Director of Advocacy

Our Mission: To protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy for the benefit of all people and other life.
 
Climate change has emerged as a principal priority of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Our partnership-based approach to policy, advocacy, education, research, and conservation has been critical to our success. We are seeking a leader who embraces that approach and desires to build our grassroots advocacy network to advance our policy priorities that, include: climate change action, conservation, biodiversity, nature-based solutions for climate resiliency, wildlife conservation, environmental education, and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
 
Overview

We are looking for a Director of Advocacy to lead Audubon’s Advocacy program responsible for (i) determining and implementing mission-related policy guided by our strategic plan; (ii) advocating for local, state, and federal laws, ordinances, and regulations; and (iii) engaging Audubon’s members and partners in advocacy campaigns. The Advocacy Director is the liaison between Audubon and policy-makers at the local, state, and federal levels, testifying at public meetings and representing Audubon on boards and commissions.

Audubon Society of Rhode Island seeks a dynamic and strategic leader to drive the organization’s local, state, and
regional public policy priorities. The position will serve on the management team. He/she/they work across departments to accomplish Audubon’s goals.

Our Mission: To protect birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy for the
benefit of all people and other life.

Climate change has emerged as a principal priority of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island. Our partnership-based
approach to policy, advocacy, education, research, and conservation has been critical to our success. We are seeking a leader who embraces that approach and desires to build our grassroots advocacy network to advance our policy priorities that, include: climate change action, conservation, biodiversity, nature-based solutions for climate resiliency, wildlife conservation, environmental education, and diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.

We are looking for a Director of Advocacy to lead Audubon’s Advocacy program responsible for (i) determining and
implementing mission-related policy guided by our strategic plan; (ii) advocating for local, state, and federal laws,
ordinances, and regulations; and (iii) engaging Audubon’s members and partners in advocacy campaigns. The Advocacy Director is the liaison between Audubon and policy-makers at the local, state, and federal levels, testifying at public meetings and representing Audubon on boards and commissions.

• The Director collaborates with Audubon’s Advocacy Committee.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Develop and Implement Audubon Society of Rhode Island's Policy and Advocacy Strategy

• On an annual basis, develop a policy, legislative, and administrative strategy that drives the organization’s
  objectives working closely with the staff, Board members, and others across the organization;
• Collaborate with local, state, regional, and national conservation organizations to shape and accomplish
  Audubon Society of Rhode Island's environmental policy objectives that benefit all communities and
  stakeholders;
• Inform the staff, board, and membership of the priorities and encourage their involvement in its execution.

Develop Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s Grassroots Advocacy

• Develop a strategy to engage our staff, members, and wildlife refuges visitors as active partners in advancing our policy priorities;
• Guide the development of issue-oriented campaigns that engage grassroots policy priorities;
• Build a statewide network of advocacy ambassadors who build close working relationships with members of the State Administration, legislature, and Audubon members;
• Support the development of digital tools to enhance Audubon’s Action Alerts and engagement priorities.

Lead Governmental Affairs

• Lobby for Audubon’s public policy positions, funding priorities, and concerns before elected and appointed state, federal, and local officials and their staff;
• Coordinate Audubon’s representation on state committees, commissions, and boards charged with drafting regulations or formulating policies relevant to Audubon’s legislative goals and environmental policy objectives;
• Ensure the active monitoring of current and proposed legislative and executive branch actions related to Audubon’s institutional and core mission areas.

Serve as the Media and Community Relations Point of Contact on Environmental Policy

• Work with the communications team to respond to media inquiries related to public policy issues; communicate to business and civic groups, other organizations, and the general public on advocacy issues;
• Serve as Audubon Society of Rhode Island’s spokesperson on policy, advocacy, and related issues.

Manage the Public Policy and Advocacy Team, and Fundraise for Priorities

• Serve as an active member of Audubon’s management team, including recruitment, training, and professional development, program goals, budget management, performance evaluation, and accountability;
• Supervise interns and anticipated future additional staff;
• Participate in and support Audubon’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access work;
• Work closely with the Development Department to identify, secure, and participate in the administration of funding from private foundations, individuals, and government grant programs to drive the growth of the Advocacy program.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of experience with a proven history of effective policy and advocacy leadership in environmental conservation, climate change policy, issue-related campaigning, planning, or related fields, with at least two years of supervisory experience;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to deal effectively with a wide range of audiences, including the media, legislators, technical specialists, and the general public;
• Ability to think critically and creatively and act decisively in a team setting;
• Familiarity and comfort with computer programs such as Microsoft Office, Teams, and online engagement;
• A flexible schedule with the ability to work weekend and evening hours for events and meetings;
• Ability to relate to and seek input from a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion.

To Apply

Please click "Apply" below to email one pdf attachment including these two elements:

• Cover letter expressing why you are a candidate for this position with your commitment to protecting nature and how this position aligns with your professional career goals.
• Your current resume.
• Subject Line: Dir. of Advocacy

Audubon is committed to representing Rhode Island’s diversity in our staff, volunteers, boards, and membership and
creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture where all can thrive. We encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply, regardless of whether you think you meet all of the qualifications. The top candidates will have their own unique perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds.