Coastal Advocate

SUMMARY: The Coastal Advocate is a key member of the Federation’s Program Team, responsible for leading advocacy efforts within the northeastern coastal region of North Carolina. The Coastal Advocate is a registered lobbyist and primarily works to seek laws, rules, appropriations, policies and decisions that support clean and healthy coastal ecosystems and communities and that are aligned with the Federation’s mission, goals and benchmarks. The Coastal Advocate is under the supervision of the Program Director for Coastal Management and collaborates closely with the other Program teams to build public and decision-maker support for effective coastal policies.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Build and strengthen public and political support for the Federation’s policy agenda.
● Increase public participation in coastal management activities related to the Federation’s mission, goals and benchmarks.
● Establish and maintain strong working relationships with community groups, individuals, public officials, agencies and partner organizations.
● Empower and motivate people from all walks of life to become advocates for effective coastal management decisions.
● Engage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
● Work with the Coastal Management Program Director to draft and submit official comment letters on key issues.
● Work with grant-writing staff to research, identify, and secure sustainable funding for advocacy work.
● Represent the Federation on key advocacy issues ensuring consistent, professional communication and presence.
● Contribute to development of annual organizational goals and benchmarks with an emphasis on achievable policy objectives.
● Manage assigned projects within budget and complete required reports, monitoring, and evaluations on deadline.
● Complete other tasks as assigned by the Coastal Management Program Director and approved by the Chief Program Officer.
COMPETENCIES:
● Excellent understanding of coastal advocacy, coastal law and coastal policy
● Excellent understanding of coastal issues affecting coastal North Carolina
● Excellent public speaking, presentation and communication skills
● Ability to represent the Federation professionally in all settings
● Proficiency with computer, digital communication tools, and multimedia platforms
● Ability to work independently in fast-paced policy environments and exercise sound judgment in representing the organization
● Strong personal environmental ethic
● Ability to cultivate and engage Federation supporters
● Strong team ethic and ability to collaborate effectively across programs
● Regular regional travel and occasional in-state travel required
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
● Master’s degree preferred in Political Science; Environmental or Coastal Management; Coastal Policy and Law; Environmental Sciences; Earth and Ocean Sciences, or relevant field or equivalent experience
● Experience working on coastal environmental issues and regulatory or policy processes
● Experience engaging diverse groups of coastal stakeholders to forge non-traditional partnerships
● Experienced in using Microsoft programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online research tools
● Experience using GIS software and conducting geospatial analysis preferred but not required