The Vice President for Conservation Policy and Advocacy is the executive staff person responsible for advancing policy, and developing and implementing cross-organizational plans that coordinate advocacy efforts, field and campaign activities, and strengthening the voice and visibility of leaders across America, especially those with underrepresented perspectives. The Vice President will be an important representative of the National Wildlife Federation’s interests with state and territorial affiliate organizations, external partners and networks, elected officials and policy makers, and the public at large. In partnership with staff, the Vice President for Conservation Policy and Advocacy will provide coordination and collaboration across matrixed teams.

The Vice President for Conservation Policy and Advocacy’s team includes key subject matter leaders in wildlife, public lands, working lands, and water as well as the Executive Director of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, the Associate Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs, and the Senior Director of Organizing and Campaigns.  The position collaborates closely with the other program Vice Presidents, Regional Executive Directors, and key staff around the country.   

The Vice President for Conservation Policy and Advocacy reports to the Chief Program Officer and works as a thought partner with the Chief Executive Officer and other leaders to advance the strategic direction of the organization. 

Principal Duties:

• Lead and coordinate advocacy and policy work to advance the National Wildlife Federation’s goals and priorities as defined in the organization’s strategic plan through the organization’s values of collaboration, empowerment, inclusivity, mindfulness, and mission-focus;
• Support the integration of environmental and economic justice to be centered into the policy priorities and advocacy efforts of the Federation, and work collaboratively across the Federation, its networks, partners, and affiliate organizations to support policy efforts to mitigate environmental and economic burdens of frontline communities;
• Utilize the Federation’s platform and resources to expand the definition of a conservation policy leader and ensure that the Federation’s federal advocacy connects authentically with community-based, grassroots leaders from around the country;
• Ensure policy and advocacy campaigns have clear objectives, defined roles, and are coordinated across the organization for maximum impact, utilizing innovative advocacy tools appropriate to the campaign goals;
• Provide leadership individually and to staff in building intentional relationships and partnerships with other conservation organizations, key individuals in government, private sector, and non-profit sector, and with national caucuses representing diverse constituencies, such that the National Wildlife Federation’s conservation interests are well-represented by the organization’s staff with elected and appointed officials and key national coalitions and networks;
• Help achieve the organization’s philanthropic fundraising goals by directly working with current and potential funders, as well as assisting senior leaders and staff as they secure funds from individuals, foundations, corporations, and governments to support National Wildlife Federation and its affiliate organizations to accomplish regional and national priorities;
• Build strong relationships internally at the National Wildlife Federation, and within the National Advocacy Center to help create a supportive culture of collaboration and find innovative, collaborative, and proactive ways to advance the organization’s policy and advocacy goals — leveraging the diverse and deep experience throughout the organization; and
• Coordinate and oversee the activities of the National Wildlife Federation Action Fund, ensuring conservation focus and alignment with policy positions of the Federation.