Policy Research Associate

Overview

Support the evaluation, prioritization and advancement of state and local policies that contribute to regenerative agriculture practices and water quality improvements across the country, primarily at the state level, as part of the North America Agriculture Program's Water Policy Accelerator.

What you'll do

• Identify, compile, and research promising water policy interventions with interdisciplinary teams.
• Develop legislative or administrative solutions for those interventions and work with government relations professionals and others to implement them at the state or federal level.
• Research and design policy interventions that expand the implementation of Edge of Field practices, such as vegetative buffers and wetlands, and identify policy solutions to other water policy challenges.
• Identify and foster relationships with third-party contractors, including consultants, other NGOs and universities, to build TNC's policy research capabilities.
• Provide research and policy analysis in support of legislative and/or policy priorities.
• Aid with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
• Influence the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.
• Assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals, and ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.

What you'll need

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
• Experience with legislative or policy initiatives at the state level.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience working with partners and government agencies.

Nice to have

• Juris Doctor Degree or Master's Degree in Public Policy or related field.
• Experience drafting legislation and negotiating with interested parties.
• Experience developing or implementing federal or state policies, including funding/grant programs.
• Experience with programs, laws and stakeholders who engage on agriculture, water and land-use policy related work in the United States.

Details

• Full-time, 2-year grant-funded position with possible extension based on continued grant funding.
• Remote from a home office within the continental United States.
• May require occasional domestic travel for multi-day retreats, meetings, and conferences.
• May work long/flexible hours as needed to coordinate with staff and partners across the US or region.
• Starting pay range generally $60,000 - $85,000 (USA only); actual pay depends on location, qualifications, skills, and experience.