Policy Research Associate — Water Policy & Agriculture

The Nature Conversancy; Arlington (VA); Remote; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Policy Research Associate to support evaluating, prioritizing, and advancing state and local policies for regenerative agriculture and water quality improvements. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to research interventions and help implement policy solutions at state or federal levels.

Responsibilities include building partnerships, supervising staff as needed, and ensuring program compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
• Experience with legislative or policy initiatives at the state level.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience working with partners and government agencies.

Responsibilities

• May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
• Financial responsibility to complete projects and assist with budget development and fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
• Provides research and policy analysis in support of legislative and/or policy priorities.
• May aid with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
• Influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.
• Work independently, with supervisor as needed.
• May require occasional domestic travel for multi-day retreats, meetings, and conferences.
• May work long/flexible hours as needed to coordinate with staff and partners across the US or region.

Skills

English fluency

Policy analysis

Research from diverse sources

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree + 3 years experience

Juris Doctor or Master in Public Policy (desirable)

Job description

The Nature Conservancy is hiring a Policy Research Associate to support evaluating, prioritizing, and advancing state and local policies for regenerative agriculture and water quality improvements. You will work with interdisciplinary teams to research interventions and help implement policy solutions at state or federal levels.

Responsibilities include building partnerships, supervising staff as needed, and ensuring program compliance.