Job Title: MD Conservation Advocate

Department: Conservation

Supervisor: Director of Conservation

Position type and expected hours of work: Full time, 40hrs/wk, Generally Monday – Friday, some evening and weekend hours

Location: Remote

FLSA Status: Nonexempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act

Salary: $52,313-62,775 (Salary Band 20)

Summary: The MD Advocate will research, coordinate and implement grassroots action and lead advocacy on climate resilience, local clean water, environmental justice, and land use policy issues in Washington, DC. Partner and network with local, regional and state environmental, community and business groups to achieve policy outcomes that support Nature Forward Policy Priorities. They will engage the public to increase awareness, and organize and mobilize Nature Forward members, volunteers and local community members to take ation to prepare for and adapt to climate change, protect and restore local watersheds, and preserve green space in our urban communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy and Organizing:

  • Work with the Conservation Director to identify annual focal areas for campaigns in accordance with Nature Forward Policy Priorities.
  • Network, convene, and facilitate meetings, events, and training for partner organizations (environmental and community groups) in Maryland to achieve shared advocacy goals.
  • Educate, train, and organize residents of Maryland to advocate for nature in their communities to achieve Nature Forward’s environmental policy goals as they intersect with community goals.
  • Build and foster relationships and conduct regular meetings with local decision-makers and their staff.
  • Identify and communicate top threats to nature, climate, and clean water in Maryland; and in partnership with Conservation Director and network partners, actively work to achieve policy (legislative & agency, including budget funding) outcomes that mitigate these threats.
  • Identify Maryland advocacy concerns that warrant Nature Forward Action Alerts and coordinate communications with Nature Forward Conservation and Communications Director.

Outreach

  • Attend and present Nature Forward advocacy and citizen engagement initiatives at Nature Forward events, local and regional conferences and community meetings.
  • Engage with coalition partners to design and lead community engagement programs.
  • Provide on the ground coordination of volunteer field activities and direct and work with volunteers on research and organizing needs.

 

Communications

  • Work closely with Nature Forward Communications Director to communicate Maryland climate change and other policy wins and threats through Nature Forward and partner communication channels, including the Nature Forward website, Conservation Blog, and social media.
  • Communicate with funders as directed by the Conservation Director and Development Director.
  • Develop reports and documentation for MD Advocacy and Outreach activities, including tracking and reporting on grant funded projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Requirements

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Basic familiarity with Maryland’s communities and environmental concerns.
  • A passion for protecting our natural resources and landscapes through organizing and policy change.
  • Strong collaboration and community engagement skills and experience, including prior advocacy and/or community organizing experience.
  • A commitment to working respectfully across differences and bringing diverse communities together.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. Proficient in social and app-based communication. Proficient in Zoom and Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word, Excel.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Resident of Maryland
  • Connections to communities, leaders, organizations, and/or coalitions East of the Anacostia River.
  • Bachelor of Science in Biology, Environmental Policy, or related field. Master Naturalist or similar adult education would also be valuable, as would personal experience/interest in nature and/or policy.
  • Working knowledge of environmental issues including for example: climate change mitigation and adaptation, water quality including urban runoff/stormwater management, land use planning, and/or related issues (we will teach this skill set to the right candidate).
  • Proficient/conversational in Spanish.  

Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain carrying a load of 20 pounds.
  • Must be able to balance on slippery rocks and scale down steep embankments.
  • Must be able to travel to various local sites
  • Must be able to work at a computer 

Benefits 

  • Health care, life insurance and long-term disability insurance
  • Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
  • Paid holidays including a one-week winter break
  • Paid sick and vacation leave accrual

Disclaimer: This description is not a comprehensive list of job activities 

Date: June 12, 2024

To Apply: Submit cover letter and resume, including three professional references, to conserve@natureforward.org. Please include the job name in the subject line and cover letter. This position will stay open until filled. Preferred application deadline is July 1, 2024. Preferred start date will be end of July 2024.