The National Aquarium’s Conservation team is looking for a driven engaging Conservation Policy Director. The Conservation Policy Director fills three critical roles: (1) to help prepare and implement the policy process guided by the Aquarium’s conservation plan; (2) to execute the Aquarium’s federal and state conservation legislative priorities; and (3) to empower key stakeholders (employees, donors, volunteers, members, board members, etc.) by providing them with the information and skills necessary to influence the policy process as part of the overall outreach strategy.
The Conservation Policy Director is responsible for coordinating all of the Aquarium’s policy activities and requires significant abilities and experience in communications, a broad understanding of the Aquarium’s mission and philosophies, collaboration with other professional societies and stakeholders, as appropriate, and a clear vision for the Aquarium’s role in influencing conservation policy and compelling ideas on how to achieve it. As such, the position requires initiative, flexibility, and the ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality. We are looking for someone who has impeccable communication skills, including written and interpersonal. This individual will work directly with our Chief Conservation Officer, Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and conservation program staff to establish our legislative and policy agenda. In partnership with the External Affairs and Philanthropy team, the Conservation Policy Director will support fundraising efforts for the conservation policy program. The perfect candidate will be up-to-date on the latest research in the area of conservation science and bring attention to pending policy issues that warrant scientific involvement. This role will publicly represent the Aquarium before Federal, state and local bodies including the Baltimore City Council, area county councils, Maryland General Assembly, U.S. Congress, and a variety of task forces and external committees. This role will spend a significant amount of its time focused on federal-level policy and in our Nation’s Capital, building relationships, preparing policy positions, correspondence, as well as written and oral testimony for legislative hearings, and researching and developing best practices for public policy issues. Maintaining and expanding both a legislative network as well as collaborative relationships with other key stakeholders including other scientific societies and nongovernmental organizations will be imperative for this program’s success. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in conservation science (with a significant policy/management component strongly preferred), political science, conservation law, public policy, law, or closely related field. Eight to ten years of experience working in environmental policy, law, advocacy, or communications with significant work experience in the public commenting process. Preference for candidates with Hill experience and/or familiarity with the process of notice and comment rulemaking via the Federal Register, the Endangered Species Act, the Administrative Procedures Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act. To be successful you must have a high degree of initiative and the ability to be self-motivated as well as a genuine appreciation for working in our mission-driven organization. Demonstrated success with conceiving and implementing policy activities, building partnerships, and working with members of the media are incredibly valued. This position will require willingness to travel for multiple days, including overnight. If you are ready to change the conservation policy landscape based on your history of success and passion for the National Aquarium’s mission of inspiring conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, please apply for this outstanding opportunity! ABOUT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM Recently named one of Baltimore’s Best Places to Work, the National Aquarium opened in 1981 as a nonprofit aquatic education and conservation organization, the jewel of the city’s Inner Harbor redevelopment. With a mission to inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures, the Aquarium is consistently ranked one of the nation’s two top aquariums and has hosted over 51 million guests since opening. Today, the National Aquarium builds on a 35-year history of local, regional and global conservation initiatives that provide real solutions for protecting marine life, ecosystems and aquatic communities. Its Animal Rescue team has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of marine mammals and endangered sea turtles throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Its Animal Welfare and Science teams participate in important research efforts to confront pressing ocean conservation issues and advocate for smarter policies at local, state and federal levels. Through education, research, conservation action and advocacy, the National Aquarium is pursuing a vision to change the way humanity cares for our ocean planet. HOW TO APPLY Interested and engaged applicants should apply through our website http://aqua.org/jobs <http://aqua.org/jobs>. Requests for reasonable accommodation can be made by e-mailing h...@aqua.org <mailto:h...@aqua.org>. https://re11.ultipro.com/NAT1020/jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*0BB8833BD3DF320C <https://re11.ultipro.com/NAT1020/jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*0BB8833BD3DF320C> If you have any questions about this position, please contact: Laura Bankey Director of Conservation lban...@aqua.org <mailto:lban...@aqua.org> 410-659-4207 [P] | 410-986-2353 [F] 410-302-5655 [M] National Aquarium, Baltimore, MD 111 Market Place, Suite 800 (Office) | 501 East Pratt Street (Aquarium) | Baltimore, MD 21202
