Senior Advocate for Quiet Seas

~ The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is the nation's most effective environmental action organization. We use law, science, and the support of more than 3 million members and online activists to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. ~

NRDC was founded in 1970 and our staff helped write some of America's bedrock environmental laws; our marine mammal cases and campaigns have played a major role in shaping current policy on whale and dolphin conservation in the United States and internationally. Today, our staff of more than 500 lawyers, scientists, economists, policy and communications experts, and others, work out of offices in New York, Washington, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Bozeman, Montana, and Beijing.

Position Summary

NRDC is seeking an experienced advocate for a newly endowed position in our Marine Mammal Protection Project. This position, the Ken Balcomb Senior Advocate for Quiet Seas, will help lead our work to protect marine wildlife from ocean noise pollution, which has become a major issue for marine conservation in the United States and internationally. The work includes corporate campaigning, international advocacy, lobbying at various levels of government, advancing science-based policy, and building cross-sector coalitions, with an initial focus on reducing noise from large commercial ships. Success is about developing strong strategic goals, identifying opportunity, and achieving progress over time through smart, persistent advocacy.

The successful applicant will join NRDC’s Marine Mammal Protection Project, a team of lawyers and scientists that fights to save marine mammals and their habitat from ocean noise, bycatch, harmful development, and other threats.

• We are willing to consider candidates in all U.S. locations, not only those based in cities where NRDC has offices.
• The candidate must be able to travel as needed for advocacy purposes.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes high-impact campaigns to prevent and reduce underwater noise pollution, including a corporate responsibility campaign aimed at controlling noise from commercial shipping;
• Represents NRDC on legislative issues related to ocean noise and marine wildlife at the federal, state and local level, including communication with elected officials and their staffs and drafting of legislative and regulatory proposals;
• Advances ocean noise code and guidelines at intergovernmental organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the
• Convention on Migratory Species;
• Builds alliances and maintains relationships across the shipping sector, including with shipowners, ports, technical experts, and regulators;
• Helps lead coalitions of environmental organizations to lobby for national and international ocean noise control;
• Speaks publicly on ocean noise pollution in a wide range of public contexts, including in traditional and social media and at public events;
• Develops science-based policy on quieting commercial ships, including by directing naval architects, economists, acousticians, and other experts in the preparation of technical papers on ocean noise solutions;
• Participates in related legal cases brought by NRDC; and
• Contributes to marine mammal project fundraising by assisting in proposals and engaging in regular, consistent outreach to foundations and major donors.

Qualifications

• At least 8 years of experience in environmental advocacy, with demonstrated leadership, creativity, and accomplishment;
• An advanced degree in a field relevant to the position, such as law, engineering, ocean science, or public policy;
• Experience working with government agencies, with Congress, and with intergovernmental organizations;
• Ability to lead complex coalitions with diverse national and international membership;
• Ability to manage and prioritize an independent workload while also working as a member of a team;
• Exceptional research, writing, communication (in both traditional and social media), listening, and analytical skills;
• Ability to understand and explain scientific material to non-specialists;
• Courtesy and diplomacy in dealing with colleagues, government agencies, corporations, and the public; and
• Strong grant-writing and reporting skills and an ability to communicate effectively and in a timely way with donors.

Please note: we are prioritizing advocacy experience and accomplishment over other factors. It is not required that candidates have a background in oceans issues.

To Apply

• Please click "Apply on Company Website" below to upload your resume and cover letter through the NRDC's online portal. We would like you to upload any additional papers or project work that you think would showcase your abilities.
• Due to the high volume of resumes, only qualified candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls, emails, faxes or in-person resume drop-offs.
• Please reference where you saw this posting.
• NRDC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• If you are having technical difficulty while applying, please reach out to iCIMS Customer Care by dialing 1-800-889-4422.
• For further information about NRDC, please visit our website. 

NRDC is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a pleasant working environment. Salary is based on a nonprofit scale and commensurate with experience. Consistent with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.