Policy Fellow-Virginia

Agency: American Sportfishing Association

Location: Alexandria, VA

Job Category: Full time Position

Salary: $50,000/yr

Start Date: 07/7/2025

Last Date to Apply: 05/16/2025

Website: http://www.asafishing.org

Job Description:

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association for the sportfishing industry, seeks applicants for a two-year fellowship position in support of the Association’s natural resource, conservation, tax and trade and related public policy goals. The successful candidate will work with ASA government affairs staff as well as with federal and state legislative personnel, resource management agencies, and affiliated organizations to further ASA goals and objectives. Graduates of the fellowship have gone on to successful professional careers in federal agencies, such as NOAA and the US Fish & Wildlife Service, as well as conservation organizations and trade associations. The position is based in ASA’s Alexandria, VA headquarters.

Responsibilities Include:

• Assist in monitoring state and federal legislation and natural resource agency policy affecting recreational fisheries by reviewing state, federal and Congressional documents.
• Attend Congressional hearings and agency briefings.
• Assist the Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy Directors/Managers in various administrative and policy tasks.
• Represent the sportfishing industry in discussions with federal and state legislative personnel, resource management agencies, and conservation partners.
• Research and write position papers and statements on specific issues relating to the conservation and restoration of our nation’s fisheries resources.
• Support planning for Government Affairs meetings and record meeting minutes.
• Collaborate with Communications team on ASA newsletters and other policy communications.
• Review and edit policy documents and podcast.
• Take initiative to identify and engage on emerging policy issues.
• Travel for meetings (10% of time or less).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent graduates (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in fisheries management/science, environmental policy or a closely related field.
• Interest in the fisheries policy-making process.
• Ability to prioritize, work independently and meet deadlines on multiple tasks and in a team environment.
• Strong oral and written communications and reading comprehension skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, Zoom and related platforms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to coordinate with different departments and external stakeholders.
• A proactive and positive attitude, and an eagerness to learn and assist a busy Government Affairs department.

What We Offer:

• Employer-paid health and dental insurance.
• Paid time off, including all federal holidays and 10 vacation days.
• Sick and bereavement leave.
• Free on-site parking.
• Opportunity for hybrid work schedule.