Federal Policy Associate

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) seeks a Federal Policy Associate in Bozeman, Montana. The role involves shaping federal conservation policy through research, crafting proposals, and engaging with policymakers. Responsibilities include building coalitions, tracking legislation, and representing PERC at events. Ideal candidates are ambitious individuals familiar with the federal political process. This is a fast-paced position focused on innovative, market-oriented environmental solutions.
The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.

This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring a new era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation.
Position Description

The Federal Policy Associate will work to achieve meaningful policy changes on cutting-edge environmental issues at the federal level. This position will work within the policy and legal team to shape conservation policy in favor of innovative, market-oriented solutions by crafting federal policy proposals, strategizing on implementation, and working directly with policymakers and partners to advance those proposals.

This is a fast-paced role best suited for an ambitious, driven individual, who has experience navigating the federal political process from idea initiation to implementation. This position will be responsible for identifying policy opportunities to advance PERC ideas, crafting testimony on legislation, submitting public comments, sharing PERC research with federal legislators and public officials, building coalitions, and hosting events to share policy ideas. The federal policy associate will work closely with and report directly to the Policy Director.
Responsibilities/Activities of the Job
Federal Government Relations (35%)
• Effectively communicate PERC’s ideas to federal policymakers through in-person meetings, written briefs, email, and phone.
• Work with the Policy Director to identify relevant federal policymakers and policy advocates to issues PERC is advancing in support of the greater policy and legal team.
• Cultivate relationships with federal government decision-makers in Congress and the administration.
• Assist the Policy Director in advancing conservation policy priorities through ongoing communication and relationship-building with federal officials.
• Assist the Policy Director in managing contracts with external lobbyists and contractors.
Coalitions and Partnerships (25%)
• Work with the Policy Director to identify and build coalitions with relevant stakeholder groups in the conservation and free market space to advance conservation efforts on federal policy ideas.
• Represent PERC and our policy positions at virtual and in-person events, meetings, and workshops as identified by the Policy Director to build relationships and coalitions.
Policy-Oriented Research (25%)
• Track breaking federal legislative and regulatory developments on targeted issues and communicate to relevant PERC staff.
• Gather background information and collect data on policy topics.
• Watch or attend legislative hearings to inform the policy team and broader research initiatives.
• Work with the PERC research team to summarize policy proposals for external audiences through memos, op-eds, articles, and reports.
Support Policy Director in Government Affairs Activities (10%)
• Produce background information and memos to prepare the Policy Director and PERC leadership for events.
Additional Internal Collaboration (5%)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful webinars, events, and fundraising efforts as needed.
• Other duties as needed.
Qualifications
• 2-4 years of relevant experience in federal government offices, government affairs roles with advocacy organizations, or work with conservation policy.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience tracking legislative and agency developments.
• Proven active listening skills and ability to take direction.
• Ability to take initiative.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships.
• Self-motivated.
• Strong time management skills and ability to take an organized approach to work.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
Desired Skills
• Experience working with external contractors.
• Familiarity with POLITICO Pro.
• Familiarity with Salesforce.
Travel Requirements
• Regular travel by car and airplane is required.
Working Conditions
• Business office environment with moderate noise.
• Will sit or stand at a desk.
• Work on a computer, use a telephone and other general office equipment.
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Location
• This is a full-time, exempt position ideally based in Bozeman, Montana, or Washington, D.C. We are open to remote positions for exceptional candidates.
Perks of Working at PERC
• Great health (platinum, gold, and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family.
• Flex/FSA or HSA offered.
• 5% 401(k) PERC contribution.
• PERC contributed life insurance.
• Voluntary additional life insurance.
• Voluntary accident insurance.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid vacation and sick days.
• 12 paid holidays.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes.

Not sure you meet all the job qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and strongly encourage you to apply.
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