Policy Advocate, Fish Conservation

Ocean Conservancy Published: April 2, 2019
Location
Austin, Texas
Skill Level
Mid Level
Job Type
Full-time
Categories
Outreach / Advocacy / Policy

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Description

~ Ocean Conservancy has played a key leadership role in transitioning our nation’s fisheries towards a sustainable future. ~

Ocean Conservancy’s Fish Conservation Program is a dynamic, multi-faceted initiative focused on achieving sustainable fisheries in our nation’s waters.

Past accomplishments include securing significant improvements to our nation’s fisheries management laws in 1996 and 2007 as well as the establishment of the first science-based rebuilding plan for red snapper in the Gulf of Mexico. We will continue this leadership role by ensuring the development and implementation of laws and policies consistent with sustainable fisheries in partnership with fishery stakeholders.

Position Summary

The  primary responsibility of the Policy Advocate is advocating for Ocean Conservancy’s sustainable fisheries platforms and priorities in the Gulf of Mexico. Day-to-day work involves closely coordinating with the Director of Fish Conservation to analyze ongoing and emerging regional and national fishery management issues, designing appropriate advocacy platforms that lead to sustainable fish populations and fishing communities (including written and oral comments), developing and maintaining strategic plans, and communicating Ocean Conservancy positions and priorities to both internal and external audiences.

The Policy Advocate will be expected to collaborate with a team of Ocean Conservancy experts, state and federal government officials, the news media, non-governmental organization colleagues, the academic community, industry groups and other stakeholders in the region to achieve program goals. Finally, the Policy Advocate will assist with the development and management of work plans and budgets to ensure our sustainable fisheries goals are achieved.

Primary Responsibilities

The Policy Advocate will secure sustainable fisheries management in the Gulf of Mexico by:

  • Working with a multi-disciplinary team of Ocean Conservancy experts to develop and implement strategies that achieve desired conservation outcomes.
  • Advocacy of Ocean Conservancy positions with diverse audiences including decision-makers, stakeholders, the media and the public through research, analysis, writing, oral and written testimony, position papers, and reports.
  • Achieving fish conservation program objectives through developing, implementing and monitoring project work plans in line with available resources.
  • Maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with colleagues in government agencies, regional fishery management councils, industry groups, scientific and academic communities, and non-governmental organizations.
  • In consultation with Ocean Conservancy staff, informing Ocean Conservancy members, activists, funders and the public through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews and grant reports.

Required Skills, Qualifications & Experience

  • Ability to effectively work within a team of experts and manage project work plans and budgets to secure meaningful results.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are demonstrated advocacy skills, and the ability to communicate complex scientific or technical concepts to policy and lay audiences (written samples may be requested).
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in the Gulf of Mexico region preferred.
  • A strategic thinker who can bring the creativity, energy, discipline and commitment needed to execute our fisheries policy and advocacy work;
  • A high-level performer who remains attentive to details and adheres strictly to deadlines and deliverables while keeping a larger vision in mind;
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills;
  • Highly collaborative with an appreciation of the benefit of a multi-disciplinary team approach;
  • Personable, passionate, productive, and focused to support accurate and timely analysis, advocacy, products, and positions.

Education & Training:

  • Advanced degree preferred in fisheries science, marine biology, environmental science, environmental management, environmental policy, law or closely related field.
  • In-depth knowledge of fishery management laws, systems and policies preferred.
  • Two years or more of professional conservation, public policy, program management, or other relevant experience.

To Apply

  • To be considered for this position, interested candidates should click "Apply" below to email a resume and cover letter.
  • Please note position title and #19-04 in the subject line.

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Conservancy is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

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