Senior State Policy Associate Washington DC

Flood Coalition; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 77,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Company-sponsored outings

Holiday party & annual retreat

Gym & office amenities

Relocation assistance up to $4,000

Job summary

The American Flood Coalition, headquartered in Washington, DC, seeks a Senior State Policy Associate to analyze policy, support research, and provide strategic recommendations across internal and external audiences. This role focuses on developing state flood resilience policies and templates, with travel up to 10% and reporting to the Associate State Policy Director.

The ideal candidate problem-solver will manage long- and short-term projects, synthesize complex information, and craft clear

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in policy research, policy development or program delivery.
• Experience with state legislative and regulatory processes, funding, infrastructure or water resources policy.
• Strong ability to communicate complex issues clearly to diverse audiences.
• Proven track record of engaging senior stakeholders in-person and remotely.
• Demonstrated policy development, critical thinking and strategic communication skills.
• Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• State policy research and development: synthesize evaluations of state legislation and agency proposals to develop policy recommendations, templates and guidance.
• Engage state leaders and other stakeholders through in-person and virtual meetings to share knowledge and policy guidance.
• Contribute to internal strategy by breaking down questions into actionable steps and advising on geographies.

Skills

Policy research

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communication

Project management

Writing & editing

Job description

The American Flood Coalition is a nonpartisan group that drives transformational adaptation to higher seas, stronger storms, and more frequent flooding. AFC comprises more than 500 elected officials, local leaders, military groups, and businesses that work together to advance resilient and equitable flood solutions at the local, state, and federal levels. As the only organization that focuses on flooding across all levels of government, AFC is uniquely positioned to advance solutions that keep communities safe.

Position Summary

We are seeking a driven problem-solver to analyze policy, support research, and provide strategic recommendations to a wide range of internal and external audiences. The Senior State Policy Associate will join our state and technical policy team, which is responsible for developing and scaling flood resilience policies and best practices between states. This individual will bring subject matter experience in one or more of the following areas: state legislative and regulatory process, government funding and finance, infrastructure policy, or environmental and water resources policy. By asking the right questions, helping develop policy templates, and providing input on strategic decisions, this individual will be a key contributor across multiple teams.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who is passionate about developing structures for tackling complex problems, can juggle long- and short-term projects, and has a knack for synthesizing complicated information into clear and compelling narratives. If you want to work alongside immensely passionate and talented people who are intent on helping flood-affected communities adapt and thrive, we want to talk to you. This is a full‑time position reporting to our Associate State Policy Director, and will be located in our headquarters in Washington, DC. This role will require occasional work travel, no more than 10% of time.

Responsibilities

• State policy research and development: Develop state policy recommendations, guidance, and templates by synthesizing insights informed by evaluations of state legislation and state agency proposals, cross-state comparisons of policy and programs, and research on technical flood topics.
• Communication and state leader engagement: Share information, support knowledge transfer, and spark dialogue on flood resilience best practices and policies. This will include planning and facilitating in-person and virtual meetings to share learnings and policy guidance with senior state leaders, including "Chief Resilience Officers", "Director of Departments of Water Resources", and other similar roles.
• Strategy recommendations: Contribute to internal strategy to advance flood resilience in key geographies and advise senior staff on key insights by breaking down strategic questions into clear, actionable steps.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in policy research, policy development or, program delivery,
• Applied knowledge in areas such as state legislative and regulatory process, government funding and finance, infrastructure policy, or environmental and water resources policy. This could look like experience in a state legislature or state agency, local government or regional entity, or a policy-focused nonprofit.
• Strong track record of breaking down and communicating complex issues in a clear, credible, and compelling manner for a variety of audiences, verbally and in writing.
• A track record of effectively engaging senior stakeholders across in-person and remote settings.
• Demonstrated aptitude in policy development, including project management, critical thinking and problem-solving, and strategic communication
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships and effectively engage stakeholders across in-person and remote settings.
• Strong writing and editing skills with a keen attention to detail.
• Salary range: $77,000-$99,000.
• Generous and flexible paid time off.
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance, including a $0 monthly premium health insurance option for employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability, as well as basic life insurance and other voluntary benefits
• Relocation assistance of up to $4,000 for new employees living outside of the D.C. metropolitan area..

We also offer

• A hybrid work schedule: All D.C.-based are in-person in our D.C. office on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with the option to regularly work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
• Company-sponsored outings, such as happy hours, after-work activities, a holiday party, an annual retreat, and more.
• Office closure the week between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• A modern office with amenities, including gym access, snacks and drinks, a smart casual dress code, and a collaborative floor plan with options to suit every work style.

We encourage you to apply for this position even if you do not meet 100% of qualifications listed here. The American Flood Coalition is committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, and we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We invite applications from candidates with unique backgrounds and strive to create and maintain an environment that is inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.