualifications
Working knowledge of policies related to watershed management, water quality, fish and wildlife habitat.
A Bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university required. Graduate-level law or policy coursework is preferred. Relevant professional experience may be considered in place of education experience
Experience working with elected officials and/or on campaigns is preferred.
Experience planning and executing events is preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Excellent research skills and experience translating complex information into an engaging format.
Microsoft Office Suite products, Google applications, and basic database management.
Ability to work self-guided and within a team setting is essential.
Ability to work remotely and collaborate with colleagues in other states.
Ability and willingness to travel to events as needed.
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