Policy Planning Coordinator

Get to Know Us – Our Why:

MCWD believes that water is a central organizing element in the development of sustainable cities.  We know that our lakes, streams, and wetlands have the power to underpin community identity, and grow social, environmental, and economic value. This is why we are dedicated to building a landscape of vibrant communities where nature and the built environment exist in balance, and create value and enjoyment.  We are pursuing a vision of A Balanced Urban Ecology through public-private partnerships that protect and improve water, while creating a sense of place within the watershed.

How We Work Together – Our Culture:

MCWD is a leader in watershed management—it’s a place to explore your potential and to push boundaries. We know that our success is driven by talented people who want to grow, think, and create. Our culture thrives on ideas, imagination, initiative, and the power that diverse perspectives bring to our collective mission.  At MCWD, we enjoy the challenge of deep, meaningful work and appreciate the power we have as a team to achieve excellence in a constantly evolving environment. MCWD is committed to building a diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from candidates of color.

Who You Will Work With – The Team:

In the Policy Planning program, you will work with a group of highly driven, strategic, critical thinkers, with a passion for water resource management. You will also work closely with staff and policymakers from our 29 communities, as well private developers and landowners, to identify and advance partnership opportunities that provide water resource and community benefits. In this role, you will report to the Policy Planning Director and work across all MCWD programs to deliver the vision of the organization.

What You Will Be Doing – The Job:

• Manage the District’s Land & Water Partnership program, including coordination with public and private partners and across District programs, scanning for threats and opportunities, evaluating and prioritizing opportunities, and recommending District response.
• Develop, and advance the implementation of, policy initiatives such as the MCWD’s Climate Action Framework and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Framework.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with the cities, state and local agencies, private developers and landowners, and other stakeholders to advance District priorities and improve the integration of land use and water planning.
• Assist in the development of the District’s 10-year Watershed Management Plan and 5-year strategic plans in collaboration with MCWD Board of Managers, staff, and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to MCWD:

• A passion for advancing MCWD’s Balanced Urban Ecology vision of watershed management
• Bachelor’s degree with coursework in natural resources, environmental science, planning, management, or related field and 2-5 years of experience in natural resource management, policy development, or planning (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• An ability to analyze problems and situations and develop and implement effective solutions
• Thorough skill in project management and organization to manage several complicated initiatives simultaneously
• The capacity to track, digest, and manage detail while maintaining a strategic perspective
• An ability to effectively communicate complex concepts orally, in writing, and in presentations
• A drive to stretch, learn, and grow in a high performing environment
• An ability to develop and maintain positive, cooperative, working relationships with colleagues, consultants, local and agency staff, and the general public
• Flexible thinking, adaptability, and a desire to actively manage change

What We Can Offer You:

MCWD believes that taking care of its people is the right thing to do.  We strive to provide an environment that supports great work, balanced with a great life, by offering:

• The opportunity to influence the strategy of a mission-driven leader in watershed management
• A commitment to maintaining competitive total compensation as a means to recruit and retain top talent to support our mission
• Employer paid health and dental coverage
• A collaborative and supportive culture
• Flexible hybrid work environment
• Generous number of vacation and sick days each year
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Opportunities for growth and professional development, including tuition reimbursement, professional credentialing, and continuing education through conferences and seminars