New Mexico Policy and Engagement Manager

Job Description

Trout Unlimited (TU) seeks a dynamic and highly motivated individual with a passion for conservation and community engagement to advance our conservation mission in New Mexico. The New Mexico Policy and Engagement Manager will work closely with TU colleagues, volunteers, and external partners to protect public lands and waters, advance initiatives that improve and restore coldwater fisheries, and expand our community partnerships, with an emphasis on New Mexico’s Upper Rio Grande Watershed. She/he will work on a variety of projects and campaigns simultaneously and in collaborative settings, while engaging with volunteers and decision-makers and communicating TU’s work to new audiences. 

A successful candidate will be self-motivated and have experience working with diverse stakeholders. She/he will be familiar with western land and water issues, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and excel at outreach and collaboration. This position is highly visible to TU members and a multitude of stakeholders and offers an opportunity to be creative and work on new ideas. Specific duties and responsibilities are described below and will be based on organizational needs, as well as candidate’s interests and experience.

This position will be based out of a home office in New Mexico’s Upper Rio Grande Watershed, with travel throughout the region. Exact location negotiable. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy (70 percent)

• Co-lead TU’s engagement in placed-based land and water policy and protection campaigns in the Upper Rio Grande Basin, in coordination with the New Mexico State Lead.
• Work closely with internal and external partners to advance land and water protections that benefit coldwater fisheries.
• Collaborate with TU’s national policy staff on federal legislation and policies impacting New Mexico.
• Track land management decisions and NEPA actions impacting coldwater fisheries across New Mexico and contribute to formal comments.
• Establish relationships with elected leaders and staff to advance TU’s objectives.
• Represent TU at public meetings and hearings.

Grassroots and Community Engagement (30 percent)

• Lead grassroots and community engagement activities aligned with TU’s priorities in the region.
• Represent TU’s interests in local and regional collaboratives and forums, in coordination with TU colleagues working in the region.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to fundraising efforts related to community engagement.
• Build relationships with TU’s local chapters and state council to connect volunteers with projects, policy initiatives, and protection campaigns.
• Identify opportunities to expand community partnerships and youth engagement through conservation and time spent outdoors.
• Develop media content and outreach materials to support TU’s conservation priorities and objectives in the region.
• Engage in meaningful storytelling to increase awareness of TU’s work and build a more equitable TU community.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. This is a non-supervisory position. 

Job Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field preferred, master’s degree a plus.
• At least three years’ experience working on western land, water, or fish and wildlife issues. Previous policy and advocacy experience preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner, even on contentious issues.
• Professional experience related to community organizing and volunteer engagement.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Self-motivated and ability to manage multiple projects or campaigns simultaneously, while prioritizing workload.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Knowledge of northern New Mexico’s communities, cultures, and watersheds.
• Passion for conserving wild and native trout and the places they are found.
• Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission. 
• Ability and willingness to travel; valid driver’s license and own vehicle required. 

Salary and Benefits

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The salary range is $55,000 – $70,000 depending on experience. Compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

We value diversity and actively seek candidates for this position who come from communities that have been historically under-represented in conservation and those who have been most impacted by degraded rivers and streams. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values at https://www.tu.org/equity/