Policy Specialist, Everglades

Audubon; Town of Florida (NY); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Audubon Society seeks a seasoned policy professional to lead the Everglades strategy from Southeast Florida. You will oversee strategic goals, guide policy implementation, and coordinate with state and federal agencies to protect priority birds and habitats. Based in the Southeast, you may work remotely from within the U.S.

with hybrid expectations including office presence on schedule. The role requires 5+ years of policy experience in conservation, Florida water knowledge, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in policy, political science, biology or related field.
• At least 5 years in policy-focused nonprofit or government work on water/environment.
• Knowledge of Florida water statutes and regulations.
• Excellent policy analysis and research skills.
• Strong written and oral communications; able to present to diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Play an essential role in advancing Audubon’s Everglades policy goals and objectives by researching, analyzing, and providing guidance on Everglades issues.
• Advise on potential State and Federal priorities, opportunities and risks.
• Research Florida water statutes, rules, and regulations and advise improvements aligning with policy goals.
• Prepare high-quality analyses on restoration projects and related programs.
• Draft fact sheets, letters, testimony, and materials to support policy goals.

Skills

Policy analysis

Public speaking

Research

Stakeholder engagement

Nonprofit policy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science‑based, community‑driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever‑growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary

The National Audubon Society has identified the Everglades as a national conservation priority and a centerpiece of Audubon’s hemispheric water strategy. The Greater Everglades Ecosystem supports 70 threatened and endangered species and is home to more than 8 million people. Everglades restoration is the world’s largest ecosystem restoration program and ensuring effective implementation of this program is one of our key priorities. Restoration is complemented by efforts to reducing nutrient pollution and other threats to the Everglades through science‑based water policy initiatives.

Aligned with Audubon’s overall conservation goals and strategies and in coordination with the Policy Director of Everglades, this person will oversee the continued strategic and measurable implementation of conservation goals in the Greater Everglades that results in the organization’s increased capacity to protect priority birds and their habitats.

This position is remote in Southeast Florida, and the successful candidate must live in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward or Miami‑Dade counties. Remote work within the United States may be considered only for employees not within commuting distance (40 miles or less) of an Audubon office, in accordance with Audubon’s “Where We Work” Policy. Hybrid employees are expected to work in an Audubon office every Monday and Tuesday and an additional two days each month of the employees’ choosing.

If the successful candidate lives within 40 miles of our Miami office, they will be hybrid and if they are outside of the 40 miles but in those counties, they will be remote.

Compensation

$75,526 - $89,000 / year

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Play an essential role in advancing Audubon’s Everglades policy goals and objectives by researching, analyzing, and providing guidance on Everglades issues.
• Advise the Senior Policy Manager, Everglades on potential State and Federal legislative and administrative priorities, opportunities and risks.
• Research and analyze existing water and agricultural Florida Statutes, rules, and regulations, and advise potential improvements that result in implementing Audubon’s Everglades policy goals.
• Prepare high quality analysis on restoration project Environmental Impact Statements and other on restoration programs related to the Everglades.
• Draft fact sheets, comment letters, testimony, and other materials necessary to support Audubon’s Everglades policy goals and priorities.
• Lead in developing and implementing advocacy strategies for the Everglades.
• Develop working relationships with leadership and key staff at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District in order to communicate Audubon’s Everglades priorities and influence policy outcomes.
• Coordinate with Audubon’s science team members across the Everglades.
• Identify and recruit strategic allies to help spread Audubon’s key Everglades policy goals.
• Represent Audubon at Everglades‑related public meetings and issued‑based coalitions; monitor developments and contribute to coalition‑based legislative positions that support Audubon’s key policy priorities.
• Maintain and foster culture of safety.
• Other job‑related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in policy, political science, biology or related field required.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience with a policy‑oriented nonprofit organization, or with a relevant government agency working on water management, environmental regulations, or similar is required. An equivalent combination of education and work experience will also be considered.
• Knowledge of Florida water statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Excellent policy analysis and research skills.
• Excellent communications skills with ability to write clearly and command of public speaking; must be comfortable representing Audubon’s interests with a variety of stakeholders, including decision‑makers at multiple agencies, NGO partners, and lay audiences.
• Experience working with agencies such as the South Florida Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Florida Department of Environmental Protection preferred.
• Self‑starter and results‑oriented with a demonstrated ability to work independently and in coordination with multiple team players.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications required, familiarity with social media tools a plus.
• Able to travel and attend occasional external functions occurring on weekends and evenings.
• A valid driver’s license.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.
• Commitment to Audubon’s organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.

This position will require tracking of lobbying time and ongoing compliance with all applicable federal, state, and organizational lobbying and ethics requirements. The position may require registration as a lobbyist. The selected candidate must be willing and able to complete any required registrations and adhere to all related reporting and conduct standards.

National Audubon Society Competencies: This role will also be accountable to apply and develop the following competencies:

Fostering Relationships: Build trust, mutual respect, and understanding through regular and genuine interactions while promoting a positive and inclusive environment.

Analytical Thinking: Recognize and value diverse perspectives and experiences in data analysis to foster a more comprehensive and equitable approach to problem‑solving.

Creativity and Innovation: Leverage creativity and imagination to generate new insights and solutions while embracing diverse ideas and approaches that foster innovation.

Facilitating Change: Work with others to explore innovative approaches to problem‑solving while promoting inclusivity, equity, accessibility, and belonging in the change process.

Team Leadership: Communicate vision and engage others or the team to solve problems while valuing diverse perspectives and fostering inclusivity.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.