Director of Executive Branch Outreach United States-

The Director of Executive Outreach will lead the U.S. Government Policy team’s efforts to raise the importance and profile of international conservation and Conservation International with the U.S. Administration. S/he will build support for Conservation International’s (CI’s) work within the various federal agencies (e.g. USAID, State Department, Interior Department, Department of Defense, Department of Energy). S/he will work with Public Funding, Field Programs, Marine Division, Science & Knowledge and other CI units and divisions to keep the federal departments/agencies informed through meetings and briefings on CI’s projects.

S/he will work with the Administration to prioritize international conservation in the President’s budget request and across the federal agencies/departments and highlight the direct connection between international conservation and America’s economic and national security interests. S/he will build support within the Administration for CI’s work.

S/he will work with CI’s international policy team to engage with U.S. Administration officials involved in international negotiations (e.g. UNFCCC, Rio+20) to ensure U.S. leadership in protecting ecosystems and support for international conservation.

S/he will work with CI’s division and units to ensure a coordinated policy and strategy and work with them on outreach and educational materials.

This person will report to the Vice President for U.S. Government Policy and support the V.P. and do other projects as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

US Policy Administration:

• Engage with federal agency and Administration staff on highlighting the importance of international conservation and Conservation International and ensure that such programs are included in the President’s budget request.
• Conduct educational briefings and meetings with agency and administration staff to inform on the scope of CI’s programs.
• Work with CI’s international policy team to engage with U.S. Administration officials involved in international negotiations (e.g. UNFCCC, Rio+20) to ensure U.S. leadership in protecting ecosystems and support for international conservation.

Outreach and Education:

• Work with NGO’s and other stakeholders to achieve the responsibilities listed above.
• Draft educational materials to support CI priorities.

Program Support:

• Support the U.S. Government Policy team on operational issues such as preparing budgets, five-year plans and work plans.

Working Conditions:

• The position is based in CI Headquarters in Arlington, VA
• Some travel required including possible international travel

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• 5+ years relevant experience
• Extensive knowledge of U.S. policy and the inner workings of the federal government
• Outstanding communications skills – oral and written (as well as editing, proofing)
• Proven ability to work with a wide variety of people from different cultures, backgrounds and political backgrounds
• Skilled at cultivating and managing relationships
• Proven organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work on multiple projects at once and meet deadlines
• Proven ability to understand, analyze and communicate complex policies & conduct research
• Proven ability to work as a team player
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental policy, political science or related field
• Demonstrated experience in MS Office, specifically Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Fluency in English

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in public policy, environmental policy, political science or related field
• Understanding of key conservation issues and the nonprofit sector
• Knowledge of U.S. position relating to Kyoto Protocol, United nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Rio+ 20 and other related areas
• Fundraising experience

Director of Executive Branch Outreach United States-