Conservation Policy Manager

The Conservation Policy Manager at New England Aquarium will support legislative advocacy efforts and manage public policy initiatives. Responsibilities include analyzing policies, coordinating advocacy strategies, and representing the Aquarium in meetings. This full-time position offers a hybrid work schedule, allowing remote work for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY, and VT. Candidates should have at least two years of experience in legislation and policy.
The Manager of Conservation Policy is an integral member of NEAq's Conservation Policy team. Under the supervision of the Associate Vice President of Conservation Policy, the role supports ongoing efforts to advance NEAq's federal and state legislative, political, and grassroots/grasstops advocacy strategy.

This is a full-time regular position offering a comprehensive benefits package. The schedule will be Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm with the option for a hybrid schedule, working some days on-site and some days remotely. Remote days are only available for residents of MA, RI, NH, ME, NY and VT. The position will require occasional work on nights and weekends.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• In conjunction with the Conservation Policy team, manage and execute the Aquarium's federal and state legislative and political advocacy efforts by identifying opportunities to influence policy, and developing and implementing policy and advocacy strategies.
• Identify, analyze, and track relevant public policies to stay informed about key advocacy issues and trends with the goal of further positioning NEAq as a thought leader and to take effective action on ocean conservation, marine animal protection and climate science.
• Manage and coordinate cross-organizational public policy efforts by drafting written communications, participating in internal working groups, and assisting in the management of the Public Policy and Advocacy Working Group.
• Develop a wide range of materials in support of the Aquarium's Conservation Policy agenda such as talking points, testimonies, letters, factsheets, blogs, and social media content in conjunction with Marketing/Communications, Conservation Learning, Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life (ACCOL), and Community Engagement colleagues.
• Represent NEAq at relevant public and government meetings, Capitol Hill and State House legislative hearings and other forums to promote the Aquarium's mission and institutional policy agenda.
• Represent NEAq with relevant external organizations and coalitions and engage with other non-governmental stakeholders to develop and advance shared priorities and campaigns.
• Lead and manage strategic advocacy engagements and events that support the Aquarium's Conservation Policy goals, including press conferences, legislative briefings, and meetings, coordinating with Marketing/Communications and other departments as needed.
• Develop and manage relationships between the Aquarium and policymakers at the state and federal level.
• Work in partnership with the Conservation Learning, Community Engagement, and other colleagues to identify and execute grassroots advocacy opportunities for physical and digital visitors, supporters, community partners, and staff to advance conservation priorities.
• Assist the Conservation Policy team in other duties or projects and contribute to organization-wide activities and initiatives, including team building, fundraising, and professional development.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Training and Experience
• At least two years of direct experience working on local, state, or federal legislation, policy, and programs, including recent direct experience working with state and/or federal policymakers, legislative staff, agencies, or other officials.
• Direct experience participating in and managing cross-organizational coalitions and coalition dynamics.
• A bachelor's degree preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Understanding of federal, state and/or city government, including executive offices, agencies, and relevant staff; policymaking and budgetary processes, including key legislative committees, legislators, and staff; key coalition partners, NGOs, and influential industry players.
• Familiarity with the current federal and Massachusetts political and policy context.
• Marketing and/or campaign skills required.
• Passion for and interest in policy and advocacy on environmental health and sustainability, climate resilience, protection of our natural places and species, equitable and inclusive access to the ocean, coasts, and waterfronts, environmental justice, and other aspects of NEAq's mission and work.
• Strong time and project management skills, including ability to stay organized, establish and track key priorities, and execute deliverables across multiple competing demands, timelines, and components of the institution.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with NEAq senior and junior staff, legislators, legislative and agency staff, and coalition partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• Ability to think strategically with a willingness to learn and ask questions.
• Demonstrates initiative.
• Ability to work in-person regularly at our office in Downtown Boston; remote/hybrid workdays allowed based on work needs.

For more information and to apply online please visit:

New England Aquarium is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the EEOC. Here we foster a culture of respect, diversity, and inclusion. We strive to engage and inspire a broad audience with our efforts to protect the blue planet, and we believe a diverse workforce provides experiences, skills, and perspectives that enrich our programs, strengthen problem-solving, add creativity, and enhance our work environment.