Policy and Partnership Specialist (#S5222PO)

The University of Vermont is hiring a Policy and Partnership Specialist to enhance outreach for the Gund Institute for Environment. This role involves fostering relationships with various policy communities, supporting faculty research, and preparing policy briefs on environmental topics. Candidates should have 2-4 years of experience in policy or project management, with an interest in environmental issues. The position is full-time and based in Burlington, VT.
About the position

The Gund Institute for Environment at the University of Vermont is seeking a Policy and Partnerships Specialist to enhance the outreach efforts of our interdisciplinary research community. This role is pivotal in creating opportunities for faculty and students to engage with various policy communities at state, federal, and international levels. The successful candidate will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with partners and collaborators from diverse sectors, including private, public, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In this position, you will report directly to the Director of Policy and Partnerships. Your primary responsibilities will include strengthening and seeding strategic partnerships, supporting faculty-led research projects, designing and facilitating impactful events, and preparing policy and issue briefs on a wide range of environmental topics. This role is essential for increasing the visibility and impact of the Gund Institute's research initiatives and ensuring that our findings inform policy decisions. We are looking for candidates who possess two to four years of experience in policy, government relations, or project management. Familiarity with academic settings and research institutions, along with a demonstrated interest in environmental science, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability, will be advantageous. The University of Vermont is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of our institution, reflecting our commitment to inclusive practices in research and outreach.

Responsibilities
• Create opportunities for Gund Institute faculty and students to engage with policy communities at various levels.
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• Cultivate relationships with partners and collaborators from private, public, and NGO sectors.
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• Strengthen and seed strategic partnerships to enhance research impact.
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• Support faculty-led research projects through effective collaboration.
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• Design and facilitate impactful events that promote research findings.
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• Prepare policy and issue briefs on a wide range of environmental topics.

Requirements
• Two to four years of experience in policy, government relations, or project management.
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• Familiarity with academic settings and research institutions.
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• Demonstrated interest in environmental science, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainability.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders in environmental policy.
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• Knowledge of current environmental issues and policies.

Benefits
• Access to a dynamic interdisciplinary research community.
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• Opportunities for professional development and networking.
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• Engagement with a wide range of environmental topics and issues.