Senior Associate, Disaster Resilience Policy, U.S. Conservation

The Pew Charitable Trusts is seeking a Senior Associate for Disaster Resilience Policy within its U.S. Conservation project. This role focuses on enhancing resilience against climate-related disasters by securing and implementing policies that protect biodiversity and improve ecological connectivity. The position involves collaboration with various stakeholders to develop science-based solutions addressing the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, ensuring sustainable protection for both nature and communities.
The Environment Portfolio For more than 30 years, Pew has been a major force in engaging the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences, and solutions to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Our environment work spans all seven continents with more than 250 professionals working at the local, national, and international levels to reduce the scope and severity of global environmental problems, such as the erosion of large natural ecosystems that contain a great part of the world’s remaining biodiversity, and the destruction of the marine environment. Pew’s global environmental program focuses on science-based, nonpartisan, and sustainable solutions to help protect the planet and people. We work in partnership with governments, Indigenous rights holders, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, local stakeholders, scientists, and other researchers to advance public policy so that nature and communities can thrive. Since 1990, Pew has worked in North America, South America and Australia to protect large and critically important terrestrial ecosystems, including rivers and other freshwater resources, coastal temperate rainforests, interior mountain ranges, the northern boreal forests, Australia’s Outback, and Chilean Patagonia. We work to ensure these natural systems remain bountiful, functioning, and resilient, providing essential ecological services such as clean air and clean water, sustenance and food security for local communities and more broadly for the welfare of current and future generations. Our work relies on the sciences of conservation, sociology, biology, and economics to advocate for practical and durable solutions to the loss of biodiversity. In the sea, reforms to how our oceans are managed are essential to address overfishing, pollution, and loss of habitat. Pew began its oceans program in the United States, focusing on ending overfishing and protecting fragile marine habitat. Starting in 2005, Pew’s ocean conservation program expanded around the world and played a significant role in reforming marine fisheries management in the European Union and on the high seas and creating large scale marine reserves around the world. Our work is grounded in the best available science and pursues domestic and international conservation measures that are long-term and provide permanent, durable protections for marine ecosystems. We also work to address systemic threats to the ocean, including from plastics, over-and-illegal fishing, seabed mining, and climate change. U.S. Conservation The U.S. Conservation project aims to address the accelerating impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change in the United States, by securing and implementing federal and state policies that enhance resilience for nature and people and mitigate climate change. The project focuses on four core science-based approaches: protecting terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity; improving terrestrial and aquatic connectivity; securing new adaptation plans for people and nature that address climate threats; and advancing nature-based solutions that mitigate the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Position Overview The senior associate helps prepare communities for climate-related disaster impacts—such as those resulting from floods, wildfires, extreme heat, and drought—through policies requiring states put in place comprehensive resilience plans, build resilience governance capacity (e.g. state resilience offices, state chief resilience officers), and dedicate new funding mechanisms prioritizing assistance to underrepresented communities and for nature-based disaster resilience solutions. Reporting to the senior officer, the senior associate supports outreach efforts for state policy advocacy campaigns, production of campaign materials, policy research, provision of subject-matter technical assistance to state resilience practitioners and government officials, and collaboration with external partners to achieve team objectives. This position will be based in Pew’s Washington, D.C., office and will participate in Pew’s core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship. Responsibilities Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew and the project’s related goals. Conduct policy research and provide recommendations for policy and regulatory solutions advancing community resilience to climate-related disaster impacts. Provide policy and technical assistance to state policymakers and state resilience practitioners. Identify and develop relationships with national and in-state stakeholders from the nonprofit, philanthropic, academic, and policymaking communities to advance the goals of the project. Monitor key activities of federal, state, and local governments, academia, and advocacy groups that relate to climate and disaster resilience. Plan, organize, and implement stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events both at Pew and in campaign states. Represent Pew at meetings and convenings; comfortably discuss complex subject matter with stakeholders, including government officials. Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives. Requirements Passion for addressing the growing challenges of climate-related disasters through policy innovation, advocacy, and comprehensive planning, and a commitment to creating sustainable, resilient communities. Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications. Effectively collaborates with colleagues and leverages a variety of technical systems to advance complex projects to successful completion with measurable results. Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum. Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including synthesizing large sets of information and identifying key themes. Proven capacity to think strategically and creatively, juggle multiple priorities, adjust to changing circumstances, organize time efficiently, and remain attentive to details. Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Generally, four years of applicable experience. Key attributes and preferred experience Advanced degree in public policy, public administration, urban planning, environmental science, or a related field preferred. Experience in the public policy arena, and familiarity with state and federal policies related to climate and disaster resilience issues. Experience in state or local government or state policy advocacy. Experience planning, organizing, and executing stakeholder meetings, conferences, and other events. Experience working with and keen understanding of environmental justice principles and diversity, equity, and inclusion considerations in policy development. Travel This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences and as-needed travel to target states to advance policy objectives. Salary Range $79,900 USD - $89,300 USD The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew’s commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need. Total Rewards We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance. The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. For more than 75 years we have used data to make a difference—addressing the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious strategies that lead to tangible progress. Through rigorous inquiry and knowledge sharing, we inform and engage public-spirited citizens and organizations, linking diverse interests to pursue common cause. We are a dedicated team of researchers, communicators, advocates, subject matter experts, and professionals working on some of today’s big challenges – and we know we are more effective and creative collectively than we are individually. With Philadelphia as our hometown and the majority of our staff located in Washington, D.C., our U.S. and international staff find working at Pew personally and professionally rewarding. Wise stewardship of resources allows Pew employees to pursue work that strategically furthers our mission in significant and measurable ways. We collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic partners, public and private organizations, and concerned citizens who share our interest in fact-based solutions and goal-driven initiatives to improve society. Pew attracts top talent, people of integrity who are service-oriented and willing to take on challenging assignments. We provide competitive pay and benefits, a healthy work-life balance, and a respectful and inclusive workplace. Pew employees are proud of their colleagues, proud of where they work, and proud of the institution’s reputation.