U.S. Region Policy Manager, Climate-Smart Agriculture at Environmental Defense Fund New York, NY

The U.S. Region Policy Manager for Climate-Smart Agriculture at Environmental Defense Fund will conduct policy and technical analysis to advance Climate-Smart Agriculture in the U.S. This role involves engaging with agricultural communities and representing EDF at various events. Candidates may work fully remotely or in a hybrid arrangement, preferably from the Eastern or Central timezones, with a preference for those near Washington D.C.
U.S. Region Policy Manager, Climate-Smart Agriculture job at Environmental Defense Fund. New York, NY. Application Details

We'd like to request for individuals interested in this role to please submit a cover letter with their applications. Additional writing/work sample attachments are optional but also highly appreciated - all provided application materials will be evaluated cumulatively when selecting our slates.

Job Details

While there is a preference for candidates who reside in or near Washington D.C., this position can be performed 100% remotely or on a hybrid arrangement out of any other EDF office location in the Eastern or Central timezones of the US.

Program Overview

Environmental Defense Fund is a matrixed organization, with teams collaborating across solutions and impact areas at a global scale. The People and Nature impact area is centered on the EDF vision that people and nature can thrive together in a climate impacted world and that working lands and natural ecosystems can be an important part of the climate solution. Healthy land, freshwater and ocean ecosystems are more resilient to climate change, are part of the climate solution, and provide healthy abundant food, improved livelihoods and cultural well-being for all communities. Furthermore, we must work to ensure all people benefit more equitably as we implement climate solutions.

As part of our People and Nature program, EDF’s Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative, led by Britt Groosman, aims to put farmers at the center of climate adaptation and mitigation and embed principles of a just rural transition by focusing on productivity and technological solutions that work for farmers.

The U.S. Region, led by Joe Bonfiglio,is made up of six teams working to create bold policies, climate-smart regulations and political will in order to stabilize the climate, build thriving communities and sustain human health across the U.S.

The U.S. Region Initiatives,led by Derek Walker,is home to many U.S.-focused projects including clean energy, domestic methane, state carbon markets, ZEVs, energy decarbonization, western water, climate-smart agriculture and health. Staff nested here pull together matrixed teams across EDF to execute our strategies on these organizational priorities in the U.S.

Overall Function

The Policy Manager will work on the U.S. regional team in partnership with our Climate-Smart Agriculture initiative to conduct rigorous policy and technical analysis as the foundation for advancing Climate-Smart Agriculture in the U.S.

Working directly with the Senior Policy Director for Agriculture, the Policy Manager will lead research and analysis forwarding the development and execution of projects, as well as managing specific tasks and projects independently. Specifically, the Policy Manager will be responsible for engaging in state and national level ag events and building EDF’s reach in the agricultural community. This includes hosting booths and other events at state and national ag events. This person will need to be able to represent our values and our strategy directly to farmers, environmental groups and the public. This person will represent EDF within a number of coalitions, either as the main representative or as a substitute when needed. This person will also help build out our advocacy approach, Farm Bill strategy and other opportunities as they arise.

Reporting Relationship: Reports to Senior Policy Director for Agriculture

Key Responsibilities
• Independently conduct environmental, business, and market research and analysis to support existing projects and evaluate new project ideas.
• Participate in advancing EDF diversity, equity, and inclusion goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values
• Manage specific project tasks such as outreach to potential partners, developing work plans and timetables, identifying and procuring necessary resources and managing project work and deliverables.
• Review and synthesize academic literature and analysis as well as policy proposals on program design.
• Support the development and execution of project initiatives.
• Independently conduct research and analysis necessary to engage key external stakeholders.
• Communicate project results to EDF staff, corporate partners, policymakers, environmental groups, community groups, the media and other stakeholders through reports, interviews, presentations, and other methods.
• Present analysis and findings through clear and compelling oral presentations to both internal and external audiences.
• Write and prepare papers, technical reports, policy briefs, and communication materials.
• Respond to rapid-response queries relating to program policy issues from press/media, government, external partners, and internal sources.
• Develop and apply appropriate means for measuring the success of Climate-Smart Agriculture.
• Represent EDF in high-level panels, conferences, and direct engagements.
• Oversee consultants and coordinate with staff and partners to ensure aligned execution of work to achieve results and work closely with financial operations lead on budget matters.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Travel Expectations

Up to 25% per year in the U.S., with some travel concentrated on convention seasons (generally Fall and late Winter).

Qualifications

Education:
• Advanced degree and at least four years of experience working in the agriculture sector or Bachelor’s with at least six years of relevant experience.

Additional Key Skills:
• Knowledge of livestock management, dairy industry, agriculture, greenhouse gas mitigation, national policy, and/or other relevant fields.
• Proven results from advocacy in the environmental or agricultural sectors.
• Prior experience working on Capitol Hill is highly desirable.
• Experience interacting with farmers, farm organizations, or with the public on agricultural issues.

Management and Leadership Skills:
• Experience leading groups, teams or projects to successful outcomes.
• Demonstrated capacity to bring constituents together toward a common goal, build strategic relationships, and successfully advocate for environmental issues.
• Experience managing projects and workflows.
• Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail; ability to handle multiple. tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritize assignments.
• Demonstrated ability in creative problem-solving and managing complex projects involving contractors and multiple partners within the public, private and NGO sectors.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, cultural competency and inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience with donor reporting, project tracking, and budget management and execution.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to communicate effectively with technical and non-technical audiences.

Analysis and Problem-Solving:
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and apply new concepts to strategic planning and recommendations.
• Ability to use research and analysis to determine solutions to complex problems.

Independence and Decision-Making Skills:
• Self-starter, detail oriented, well-organized, and able to plan and execute projects from conception to completion.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a team member.

Other:
• Willingness and ability to engage in travel opportunities, including internal EDF retreats/events.