Policy and Advocacy Manager

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Reports to: MWA Executive Director 

Employment Classification: Full-time, exempt, benefits-eligible 

 

Profile

The Policy and Advocacy Manager has responsibility for researching, creating and advocating strong policies that positively impact and further our mission and work, consistent with MWA’s Strategic Plan and at the direction of the Executive Director. The Policy and Advocacy Manager will secure and manage projects and grants to advance MWA’s mission. Working directly with federal, state & local officials and indirectly via partners, members and the communities as appropriate, the Policy and Advocacy Manager is passionate about protecting the Musconetcong Watershed, experienced and strategic, and is a collaborative leader who will build upon MWA’s accomplishments.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy

1. Stay abreast of challenges and opportunities within the Watershed. Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in watershed protection.

2. Develop careful analysis of policy perspectives and ensure alignment and support for action plans from the Policy Committee and Board at the direction of the Executive Director.

3. Assist the Executive Director in the development of MWA’s annual goals & objectives in support of the organization’s mission and Board-approved strategic plan.

4. Provide staff support to the Musconetcong River Management Council and the Executive Director who serves as River Administrator for this body, helping to ensure an effective partnership with the National Park Service and successful implementation of the Musconetcong River Management Plan.

 

Advocacy

1. Where appropriate, and in close coordination with the Executive Director, develop/leverage partner organization relationships to achieve our goals with the efficiency and impact that comes from a united approach.

2. Develop and manage effective working relationships with local officials and partnerships with key stakeholders.

3. Develop written comments / response letters on rulemakings, pending development applications or other local/regulatory decisions.

4. As needed, prepare organizational position statements that create internal communications alignment and which can be shared to membership/the public.

 

Grants

1. Identify new grant opportunities, secure grants and manage grants to successful completion.

2. Write compelling, accurate and executable grant applications that are aligned with the MWA strategy for policy and advocacy. Support staff in proposal development where appropriate.

3. As project manager for policy and advocacy grants, track program goals and outcomes.

4. Ensure the production and submission of on-time, accurate and effective grant reports.

5. Work closely with the Finance Manager to coordinate project grants and forecast and ensure management of funding consistent with the Strategic Plan.

6. Other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

 

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Master’s degree in Public Policy. Environmental science background preferred.

2. 5 years of policy experience and successfully advocating for organizational positions and coalition participation/facilitation.

3. 1-3 years of grant-writing and grant management experience.

4. Ability to advocate for incremental change with broader long-term goals in sight.

5. Ability to work well with decision makers of all political parties and a willingness to develop deep relationships.

6. Very strong communicator – to the point, persuasive and adaptable to audience. Should be effective in person and in writing; able to distill complex topics to manageable and actionable conversations. 

7. Strong interpersonal skills, with strong ability to listen and build trust.

8. A track record of crafting compelling grant applications that are successful and then maintaining appropriate oversight of grants that supports repeat funding from the grantee.

9. Experience with recreational, wildlife, natural, cultural, and/or historic resources, such as those listed in a River Management Plan.

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervise consultants as well as staff and interns as needed.

 

Special Requirements:

• Some weekend and evening work required.

• Outdoor work required (~10%). Physical ability to work outdoors.

• Requires use of personal vehicle and cell phone; mileage to be reimbursed at most current IRS

rate.

 

Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000

Health and dental benefits. Generous personal time off policy for work life balance.

 

Email your resume and cover letter to info@musconetcong.org or mail to Musconetcong Watershed Association, 10 Maple Avenue, PO Box 113, Asbury, NJ 08802.