Senior Policy Director, California

EWG; Canada; On-site; CAD 138,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental advocacy organization is seeking a Senior Policy Director to advance its toxics and public health initiatives in California. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in policy advocacy and campaign management, along with excellent communication and project management skills. Responsibilities include building campaigns, leading outreach efforts, and developing partnerships to drive impactful change. This position is preferred to be based near Sacramento and offers a competitive salary range of $100,000 - $150,000 with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Fully paid health care

Paid parental leave

Tax-deferred 403(b) plan with matched contributions

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in policy advocacy or public affairs.
• Proven success in managing public-facing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of environmental and public interest policy issues.
• Willingness to travel frequently within California.

Responsibilities

• Build and execute campaigns to reduce risks from harmful chemicals.
• Lead outreach and advocacy with state regulatory agencies.
• Develop strategic partnerships to amplify messages.
• Shape political analysis for regulatory campaigns.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Campaign management

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a leading 501(c)(3) environmental health research and advocacy organization, is seeking a Senior Policy Director to advance EWG’s toxics and public health work in California. Since 1993, EWG has worked to shine a spotlight on policies, practices, and industry behaviors that threaten public health and the environment. Through groundbreaking research, policy advocacy, and communications, we strive to empower the public and decision‑makers with the facts to drive positive change.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President for California and working in close partnership with the California Legislative Director, the Senior Policy Director will develop and implement ambitious regulatory initiatives and campaigns that advance EWG’s mission to empower healthier lives in a healthier environment. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated commitment to working for the public interest, a strong understanding of environmental law and regulations, outstanding interpersonal, oral and written communications skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people utilizing a wide range of tools including lobbying, coalition building, writing, communications and research.

Duties and responsibilities

• Build and execute ground‑breaking campaigns that advance EWG’s priority initiatives to reduce the risks posed by harmful chemicals and contaminants in our food, air, water and environment.
• Direct and lead outreach and advocacy efforts with regulators at the California Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Public Health, Department of Pesticides Regulation, and other relevant state and local regulatory agencies.
• Work closely with EWG’s California legislative team as well as our national staff to advance EWG’s mission in the most efficient, effective and timely manner.
• Develop strategic partnerships with local leaders, organizations and advocacy groups to amplify EWG’s message and drive impact.
• Shape EWG’s political analysis and political strategy for regulatory campaigns.
• Collaborate across EWG teams (government affairs, communications, digital, and science) to translate complex research and policy issues into compelling campaign materials and public education tools.
• Identify and leverage state and local events, public forums, and coalition opportunities to expand EWG’s visibility and influence in California.
• Support media and communications teams with localized messaging, press outreach, and event planning to drive engagement and media coverage.
• In coordination with other staff, represent EWG at external meetings, conferences, and stakeholder convenings across California.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in policy advocacy, campaign management, organizing, or public affairs.
• Demonstrated success building and managing public‑facing campaigns.
• Strong understanding of environmental, health, or public interest policy issues.
• Strong commitment to working to advance the public interest.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with coalitions, policymakers, and community organizations.
• Ability to communicate complex topics clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Creative thinker with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel frequently within California and occasionally to Washington DC.

Location

Very strong preference for the position to be based in or near Sacramento.

Compensation

Annual salary range of $100,000 - $150,000, depending on experience and location. EWG offers fully paid, excellent health care, paid parental leave and a tax‑deferred 403(b) plan, including matched contributions.

EWG’s commitment to diversity and inclusion

EWG celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to foster a work environment that supports, inspires and respects all individuals. EWG does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, ancestry, marital status, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, matriculation or political affiliation, or any other protected class recognized in any of the jurisdictions where EWG has offices or employees working. We adhere to these principles in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, and compensation and promotion.