17 Mar We're looking for a Senior Policy Director
Friends of the Los Angeles River is looking for a new Senior Policy Director to join our Advocacy and Policy team. If you’re a River wonk this is the perfect time to join Team LA River!
Please submit your resume and cover letter to andrea@folar.org
Position Information
Senior Policy Director, Friends of the Los Angeles River
Full time
Salary range: $90,000-$110,000
Description:
Friends of the Los Angeles River seeks an experienced and motivated advocate for Los Angeles River conservation and recreation policy and funding. The Senior Policy Director will work with FoLAR’s broad, diverse coalition and manage an internal team to direct FoLAR’s advocacy campaigns for local, state and federal recreation and conservation policy and funding.
Friends of the L.A. River (FoLAR) was founded in 1986 on the belief that effective advocacy, education, collaboration and imagination can accomplish great things. We know first-hand that urban ecosystem restoration requires creativity, technical knowledge and tenacity – but also that our goals, while vast and visionary, are also undeniably attainable. We bring these attitudes and vision to our mission of protecting and restoring the natural and historic heritage of the Los Angeles River.
Position Summary:
FOLAR is hiring a dynamic and highly strategic leader with excellent interpersonal skills, experience building strong partnerships and a proven track record of success with policy analysis, and interactions with policy makers. Experience in program management, fiscal management, personnel management and fund raising is preferred. S/he will be self-directed, motivated, and innovative.
The Senior Policy Director will develop strategy and implement campaigns to ensure good policies and funding for restoration of the Los Angeles River at the local, state and federal levels. Leading a team of motivated individuals, the Senior Policy Director is a top expert on policy and funding issues around the Los Angeles River and will work with FOLAR staff and partner organizations to develop strategies that influence decision-making and policy at the local, state and federal level. This candidate would be expected to transition into an Executive Director position within 3 to 5 years.
The successful candidate will be expected to remain current with events and trends that relate to Los Angeles River restoration, the LA River community, and activities and internal projects of FoLAR, as well as comply with policies and procedures of FoLAR.
Responsibilities:
- Develop strategy and direct advocacy campaigns as they relate to FOLAR’s mission
- Develop and execute annual policy budget and department work plan
- Manage policy department including 2 FTEs (mid and junior level analysts and outreach associates) and interns
- Work collaboratively with internal Communications Associate and hire/retain and manage government relations contractors as budgeted and needed
- Monitor and analyze the political landscape to determine programmatic goals and adjust priorities appropriately
- Propose and execute major issue positions and strategy to the President, Executive Director, Policy and Legislative committee, and full Board of Directors for consideration
- Educate agency and elected officials at the local, federal and state levels on priority issues
- Proactively identify and engage strategic partners
- Build and maintain FoLAR’s strong coalition of disparate interests, including a broad range of organizations, elected officials, agencies and community leaders
- Manage media campaign; identify media opportunities, coordinate editorial board meetings, place op-eds and letters to the editor, act as a spokesperson on relevant issues, and communicate/inform the public of FoLAR’s activities via a planned spectrum of outlets, including social media
- Work with development staff and partners to identify, cultivate and secure significant program and project funding
- Plan, coordinate and implement program events including tours with elected officials, roundtables and receptions
- Lead Policy Team Meetings and Staff the Policy and Legislative Committee, prepare for and attend Board meetings; present issues/proposals to full board and achieve buy-in
- Other duties as assigned
- Reports to the President and the Board of Directors
Qualifications:
- Demonstrated management experience
- At least five years of progressively responsible experience in issue advocacy, legislative affairs, and/or political or legislative campaigns
- Demonstrated relevant relationships
- Intellectual honesty, integrity
- Demonstrated leadership in working on collaborative projects that involve multiple organizations, team-building, program development and member engagement
- Sophisticated knowledge of government affairs and processes related to achieving policy change and funding
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills and the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively when writing and speaking
- Demonstrated success in fundraising from individuals, foundations, corporations and public grants and contracts
- Ability to multi-task and manage many projects simultaneously with scrupulous attention to detail
- Ability to handle confidential and sensitive matters professionally
- Willingness to travel on occasion and attend evening meetings and weekend events.
This is a full-time position based in Los Angeles or Long Beach. Compensation is DOE and includes a generous benefit package that includes healthcare and 3 weeks’ vacation.
To Apply:
Must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis for any employer, and have driver’s license, insurable driving record, and pass any necessary pre-employment screenings.
To apply for this position, please e-mail your cover letter and resume to andrea@folar.org with “Senior Policy Director Application” in the subject line. Examples of your work are helpful and will be used for the purposes of filling this position only and will be kept confidential. Format is important; please send the cover letter in the body of the e-mail as text and any documents (resume, etc.) as easily accessible attachments. No calls or walk-ins.
Friends of the Los Angeles River is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, sex, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or national origin.