Director, Political Affairs, Environmental Defense Action Fund

With world attention focused on both the environment and the economy, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is where policymakers and business leaders turn for win-win solutions. This leading green group, with programs from Boston to Beijing, has tripled in size over the past decade by focusing on strong science, uncommon partnerships and market-based approaches. You can be part of a vibrant workplace that welcomes diverse perspectives, talents and contributions, where innovation and a focus on results are a way of life.

Environmental Defense Action Fund (EDAF) is the political affairs arm of Environmental Defense Fund. EDAF is guided by scientific evaluation of environmental problems, and the solutions we advocate will be based on science, even when it leads in unfamiliar directions. We work to create solutions that win lasting economic and social support because they are nonpartisan, cost-effective and fair. As a 501(c)(4) organization, Environmental Defense Action Fund is not limited in what it can spend to promote legislative environmental solutions.

EDF is seeking a Director, Political Affairs to operationalize the vision, goals and standards of the EDAF program as defined by the Vice President, US Climate and Political Affairs, and President, EDAF. The goal is to build a program that can create maximum impact and effectiveness for the legislative and policy priorities of Environmental Defense Fund.

The success of the office depends on broad knowledge of and access to business, environmental, political, labor, and media networks; organization systems to identify, activate, and steward such networks efficiently and effectively, and seamless project management to maximize the multiple opportunities that come with a multi-faceted, fast-paced organization such as the Environmental Defense Fund.

Key Responsibilities

Board Management:

• Maintain and grow the strategic partner program that builds a network of influentials to help achieve EDAF goals, including alliances with other organizations.
• Help grow EDAF board by working to identify potential board members who help advance the goals of the program
• Manage communication and outreach between Board members and executive, program and development staff daily.

Program Execution:

• Develop, execute and monitor strategic government relations plans to protect and enhance EDAF's interests with respect to legislative, regulatory and political matters.
• Proactively identify and communicate policy issues and formulate strategies and tactics.
• Develop and foster relationships with key policymakers and decision-makers in the Executive and Legislative branches as well as administrative agencies.
• Serve as primary advisor to political affairs and liaison to EDF programs and departments

Program Administration:

• Responsible for day to day management of political affairs program
• Primary responsibility for reviewing and updating long-term workplan.
• Prepare and supervise annual budget.
• Manage the program's Business Manager and other staff over time.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree and at least 5-7 years experience in campaign management, fundraising, or strategic partner development.
• A thorough understanding of the public policy process and how to participate to influence its outcomes. Experience with environmental issues, a plus.
• Experience advising and influencing senior level policy makers
• Demonstrated experience motivating and engaging highly influential people in policy and legislative campaigns.
• Experience managing a growing program and staff;
• Flexibility as a self-starter who exercises appropriate judgment while performing job responsibilities, often on a tight deadline.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with effective management of multiple projects and competing deadlines.
• Strategic thinking skills and experience addressing complex challenges.
• Ability to clearly present information verbally and in writing
• Keen interpersonal skills along with solid judgment and high ethical standards
• Demonstrated ability to work constructively with nonprofit colleagues and partners, scientists and economists, industry leaders, regulators and public policy decision makers.