Policy Specialist, Southwest Florida

About Audubon 

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet's health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at  and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety. 

Position Summary:

The National Audubon Society has identified Southwest Florida as a national conservation priority and a centerpiece of Audubon's hemispheric water strategy. This region is also the western extent of the Greater Everglades Ecosystem that supports seventy threatened and endangered species and is home to more than 8 million people.

Aligned with Audubon's overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Sr. Director of Policy, the Director of Corkscrew Swamp and Sanctuary and the Director of Everglades Policy, this individual will oversee the continued strategic and measurable implementation of conservation goals in Southwest Florida that result in the organization's increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats.

This position will be hybrid, partially located in Naples at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (CSS).

Compensation:

$71,190 - $80,089 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Lead engagement on significant water and hydrology, land use, and planning initiatives in the vicinity of CSS and collaborate with agencies, applicants, and stakeholders as necessary to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes.

• Amplify policy outcomes of research at CSS regionally and statewide by influencing regional water quality and supply permitting, local land-use and zoning changes, as well as state legislation that may affect these issues.

• Monitor relevant government agencies and elected bodies, including municipal councils and county commissions including the South Florida Water Management District and Big Cypress Basin, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Florida Forestry Service, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other agencies, which may consider rules, plans, projects, and policies that affect Southwest Florida and CSS.

• Organize and provide expert and informed comments and input.

• Build relationships with elected officials and their relevant subject area staff as necessary.

• Staff the Corkscrew Sustainability Board, provide regular policy and issue updates and guidance to the Board. Provide field experiences to decision makers when necessary, including policy support for resource staff efforts.

• Coordinate and liaise with regional partners on relevant issues, including CREW Trust, area conservation organizations, Citizen Support Org's, Florida Panther Protection Program partners, Audubon chapters in the region (RCC).

• Provide policy input and support on key Audubon Florida policy initiatives, including climate resilience and mitigation, Everglades, transportation, land acquisition, legislative, South Florida Water Management District & Big Cypress Basin Board engagement, Shorebird Stewardship, listed species policies, and water policies.

• Provide policy support for regional development work by Audubon.

• Attend and participate in CSS staff meetings and administrative duties as needed.

• Collaborate with Audubon staff to ensure that equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging principles are incorporated and followed in all aspects of our work.

• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required in policy, political science, biology, or related field.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience with a policy-oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant government agency working on water management, environmental regulations, or similar is required.

• Knowledge of Florida planning and/or water statutes, rules, and regulations.

• Excellent policy analysis and research skills.

• Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking. Must be comfortable representing Audubon's interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision-makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.

• Self-starter and purposeful with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications is required.

• Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.

• A valid driver's license.

• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

• Demonstrated personal and professional commitment to and experience in advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies.

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment. 

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem-solving. 

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation. 

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem-solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process. 

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity. 

EEO Statement

The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Accessibility Statement

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