Policy and Advocacy Director

The Work Environment Council of New Jersey is hiring a Policy and Advocacy Director for a full-time, 12-month position based in Trenton, NJ. The role involves leading policy development, coordinating advocacy efforts on climate and clean energy, and managing staff. The ideal candidate should have a strong policy background, experience with labor unions or environmental organizations, and excellent communication skills. A valid driver's license is required.
About the position

The Work Environment Council of New Jersey (WEC) is seeking an experienced Policy and Advocacy Director to lead its policy development and advocacy efforts. This full-time position is based in Trenton, New Jersey, and is a fixed-term role for 12 months with the possibility of extension. The Policy and Advocacy Director will play a crucial role in ensuring that WEC achieves its strategic and operational objectives within its policy portfolio, primarily focusing on climate and clean energy initiatives. The director will work closely with partners in Jersey Renews, a coalition dedicated to advancing state-based climate policy, which includes efforts to reduce emissions, increase clean energy production, create family-sustaining green jobs, and promote a sustainable transportation system. In this role, the director will supervise campaign organizers and collaborate with coalition partners to set strategic policy goals. The position involves coordinating all legislative and regulatory outreach and direct advocacy efforts. The director will report directly to the Executive Director and will be responsible for leading the development of the organization's policy agenda, conducting policy assessments, and identifying new opportunities for policy advancement. The director will also be tasked with educating legislators and public officials about WEC's initiatives and securing media coverage for key policy campaigns. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policy analysis, a proven track record of managing staff, and experience working with labor unions or environmental organizations. Fundraising experience is also beneficial. The position requires excellent communication skills, a commitment to social justice, and the ability to work effectively with diverse groups. A valid driver's license and access to a car are necessary, and bilingual skills in Spanish are a plus.

Responsibilities
• Lead the development of the organization's policy agenda in collaboration with the Executive Director, staff, Board of Directors, and key partners.
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• Coordinate legislative and administrative advocacy efforts.
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• Develop and implement strategic campaign plans and advocacy outreach with staff and stakeholders.
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• Conduct regular policy assessment, research, and analysis.
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• Execute the policy agenda in collaboration with campaign staff.
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• Identify new opportunities for policy advancement through legislation and rulemaking.
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• Educate legislators and public officials about WEC in coordination with coalition partners.
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• Schedule meetings with key state leaders or assist organizers in doing so.
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• Develop educational and advocacy materials to advance the WEC policy agenda.
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• Coordinate narratives and messaging with staff and members.
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• Manage Jersey Renews advocacy campaigns stemming from coalition efforts and meetings.
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• Secure media coverage at key points in policy campaigns.
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• Participate in fundraising efforts, including meetings with funders and writing proposals and reports.
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• Attend regular staff meetings and WEC Board of Director meetings.

Requirements
• Master's degree with at least four years of hands-on policy experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
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• Minimum of five years' experience in managing staff.
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• Strong policy analyst skills and extensive knowledge of the state legislative and administrative process.
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• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
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• Unwavering commitment to excellence in project management.
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• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
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• A valid driver's license and car access are required.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience working with labor unions and/or environmental organizations.
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• Fundraising experience is an asset.
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• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Benefits
• Full-time position with a salary of USD80,000.
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• Option to extend the contract after 12 months.