Senior Water Policy Advisor

MISSION:  For more than 50 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting Southwest Florida’s water, land, wildlife, and future.

PURPOSE OF JOB:
Provides primary leadership and technical expertise for Conservancy water resources policy and Everglades Restoration, focusing on Western Everglades projects. Oversees technical analysis and policy formulation for staff on subject matter expertise. Manages projects and programs that will shape policy recommendations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy and Representation:

• Advocates, lobbies, and acts as the primary spokesperson and technical expert on water resources. Provides a communication bridge between the Conservancy and the community, elected and appointed officials, media, civic organizations, and stakeholder groups on policy issues.
• Educates local, state, and federal governmental agencies and policymakers regarding these issues.
• Reviews and provides recommendations on water resources issues. Provides oversight, review, and support for Policy staff in determining formal policy positions.
• Represents the Conservancy and provides testimony, when necessary, at public meetings, hearings, and governmental gatherings.
• Acts as a spokesperson for the media on relevant issues.

Policy Analysis and Development:

• Monitors and reviews issues related to water resources, including select Everglades Restoration projects and water issues related to the Greater Everglades ecosystem. Conducts research and provides technical analysis on these issues.P
• Prepares documentation in support of policy recommendations. Compiles record materials to support Conservancy advocacy and potential litigation, such as comment letters, contract consultant expert reports, and scientific/technical information. Develops relationships with advocates, experts, and partner organizations.
• Provides analysis and drafts white papers, comment letters, position statements, and advocacy materials.
• Collaborates with policy staff on state legislative advocacy priorities and strategies.

Supervision and Management:

• Makes hiring decisions in conjunction with the Director of Environmental Policy.
• Manages projects and contractors for planning, execution, and delivery of projects related to water resource policy.
• Provides technical review of staff work products in specified subject areas and delegation, prioritization, policy strategy, expectation-setting, and follow-through.
  Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building:
• Cultivates relationships and enhances communication with governmental and non-governmental entities, including advocates, experts, and partner organizations.
• Participates in environmental committees and boards as assigned.
• Develops and writes content for various Conservancy publications and assists in marketing and communication efforts to promote policy issues across various mediums.
• Provides testimony on behalf of the Conservancy at public meetings and hearings.
• Prepares documentation in support of policy recommendations. Compiles materials to support Conservancy advocacy and potential litigation, such as comment letters, contract consultant expert reports, and scientific/technical information.
• Prepares and provides public outreach presentations.

Data Analysis and Communication:

• Provides analysis of relevant data, literature, laws, and regulations.
• Prepares records of discussions and recommended actions from governmental meetings.
• Assists in preparing grant requests and reports.
• Maintains code of ethics and confidentiality of donor records and Conservancy confidential information.

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental policy, environmental studies, natural sciences, or a related field is required. Master’s Degree preferred.
• Minimum of five years’ relevant experience with a Master’s degree or seven years’ relevant experience without.
• Proficiency in Florida-specific water regulations.
• Knowledge of fundamental ecological principles, wetland terminology, mitigation principles, hydrology, and South Florida’s wetland communities.
• Strong commitment to biodiversity conservation, environmental quality, and natural resource preservation.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and with various interests.
• Basic understanding of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) preferred.
• Proficient in using information systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Competencies

• Organization and Problem-Solving Skills: Able to prioritize time and workload to meet deadlines; possessing the flexibility to re-prioritize based on fast-moving issues and unexpected developments; capable of anticipating what is needed to complete a task and garnering the resources (both internal and external) to ensure a complete work product is produced in a timely manner. Ability to accomplish goals through formal and informal channels, with diplomacy and tactfulness. Demonstrated creativity, problem-solving, critical analysis, initiative, judgment, and decision-making skills. Adaptability to work flexible hours and travel when required, using a personal vehicle when necessary.
• Technical Proficiency: Able to analyze data, reports, laws, and other water policy-related materials, translate the information into policy recommendations, craft messaging at the appropriate level of detail to the intended audience, and answer questions regarding the policy position when interfacing with others’ internal or external to the organization. Interpersonal Communication Proficiency: Possessing the ability to interact with others, both internal and external to the organization, in a dynamic, engaging, and energetic manner; must have the skillsets to effectively engage in public outreach and enjoy interacting with others. Media Relations: Comfortable speaking and interacting with all forms of media outlets, including newspaper and TV reporters; able to synthesize complex policy issues and convey messages in media-appropriate communications.
• Public Presentation Aptitude: Able to create presentations, talking points, and visuals with the level of detail appropriate for specific situations (i.e., more technical for policy and science peers, more educational for the public and general audiences); can effectively engage with others in small or large group settings, motivating the audience and being responsive to the situation. The above statements describe the general qualifications required to perform the job and the general nature and level of work performed – not a complete list of duties; management may assign additional responsibilities.

Date Posted: 08/06/2024