About Mass Rivers

Would you like to work for a small organization - and make a big difference?  The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is a nonprofit organization, established in 2007 that works to protect and restore rivers across the Commonwealth. The organization has 80+ organizational members and is supported by individuals, families, and foundations. Our mission is to protect and restore streamflow, water quality, and wildlife habitat, with a focus on climate resiliency and environmental justice. We pursue our mission through advocacy, education, and by strengthening and connecting our member groups.

Position Description

Mass Rivers is seeking its next Policy Manager. The Policy Manager’s primary responsibility is to develop and implement strategies to advance legislative and other initiatives to support the organization’s goals. The work ranges from writing and submitting legislative testimony, to organizing member groups to work together for common policy goals, to visiting our groups around the state to learn about their work.

The position is based in Somerville but includes some travel, primarily within Massachusetts. We are currently working in a hybrid format, with two days in the office, and three days remote. Some meetings are in person.

We seek a dynamic and creative leader to continue our successful policy program. The Policy Manager will track issues facing rivers across the Commonwealth, and be part of creating solutions. This role requires the ability to quickly and strategically respond to changing opportunities. This is largely an external-facing role, and requires frequent communication and collaboration with legislators, state agency staff, and our partner organizations. The candidate should expect to register as a lobbyist with the state.

Responsibilities include:

• Tracking, developing, and supporting/opposing state legislation alongside partner organizations and legislators. This includes drafting legislation, direct and grassroots lobbying, testifying, and developing campaign materials.
• Leading coalition work on priority issue areas.
• Tracking, researching, and commenting on state regulations that impact rivers, including supporting our member organizations’ advocacy efforts.
• Advocating for increased state funding for environmental agencies tasked with protecting and restoring rivers and streams.
• Maintaining relationships with legislators, agency staff, partner groups, and the media.
• Representing Mass Rivers in working groups, task forces, and committees.
• Organizing a biennial Lobby for the Rivers Day for member organizations and individuals.
• Supporting Mass Rivers’ events throughout the year.
• Other duties as they arise.

Our work is very collaborative and the scope of work is comprehensive. The Policy Manager may also develop and coordinate workshops and present information to diverse audiences.

Compensation includes paid time off, a monthly retirement contribution, and health insurance. The Massachusetts Rivers Alliance is an equal opportunity employer. Annual salary range is $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience.

Qualifications

A successful candidate will have:

• A strong interest in river protection and public policy.
• Experience with the legislative process in Massachusetts.
• Relevant prior experience in law, science, policy, regulatory agencies, or a combination.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, including group facilitation.
• A working familiarity with major state and federal environmental laws.

The ideal candidate will be interested in a wide range of river-related topics (climate change, water supply, dam removal, environmental justice, wetlands, biodiversity) and bring creative ideas to the table. They should also enjoy working in a small organization.