Program Assistant, Policy & Advocacy

IFAW; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 34,026 - 41,052; Full time

Job summary

IFAW in Washington, DC, is seeking a Program Assistant to advance US conservation policy and advocacy initiatives. This role combines research, coalition participation, outreach material development, and direct engagement with policymakers and NGOs.

The position emphasizes data collection for monitoring and evaluating advocacy outcomes, adherence to reporting requirements, and collaboration within a dynamic team in a hybrid office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree preferred in Natural Resources, Public Policy, Law, Biology, or related field.
• 1-2 years of policy advocacy, campaign planning, or wildlife conservation experience.
• Knowledge of federal legislative procedures.
• Superior writing skills for reports and memos; ability to make recommendations.
• Ability to work well in teams and meet tight deadlines.
• Organized and self-motivated; strong interpersonal and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Support policy initiatives by participating in coalitions, performing legislative and policy analysis, developing advocacy materials, and drafting reports and memos.
• Develop knowledge of conservation and animal welfare issues and related policy landscapes.
• Lead and coordinate aspects of program and advocacy initiatives to meet targets, budgets, and deadlines.
• Input data into IFAW systems to monitor and evaluate US advocacy work.
• Support growth of ICAN to expand activist networks and outreach.
• Engage with NGO coalitions and build networks to advance IFAW priorities.
• Contribute to US strategic planning and identify new program opportunities.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Research

Writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Canva

Blackbaud CRM

Salesforce

Engaging Networks

Job description

Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office.

Under the direction of the US Country Director and in close consultation with the Sr. Campaign Manager(s), this position executes projects and tasks to further global Program initiatives, implement the Institutional Strategic Plan, and drive policy and advocacy priorities within the US market. Program and advocacy work may include researching and collating information (from media outlets, academic publications, government resources and other sources) on conservation issues and public policy, participating in NGO coalitions, drafting and designing outreach materials for target audiences, participating in meetings with the Administration and Congress, and representing Programs and the organization to both internal and external audiences as necessary. The Program Assistant will execute grassroots engagement strategies with a focus on awareness, education, and action.

The Program Assistant is expected to collect and report data related to monitoring and evaluating US advocacy work, comply with reporting requirements for federal and state lobbying, as applicable, and carry out administrative tasks as needed to fulfill the responsibilities of this role.

Role And Responsibilities

• Support policy initiatives through activities including but not limited to: participating in relevant coalitions; legislative, policy, and legal analysis; developing advocacy materials; direct lobbying; researching and drafting reports and memos; preparing testimony and public presentations.
• Develop knowledge of and keep abreast of relevant conservation and animal welfare issues.
• Manage specific aspects of program and advocacy initiatives and take a leadership role in ensuring they meet targets, budgets and deadlines.
• Collect and input data into IFAW systems to support the monitoring and evaluation of US advocacy work.
• Support growth of the IFAW Conservation Action Network (ICAN) to grow IFAW’s network of activists and supporters.
• Participate in relevant NGO coalitions and develop a network of professional contacts and organizations that help to further IFAW’s priorities and objectives.
• Contribute to IFAW US strategic planning and identification of new Program and advocacy opportunities.

Qualifications And Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s (B.A./B.S.) degree preferred, ideally in Natural Resources, Public Policy, Law, Biology, or related discipline.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience, such as policy advocacy, campaign planning, and/or wildlife conservation
• Knowledge of federal legislative procedures
• Superior writing skills with the ability to write reports and briefing documents and make recommendations on next steps and actions.
• Ability to work well in team environments and on tight deadlines.
• Organized and self-motivated.
• Highly effective interpersonal, communication, and organisational skills and experience working on teams in a multi-tasking environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Skilled in Microsoft
• Experience with graphic design software, such as Canva
• Familiarity with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and advocacy platforms like Blackbaud CRM, Salesforce, Engaging Networks

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Hiring range is $24.70/hour - $29.80/hour