Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist

Defenders of Wildlife seeks an Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist to develop strategies minimizing energy projects' impacts on wildlife and habitats. Responsibilities include collaborating with various departments, advocating for conservation policies, and representing the organization in public forums. The position requires a bachelor's degree and two years of relevant experience. The salary range is $77,000 - $85,000, and the role can be performed remotely.
Description

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:

Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist SALARY: $77,000 - $85,000

FLSA:
Exempt

DEPARTMENT:
Land and Habitat Conservation

LOCATION:

HQ, Washington, DC;
Denver, CO or Remote

REPORTS TO:

Director, Energy and Biodiversity Program NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0

LAST REVISED:
March 2025

POSITION SUMMARY This professional-level position is responsible for helping to develop and implement strategies to ensure that energy projects of all types are developed and sited in ways to avoid unnecessary adverse impacts to imperiled wildlife and habitats. The Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist is responsible for advancing Defenders' conservation mission, strategic plan and conservation priorities. This position collaborates closely with other departments including Government Relations, Biodiversity Law Center, Center for Conservation Innovation, Species Conservation and Coexistence and

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Work with the Energy and Biodiversity team and other staff to develop a set of goals and objectives for advancing Defenders' energy and biodiversity work.

Collaborate with Defenders' team of policy experts, attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, communications specialists and field advocates to oppose the administration and congressional efforts to eliminate or weaken federal environmental statutes and regulations associated with the push to increase fossil fuel development on federal lands and in federal coastal waters. Develop Defenders' positions on legislative and administrative proposals addressing the development and siting of energy projects.

Facilitate internal coordination of Defenders' existing energy work and interdisciplinary approaches to accomplish goals and objectives. Participate as the voice for wildlife in private sector efforts to find common ground around energy siting. Serve as Defenders' representative on national energy and biodiversity issues to department and agency officials and represent Defenders in public meetings, hearings, press events, conferences, coalitions, and in general communication with public officials, legislators, the media, Defenders' membership, the donor community, and the general public.

Research, write, and/or supervise the development of policy papers, memos, blogs, reports, websites, action alerts, publications and other products for advocacy purposes, coordinating with other departments as necessary. Some Travel is required for this position

Perform all other work-related duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Experience:

2 years of relevant experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders knowledge-skills-and-abilities

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Energy and Biodiversity Policy Specialist Strategic Thinking - Formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities.

Partnering - Develops networks and builds alliances; collaborates across boundaries to build strategic relationships and achieve common goals.

Change Management - Knowledge of change management principles, strategies, and techniques required for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating change.

Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. Ecology - Knowledge of the concepts, principles, and theories of the interrelationships among organisms and their environment, including competition and predation, evolution and natural selection, population dynamics, and the impact of natural phenomena or human actions on natural systems, processes, and biota.

Legal, Government, and Jurisprudence - Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, legal practices and documents, Government regulations, Executive orders, agency rules, Government organization and functions, and the democratic political process.

Public Planning - Knowledge of functions, principles, methods, and techniques of public planning, including those related to community planning, outdoor recreation planning, and natural resource management, such as environmental impact analysis and land use planning and zoning.

Leveraging Representation
- Fosters an inclusive workplace where representation and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organization. Oral and Written Communication - Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively;
Writes in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES,…