Federal Policy Director, Clean Shipping

Pacific Environment; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 105,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

403b retirement with employer match

WFH stipend

Generous PTO

Sabbatical for tenured staff

Professional development reimburseals

Job summary

Pacific Environment seeks an experienced Federal Policy Director to lead the organization's federal government affairs strategy on maritime shipping policy. This senior role advocates before Congress and federal agencies on vessel emissions and infrastructure investments.

The Director builds relationships, tracks legislation, drafts testimony, and shapes bipartisan policy in Washington, D.C. The position is remote but based in Washington, D.C., with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5–10+ years of federal government affairs, legislative, or regulatory experience.
• Demonstrated relationships with congressional offices, committee staff, and/or federal agencies (Coast Guard, MARAD, FMC, EPA, DOT).
• Strong understanding of the federal legislative process, appropriations cycle, and administrative rulemaking.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting testimony, letters, public comments, and policy materials for non-expert audiences.
• Track record of representing an organization credibly in coalitions and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently in a remote/hybrid environment while regularly meeting with congressional and agency offices in Washington, D.C.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Commitment for climate action, with a demonstrated ability to think creatively and identify innovative opportunities to advance campaign goals.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the organization's lead representative to Congress, federal agencies, and the Administration on maritime shipping policy.
• Develop and execute a federal advocacy strategy and annual policy agenda in coordination with organizational leadership.
• Track, analyze, and respond to relevant legislation, appropriations, and agency rulemakings (e.g., Coast Guard authorization, MARAD programs, FMC actions, EPA vessel emissions standards, IMO-related federal implementation).
• Draft and deliver testimony, comment letters, position papers, one-pagers, and talking points for policymakers and internal leadership.
• Build and sustain relationships with congressional members and staff, relevant committees, and agency officials.
• Work with congressional offices to shape, draft, and advance legislative proposals.
• Secure new bipartisan cosponsors for priority legislation and lead efforts to frame bill messaging for cross-party audiences.
• Carry out various advocacy tactics such as grassroots organizing, traditional and digital outreach, engaging policymakers, in-person mobilization tactics, etc.

Skills

Federal policy

Legislative affairs

Stakeholder engagement

Policy communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Pacific Environment seeks an experienced Federal Policy Director to lead the organization's federal government affairs strategy on maritime shipping policy. This senior role advocates before Congress and federal agencies on vessel emissions and infrastructure investments.

The Director builds relationships, tracks legislation, drafts testimony, and shapes bipartisan policy in Washington, D.C. The position is remote but based in Washington, D.C., with travel as needed.