Advocacy Program Manager

The Ipswich River Watershed Association seeks candidates for a full-time Advocacy Program Manager (APM) to join our team. The APM reports to the Resiliency Program Director and is primarily responsible for advancing IRWA’s policy priorities at all levels: grassroots, municipal, state, and federal. IRWA’s advocacy program aims to advance legislative priorities, strengthen environmental laws and regulations, and ensure water management decisions that are protective of watershed and river health. IRWA’s advocacy efforts are directly informed by our science and data-based programmatic work, necessitating close coordination between these areas of the organization. In addition, the APM will actively participate in many aspects of a small and dynamic environmental management and advocacy organization.

Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate the advocacy efforts of IRWA at every level: federal, state, municipal, grassroots.
• Coordinate and draft comment letters on proposed regulation, legislation, and development projects.
• Support the efforts of IRWA’s legal committee as required.
• Work closely and collaboratively with our River Restoration and Science programs;
• Participate in various planning efforts and advocate for public and private entity policies and actions that protect, restore, and increase environmental resiliency;
• Research and prepare reports, provide public presentations, and facilitate public discussions on resiliency projects and efforts;
• Keep informed about current environmental resiliency planning and policy issues, resources, and programs;
• Routinely interact and liaise with environmental and public policy organizations, state agencies, and the public;
• Provide written and oral testimony in support of IRWA’s advocacy priorities.
• Work with IRWA’s Environmental Educator and outreach program to grow and develop our network of River Advocates.
• Liaise with our statewide coalition partners, i.e. Massachusetts Rivers Alliance, other watershed associations and aligned environmental non-profit organizations.
• Participate in grant writing and contribute to organizational fundraising efforts.
• Support the organization’s ongoing commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles and incorporating them into all aspects of programming.

Minimum Qualifications

Candidate should have demonstrated expertise in several of the following:

• Educational background or experience in environmental and/or climate resiliency planning or related field, including familiarity with federal, state, and local environmental and land use policy issues, laws, and regulations;
• Experience in environmental or relevant advocacy, including state-level lobbying and administrative processes around regulation, permitting, and other government decision-making;
• Knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to water quality, water management, and stormwater management, including the Clean Water Act, National Environmental Policy Act, Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act, and Massachusetts Water Management Act.

In addition, the candidate should demonstrate the following:

• Strong research, writing, and communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and with a team in a small non-profit environment;
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work effectively with community groups and government officials in particular;
• Ability to successfully manage multiple programs and projects on an ongoing basis.
• Public process, facilitation and collaboration skills; and
• Strong personal commitment and passion for the work of Ipswich River Watershed Association.

Successful candidates will possess an undergraduate degree in urban/regional planning, environmental planning, natural resources management, public policy or a closely related field. Non-degreed candidates with equivalent skills and work experience are strongly encouraged to apply. Responsibilities will include meetings with local municipal and state officials, often requiring local travel and some evening meetings; a valid driver’s license is required.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $55,000 to $65,000 dependent on experience/skills. Excellent benefits package including a liberal paid time off policy, health insurance, 401(k), flex time and hybrid work options.

About the Ipswich River Watershed Association

Founded in 1977, we serve as the Voice of the River and work to ensure there is enough clean water for people and nature and to provide opportunities for people to have fun outdoors. We are a small but nationally known organization with a big record of accomplishments. Increasingly, we seek to position our work under the lens of building resiliency for the watershed and the communities we serve. Our team consists of twelve year-round and several seasonal staff who are supported by an engaged board, several committees and hundreds of volunteers. We work in 28 communities throughout the Ipswich, Parker and Essex River Watershed and are based at Riverbend, our beautiful 23-acre headquarters on the bank of the River in Ipswich. For more information, go to www.ipswichriver.org.