Climate Policy Manager

With more than 1.6 million members and supporters beside us, we are the voice of America’s national parks, working to protect and preserve our nation’s most iconic and inspirational places for present and future generations. We celebrate the parks — and work tirelessly to defend them — whether on the ground, in the courtroom or on Capitol Hill.

Primary Purpose of the Position: 

As a member of the government affairs department, the Climate Policy Manager will focus on moving forward NPCA’s advocacy efforts to protect national parks from climate change and to help the national park service be more resilient. The policy manager will work with the rest of the government affairs department on a wide range of issues within the climate portfolio including, but not limited to, energy development on public lands and waters, clean air and water, sustainability, adaptation and resilience. NPCA is a highly collaborative organization and the policy manager will work with the many experts on staff within the Regional, Communications and Conservation Programs departments.

Essential Functions:

Advocacy (40%)

Monitors and develops expertise on federal legislation, policies, budgets, and regulations related to climate change and its effect on national parks and public lands and waters. Identifies federal and/or regulatory advocacy opportunities and collaborates in building strategic advocacy campaigns. Develops and maintains relationships with key congressional and agency staff. Schedules and conducts meetings for self and others with congressional and agency staff.

Collaboration (35%)

Coordinates with NPCA’s Regional and Conservation program staff on related issues. Leverages and/or connects the work from NPCA’s issue-area experts to achieve the NCPA’s goals and promotes the strategic priorities of the organization. Represents NPCA in existing coalitions and/or develops and builds strategic relationships with existing and new partners.

Communication (25%)

Communicates with external audiences and NPCA membership, staff, allies, and media regarding NPCA’s climate federal advocacy efforts. Writes and/or coordinates accurate NPCA position statements, testimony, comment letters, and media material for both internal and external audiences. Researches and analyzes legislative, policy and regulatory issues related to climate change and national parks.

Other: Promotes policies that are sensitive to the needs of a diverse workforce. Respects employees regardless of their position or background. Participates in developing department goals, objectives, and systems. Participates in administrative staff meetings, organization-wide meetings, staff committee meetings, training programs, and attends other meetings and seminars as designated by the supervisor. Assists in evaluation of reports, decisions, and results of department in relation to established goals. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee in this position. 

Minimum Scope of Position: Interacts with all departments within NPCA, especially the Government Affairs staff, conservation programs, regional and field offices, and communications staff, as well as staff in Congressional offices, federal agencies, and other organizations.  

Minimum Qualifications, Competencies, Skills, Education, and Traits:  

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience preferred in political science, public policy or related field; advanced degree or equivalent experience highly desirable.
• Strong interest in working alongside a team of dedicated government affairs professionals. 
• (4-5) years lived or worked experience in positions that involve advocacy, research and writing on public policy, and/or government decision making; congressional and/or federal agency experience desirable. 
• Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations. 
• Contributes to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences. 

Commitment to NPCA’s mission, core values, and NPCA’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement of Intentions.

Live, honor, and own the organization’s Core Values:

• Commitment. We are passionate about NPCA and dedicated to achieving excellence through our work and mission. We seek to improve our performance by taking opportunities for professional and personal development and encouraging reasonable risk-taking and innovation.  
• Inclusion. We value diversity of thought, background, experience, and opinion. We create a culture of empowerment by welcoming and encouraging meaningful participation from all people and promoting an environment that embraces different perspectives.  
• Integrity. We hold ourselves accountable to each other, our members and partners, and our mission. We evaluate the impact of our work and strive for honesty and transparency across the organization. We operate ethically in the organization’s best interests. 
• Respect. We collaborate in results-oriented teams based on trust and consideration for each other. We promote harmony between our work and our personal lives. We foster a healthy and positive workplace culture and work collaboratively with external partners. 

Physical Effort and Dexterity: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 

Physical Environment: Currently remote work, but typical office cube setting when in-person office setting.

Minimum Work Schedule: NPCA’s typical work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (32 hour work week). Although some evening and weekend work may be required, NPCA tries to provide a flexible and balanced work schedule, especially during the Covid pandemic. Some travel possible for meetings, conferences, and event when appropriate.

Please be aware that NPCA requires all employees who are required to work onsite, whether regularly or sporadically to be vaccinated for COVID-19.  This position will require the successful candidate to show proof of vaccination.  NPCA is an equal opportunity employer and will provide reasonable accommodation to those individuals who are unable to be vaccinated consistent with federal, state, and local law. *This does not apply to applicants residing in Montana, Tennessee, and Florida.

Employer’s Rights: NPCA reserves the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not a contract for employment implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship. Incumbent will be evaluated in part based upon the performance of the tasks listed in this position description.