Policy Director

Direct message the job poster from Sustainable Conservation
Experience Level: At least 5-10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California, at the local, state,and federal level
Job Type: Exempt, full time with benefits
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Sustainable Conservation (a leading non-profit in its field) advances the collaborative stewardship of Californias land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Every day, we bring together businesses, landowners, scientists, community representatives, and government in some of the most productive yet economically disadvantaged parts of California, to steward the resources on which we all depend in ways that are just and make economic sense. Sustainable Conservation builds uncommon partnerships between agriculture, business, conservationists, communities, and public agencies to deliver practical, science-based solutions that support accelerated restoration of Californias rivers, wetlands and estuaries; a clean, reliable water supply; The organization listens to all perspectives, builds trusted partnerships and co-creates solutions that are just and sustainable for the environment, economy, and people. Sustainable Conservations policy work is informed by its on-the-ground experience and partnerships. Current initiatives include addressing the lack of clean drinking water for over one million Californians, advancing groundwater recharge, reducing on-farm pollution, promoting soil health, and reimagining waste through nutrient reuse. Our vision is a climate-resilient California with healthy water ecosystems, reduced flood risk, and agricultural practices that sustain natural resources while feeding the state and nation. The Policy Director, in collaboration with program directors, leads Sustainable Conservations efforts whenever successful achievement of the organizations goals would benefit from the creation or change of rules, regulations, or statutory law, or a substantive change in the interpretation of a public agencys role or mission, or when policy negotiation, advising, or cooperation is required between Sustainable Conservation and private sector, NGO, and/or public agency stakeholders. The Policy Director tracks what is happening in Sacramento and across the state and thinks strategically about how to best position Sustainable Conservations programs to influence aspects of state policy relevant to work in achieving the organizations goals. As Sustainable Conservation embraces the essential role of equity in environmental policy, the Policy Director will play an influential role in leading the integration of equity into all of Sustainable Conservations policy work.
The Policy Director will also represent Sustainable Conservations interests in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV-SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs and the Dairy General Order among other policies, and actively communicate with a variety of state and regional agencies including the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Food & Agriculture.
The Policy Director also provides advice and recommendations on policy positions and actions to the Chief Executive Officer, program staff, and the Board, and helps ensure that policy positions advocated by the organization with all government agencies, legislative bodies, and stakeholders are consistent with the positions approved by the organization.
Location: This position can be based at our San Francisco or Sacramento office but will collaborate with our Modesto team as well. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel throughout the state will be required.
Provide guidance, leadership and support to program leadership on policy and strategy issues at the federal, state, and local levels
Responsible for leading legislative initiatives and select administrative policy initiatives, all in close coordination with Program leads
Serve as an advocate and policy spokesperson for Sustainable Conservation positions to policymakers and constituency group leaders in collaboration with the different organizational programs
Provide governmental policy, political and social equity perspectives to the deliberations and actions of all of Sustainable Conservations programs
Work across individual programs to articulate, develop, and implement the organizations overarching policy goals
Actively participate in leadership and program team meetings, and lead the generation and articulation of overarching policy positions at Board meetings
Develop and guide the relationships needed with members and staff of the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, community-based organizations and other stakeholder groups, and NGOs to support policy changes that address the needs of Sustainable Conservations programs
At least 5-10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California, at the local, state, and federal level.
Highly collaborative ability to work proactively and collaboratively with Sustainable Conservation teams to develop policy goals and associated implementation strategies
Ability to inspire, be pragmatic, diplomatic, resourceful, strategic and demonstrate a strong commitment to practical policy solutions and the mission and vision of Sustainable Conservation
Deep understanding of the complex public policy issues at the state and regional level across California
Knowledge of natural resource agencies policies and processes
Familiarity with statutes, regulations, and subject matter knowledge of California water supply, water quality, land use and sustainable agriculture issues
Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion
Valid CA Drivers License and a willingness to travel frequently to Sacramento, Central /San Joaquin Valley and other Bay Area locations as needed, occasional overnight travel within CA may be required
Please note that the exact offered pay will be determined by factors including but not limited to education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
A competitive compensation package based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous match on 401k, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, plus the week between Christmas and New Years Day as a holiday leave. At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity and as an equal opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.
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