Associate Director/Director, Ocean Policy

This role will be driven by American Progress’ mission to improve the lives of all Americans through bold, progressive ideas, as well as strong leadership and concerted action, with the aim of not only changing the conversation, but changing the country. The Director or Associate Director will be part of a dynamic department that supports work across American Progress’ five crosscutting priorities:

• Building an economy for all
• Restoring social trust in democracy
• Advancing racial equity and justice
• Tackling climate change and environmental injustice
• Strengthening health

Responsibilities:

• Identify and establish American Progress’ organizational priorities on ocean policy.
• Work with the Energy and Environment department and Conservation team, as well as with key stakeholders and allies, to develop and implement legislative and political strategies with a primary focus on federal action.
• Leverage American Progress’ research and policy capabilities to drive a narrative and serve as a resource to partners and the public.
• Develop and design policy and product ideas that support the team’s goals and manage research, writing, timelines, and outreach as is relevant.
• Manage projects, research, and policy staff, as needed, while supporting an inclusive, supportive, and creative workplace culture.
• Lead and support the development of a range of written products, including memos, reports, rapid-response statements, op-eds, and social media, to influence the policy debate on key climate issues.
• Represent American Progress in the media and in external meetings with Capitol Hill staff and coalition partners to advance the organization’s work.
• Fundraise to support the ocean policy program and to create new initiatives.
• Continue efforts to expand the ocean policy community to include a diverse and inclusive group of stakeholders working on relevant issues.
• Develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience. An advanced degree in a relevant discipline is a plus.
• At least six years of relevant professional experience for the Associate Director role, and at least seven to 10 years of relevant professional experience for the Director role. This may include experience in organizing, campaigns, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, relevant graduate studies, or work in related fields.
• Proven knowledge base in ocean policy issues.
• Ability to drive long-term strategy in ocean policy both inside and outside of American Progress.
• Experience working with coalitions and a breadth of existing relationships in ocean or environmental organizations.
• Experience managing projects from start to finish, including managing the work of staff who may or may not be direct reports.
• Experience in seeking funding or grant writing is a plus.
• Understanding of how environmental issues intersect with racism and economic and social inequality, and a passion for working to dismantle these systems.
• Adept written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to independently plan ahead, prioritize, allocate time, balance projects, and coordinate with internal and external partners.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines in a team setting.
• Understanding and willingness to learn about how power, privilege, and oppression manifest at the individual, interpersonal, and structural levels.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission, goals, and progressive values, including environmental and social justice; diversity, equity, and inclusion; and creating a positive workplace culture.
• Direct supervisory management experience is required for the Director position.

To apply:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and preference will be given to applications received by March 29, 2023.

Include short responses of 200 words or less to the following prompts in the application:

• Please provide examples of partners or coalitions you have worked with in past roles.
• Please briefly describe a project that you created and then managed from start to finish.
• How many total years of experience do you have in policy, advocacy, campaigning, organizing, and/or analysis?

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is not represented by a union. The minimum salary for the Associate Director position is $77,000, and the minimum salary for the Director position is $92,000.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 and the levels of community spread and adjust plans as needed for in-office work. Any changes to our current hybrid work policy will be communicated at the time of hire. Updates will be posted on American Progress’ Jobs page.