National Policy Deputy Director, Oceans Program

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, founded in 1967, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches.

You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life. With programs from Boston to Beijing, Environmental Defense Fund is the only environmental group to receive an "A" rating from Wired magazine.

Position Overview:

EDF's Oceans Program works to improve the health of the oceans by getting in place innovative and durable solutions to today's toughest fishery management challenges. The Oceans Program National Policy Deputy Director will be responsible for developing and implementing public policy strategies aimed at advancing these goals at the national level.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has extensive experience working with state and federal natural resource management agencies, state legislatures and the U.S. Congress. The Deputy Director will report to the National Policy Director. This position is located in EDF's Washington, DC office.

Responsibilities:

The National Policy Deputy Director will:

• Lead the design and implementation of national outreach and advocacy strategies to improve public policies related to ocean conservation goals, including fisheries management.
• Serve as a lead liaison and lobbyist to federal policymakers including Congress and the Administration (e.g., NOAA and the Executive Office of the President).
• Analyze and develop legislative and regulatory positions and policies for achieving ocean conservation goals.
• Engage in review and update of the long-term national policy work plan.
• Forge alliances among disparate interest groups to help build national coalitions to advance conservation goals.
• Develop messaging and engage the media to advance policy and management objectives and communicate organizational positions and results to a broad array of audiences.
• Counsel and support National Policy team staff, Regional Directors and others, as needed, on policies and strategies for advancing regional and national goals.
• Engage scientists, policy experts and others to solve complex problems.
• Represent the Oceans Program at the national level to decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Supervise staff and manage lobbying and policy consultants.  

Qualifications:

The successful applicant will have the following minimum qualifications:

• Advanced degree in law, science or policy.
• Minimum 8 years of experience with significant amount of time working with state and federal natural resource management agencies, state legislatures and the U.S. Congress.
• Knowledge of federal and state ocean conservation laws and regulations, particularly regarding ocean fisheries and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute legislative and regulatory strategies.
• Ability to effectively incorporate strategic communications into campaign plans. 
• Demonstrated ability to use science, law, economics and advocacy to initiate and win positive environmental change, i.e., experience achieving results in environmental policy and politics.
• Demonstrated knowledge of expertise in the biological, economic and management issues related to major U.S. fisheries, especially commercial and recreational fisheries.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with nonprofit colleagues and partners, scientists and economists, industry leaders, regulators and public policy decision makers.

Compensation: The expected start date for this position is August/September 2010. The position will be located in Washington, DC. Environmental Defense Fund offers an excellent benefits package and a competitive salary that is commensurate with experience. 

To Apply:

To be considered for this position, interested candidates must follow this link to submit a resume, cover letter and salary requirements. 

Inquiries received via phone call or direct email will not be eligible for review.

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer.