Organizational Mission:
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s mission is to protect, manage, and advocate for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
The Federal Policy Specialist reports directly to the Director of Federal Policy and is expected to initiate and cultivate relationships with Congressional offices, agency personnel, and partner organizations, as well as assisting the Director of Federal Policy in stewarding those relationships for the benefit of the A.T. and ATC. This role will work closely with ATC’s Conservation and Policy and Regional and Trail Operations staff to identify, strategize, and implement tactics to advance ATC’s fundamental conservation mission to protect the Appalachian Trail and its Landscape forever, for all. They will work collaboratively to bring a stronger undeveloped outdoor recreation voice to public policy and advocacy discussions on landscape conservation. The Federal Policy Specialist will work closely with ATC and partners to develop effective communication strategies to engage ATC membership and supporters to build awareness and understanding of federal and state policy issues relevant to the Trail development, maintenance, and management and outdoor recreation. The Federal Specialist will be responsible for tracking, analyzing, and building advocacy support for policies impacting the A.T. at the state and federal level.
The Policy Specialist directly supports the robust state and federal-level government relations needs of the organization with particular attention paid to USDA Forest Service programs, land and resource conservation and supporting sustainable outdoor recreation economies. This position will liaise with ATC staff, A.T. Club (state) partners, as well as other NGO and agency personnel. Working under the supervision of the Director of Federal Policy, the Policy Specialist will advance ATC’s proactive protection goals regarding authorizing legislation and appropriations, habitat and viewshed conservation (including voluntary state and federal programs) and assist in building grassroots/grass tops support to advance effective advocacy on federal and some state issues.
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Supports the A.T. Maintaining Clubs’ engagement in federal policy advocacy and supporting ATC Regional Directors on state policy issues as practicable.
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Research conservation, management, public funding, and climate change-related policy issues.
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Play key support role to develop background information for use in testimony, letters, or comments.
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Assist in organizational learning on priority policy issues facing the A.T. Landscape.
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Research, monitor, and track key legislative priorities.
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Prepare issues papers and briefings regarding broad issues including, but not limited to, yearly federal appropriations for the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service, Land and Water Conservation Fund, Farm bill funding opportunities, and energy and climate-change policy related to the Trail.
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Coordinate advocacy campaigns related to landscape threats and effective stewardship.
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Represent A.T. constituents through interaction with coalitions that support sound landscape conservation and climate change and energy policy.
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Build new coalitions as needed.
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Develop and write policy-related fact sheets, briefs, and action alerts.
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Maintain relationships with key agency and Congressional representatives, and strategic conservation partners.
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Assist in the organization of ATC’s annual Hike the Hill (fly-in) meetings and associated events.
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Organize ATC’s annual Congressional staff field day.
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Organize other events, as needed.
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Support A.T. Maintaining Clubs and coordinate advocacy between them and ATC.
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Any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission.
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Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, communications, or related field.
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3-5 years’ experience in government, environmental policy, campaigning, and/or advocacy or qualifying advanced education.
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Demonstrate experience building and sustaining relationships with federal Executive and Congressional representatives, building measurable advocacy achievements, and prior experience effectively working with coalitions.
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Proven record to develop major trail protection, legislative and policy campaigns.
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Knowledge of climate change science and climate change policy.
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Experience with conservation programs operated at the federal and/or state level.
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Familiarity with a variety of federal and state land managing agencies.
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Strong analytical skills with demonstrated experience reviewing legislation.
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A demonstrated ability to engage diverse stakeholder groups and build relationships to advance action toward goals.
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Excellent oral and written communication skills.
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Highly organized self-starter who can track, manage and report on multiple programs and frequently changing priorities with patience, perseverance, minimal supervision and successful completion.
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Federal registration as a lobbyist may be required for this position.
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Evening and weekend work may be required.
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This position is in Washington, D.C. with some remote work possible.
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Ability to communicate with individuals by phone, email and in person.
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Travel may be required specifically to the A.T. and Trail States.
Additional Details:
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Full-Time position average of 35 hours a week.
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Salary: ($50k - $65k)
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Health, dental, and vision insurance available.
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Company paid long-term disability and life insurance.
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403(b) Retirement Plan with up to 7% match after 1 year of service.
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Location: Washington D.C. Hybrid (1 day a week)
ATC Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) encourages collaboration, flexibility, and fairness with all employees and volunteers to enable participation and contributions to their fullest potential.
We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive organization, and recognize that diversity contributes to an effective and successful organizational culture and mission.
The ATC prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and/or expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, political affiliation, union membership, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the locations where we operate.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Identity Statement