National Advocacy Manager

THE OPPORTUNITY

Justice Outside advances racial justice and equity in the outdoor and environmental movement by centering Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Color in all that we do. We shift power by advancing three interconnected strategies: advocating for policy transformation, funding community-led solutions, and building grassroots networks. Through this work, we intentionally move decision-making authority and resources away from traditional institutions and into the hands of communities of color. Justice Outside has long worked to remove barriers that have historically prevented communities of color from accessing meaningful experiences in nature and professional experience in the outdoor sector. We know that participating in outdoor programming offers those who have been most impacted by racial injustice a powerful source of healing and growth.

The National Advocacy Manager will join Justice Outside’s Movement Building team and support the strategy, coordination, and management of a national-scale advocacy initiative to advance equitable environmental education policy outcomes. This position manages the implementation of advocacy strategies and policy engagement, facilitates movement-building efforts, and stewards a national network of partners, educators, and movement leaders.

The Manager will serve as a connective leader across organizations, regions, and issue areas—supporting alignment, shared learning, and sustained collective action towards advocating for youth of color in environmental learning and access to the outdoors. This role reports to the Director of Movement Building and Advocacy and works closely with Justice Outside’s program, communications, and development staff, as well as key external partners.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

In alignment with the above summary, special attention should be given to the following duties as critical responsibilities:

Advocacy Strategy & Policy Support (40% of time)

• Support the design and implementation of national advocacy strategies aligned with an environmental learning and equitable access initiative
• Translate policy goals into clear advocacy plans, timelines, and engagement pathways for initiative partners
• Monitor and analyze federal landscapes relevant to environmental education, environmental justice, and outdoor access
• Support initiative partners in navigating policy processes, advocacy opportunities, and coordinated campaigns
• Develop and compile advocacy resources, policy briefs, and movement-building tools that support collective action and shared messaging

Advocacy Initiative & Network Management (40% of time)

• Serve as the lead manager for an environmental learning and equitable access initiative, including planning, coordination, and execution of initiative activities
• Design and facilitate convenings, learning sessions, strategy roundtables, and peer exchanges (virtual and in-person)
• Manage multiple workstreams, partner relationships, and timelines simultaneously
• Support the building and maintenance of strong, trust-based relationships with advocacy partners, initiative members, community organizers, funders, and policymakers
• Navigate advocacy and movement-building conversations with a clear understanding of how power, race, and systems of oppression shape policy outcomes
• Maintain regular communication and feedback loops with initiative participants to assess effectiveness and adapt strategy
• Represent Justice Outside and the environmental learning and equitable access initiative in coalitions, external meetings, and public forums

Movement Building, Learning & Program Development (20% of time)

• Support movement-building efforts that center equity, shared power, and long-term sustainability
• Integrate environmental education as a core strategy for civic engagement and policy change
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and documentation of systems that strengthen advocacy and initiative operations
• Support onboarding, coordination, and relationship management with partners, consultants, or facilitators as needed
• Participate in ongoing professional development to ensure Justice Outside’s advocacy approaches remain relevant, responsive, and justice-centered
• Serve as a subject matter resource to the environmental learning and equitable access initiative members, governance, and partners on advocacy, policy, and movement-building strategies

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications:

• Experience working with and alongside BIPOC-led, grassroots, or community-based organizations
• 5+ years of experience in policy, advocacy, movement building, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience managing advocacy initiatives, networks, or coalitions at a national or multi-state level
• Strong understanding of environmental justice, environmental education, or equity-centered policy work
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and relationships simultaneously
• Experience facilitating meetings, learning spaces, or strategy sessions with diverse stakeholders
• Strong written, verbal, and facilitation skills, with the ability to hold productive and values-aligned spaces through complex and high-stakes conversations
• Close attention to detail and experience using office and project management tools to stay organized
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly relational environment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with federal and state policy processes
• Familiarity with the philanthropic, outdoor, or environmental sectors
• Comfort facilitating both in-person and virtual convenings and learning spaces

WORK LOCATION/COMMITMENT/ENVIRONMENT

This is a full-time salaried position based in the United States with a strong preference that the selected candidate be located in the DC Metro Area or Pennsylvania regions.

Justice Outside’s corporate office is located in downtown Oakland, CA. This position requires availability for meetings during core business hours of 9am–2pm (PT) / 12–5pm (ET) / 11am–4pm (CT).

Employees working remotely must maintain stable internet and phone access to support regular collaboration with team members across time zones.

This position will require up to 30% travel for in-person convenings, partner meetings, and advocacy events.

DISCLAIMER

TERM

This position is grant-funded through June 30, 2027, as part of a multi-year initiative. Future continuation will depend on funding and the organization's structure at that time. We are committed to supporting staff through any transition process with transparency and advance notice.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. The National Advocacy Manager may be assigned additional duties to support Justice Outside’s movement-building and advocacy goals.

This position is grant-funded through June 30, 2027, as part of a multi-year initiative. Future continuation will depend on funding and the organization's structure at that time. We are committed to supporting staff through any transition process with transparency and advance notice.

Benefits include paid health and dental premiums, an open vacation policy, a supportive and collaborative team culture, and financial support for individual professional development. Employees may also participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan.

English language proficiency required