Director of Advocacy

Save The Bay is seeking a Director of Advocacy in East Providence, RI, responsible for developing and managing advocacy priorities, environmental policy initiatives, and legislative agendas. This role includes supervising the Policy Team, integrating advocacy with other organizational areas, and liaising with the Board and local decision-makers. The Director will also lead legislative campaigns, engage stakeholders, and ensure alignment with Save The Bay's strategic goals.
Job Description

Director of Advocacy

REPORTS TO:
Executive Director

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
The Director of Advocacy is responsible for the development and management of Save The Bay’s advocacy priorities; environmental policy initiatives and campaigns; legislative agenda; as well as supervision of the organization’s Policy Team, which includes both the Waterkeeper and Habitat Restoration programs.

The Director of Advocacy ensures the integration of Save The Bay advocacy programs and initiatives with other areas of the organization, including Education, Volunteer & Internship and Development programs, and the Communications Department. This individual also serves as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors’ Program and Policy Committee, as well as the primary contact for State and local decision-makers.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the Director of Advocacy also plays a role in leading the organization by setting an example of professionalism and ensuring Strategic Plan implementation, including goals related to environmental justice and DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging).

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Work with the Board’s Program and Policy Committee and the staff Leadership Team to establish and oversee programs and policies that are consistent with STB’s mission and achieve the advocacy goals outlined in the Strategic Plan.
• Work with the Executive Director and appropriate Board committees to develop short- and long-term program goals that align with and support strategic plan objectives.
• Develop and implement annual legislative action plans and campaigns; serve as Save The Bay’s lead lobbyist and coordinate lobbying activities; review legislation and create response strategies; design and implement legislator cultivation/education programs.
• Write, review, and deliver testimony before legislative committees, public hearings, and other events where public testimony is heard; mobilize volunteers to participate in the legislative process through the timely issuance of Save The Bay Action Alerts; coordinate letter-writing, telephone, petition, and other citizen action campaigns as needed.
• Mobilize members, partners, and other stakeholders to engage with Save The Bay’s advocacy efforts by building and participating in networks and coalitions with individuals and organizations, and engaging with legislators, executive branch officials, and agency and community leaders.
• Work with development staff to ensure program funding by collaborating on grant proposals, grant reporting, and the cultivation of major donors.
• Review and evaluate team staff performance; encourage the development of staff skills and capacities; and cultivate staff empowerment to further STB’s mission, goals and objectives.
• Represent Save The Bay at events related to the organization’s advocacy goals and priorities.
• Mentor, coach and provide direction to staff regarding STB procedures, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Completed four-year college degree with a specialization in government, environmental management, political science or related degree and/or commensurate experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience in, civics and legislative processes.
• Strong commitment to environmental issues, citizen action, and volunteerism.
• Working knowledge of Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and federal laws and regulations concerning water pollution, wetlands and coastal development.
• Ability to develop and manage many complex projects and tasks simultaneously; excellent organizational skills; ability to develop advocacy strategies based on a big-picture understanding of political dynamics that informs on-the-ground tactics.
• Understanding of budget development and management.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Ability to work with a variety of people in both formal and informal settings.
• Public speaking and citizen advocacy skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and flexible hours including some nights and weekends.
• Spanish or other multilingual skills a plus.

SALARY & BENEFITS:

The Director of Advocacy is a full-time, salaried position with flexible hours, competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package.

TO APPLY:

Send your resume and cover letter to or to Maureen Fogarty, Director of Operations, Save The Bay, 100 Save The Bay Drive, Providence, RI 02905.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: March 31, 2024

SAVE THE BAY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
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