*Position Description for Washington Policy Advocate* The mission of Audubon entities in Washington is to conserve and restore Washington’s natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. *Purpose:* Tahoma Audubon Society is hiring a part time Policy Advocate to provide lobbying services and coordination of Chapter participation before the Washington state legislature for the 2011 session, to benefit wildlife, their habitats and ecosystems. The Policy Advocate will implement policy strategies that represent the goals and objectives of the 26 Chapters in the state as well as the National Audubon Society state program. *Essential Functions:* The Policy Advocate will: - Coordinate with the Washington State Audubon Conservation Committee (WSACC) to understand WSACC conservation goals for the session and to implement WSACC-identified conservation policy priorities; - Build and maintain relationships with conservation allies and participate in meetings with those allies in order to learn about and understand the status of bills relevant to WSACC conservation priorities with those allies; - Activate the Audubon chapter representatives and grassroots network to support WSACC’s legislative priorities. Engage chapter representatives and policy makers in Audubon Washington’s policy agenda as needed through a weekly or biweekly newsletter, targeted email/phone/letter campaigns and meetings with legislators to help influence specific legislation; - Coordinate participation of Audubon members in the Healthy Priorities Lobby Day, Tuesday, February 15, 2011; - Interact with elected and agency decision-makers and staff to communicate Audubon’s policy priorities and to shape legislative requests; - Comply with all government guidelines for required reporting paperwork; - Report electronically on at least a biweekly basis with all Washington chapters on legislative activities related to the specific goals of the lobbying program as well as on the status of conservation priorities and related issues or bills, using fact sheets, position statements, e-newsletter and/or press releases as appropriate; - Complete a summary of the products and services delivered as well as a self-evaluation and recommendations for the future of the Audubon policy program at the end of the 2012 legislative session; - Enhance the influence of Audubon in the state. *Relationships:* *Internal:* Reports directly to the Executive Director of Tahoma Audubon Society; works with WSACC Executive Team for specific legislative issue coordination and management. Communicate with WSACC, Washington Chapter and National Audubon leadership. * * *External:* Positive, professional and friendly working relationship with policy and decision makers and their staff, agency personnel, general public, visitors, vendors, members, chapter leaders, etc. *Qualifications:* College degree and minimum of three years professional experience in fields of advocacy, wildlife conservation, or public service. Strong planning, external communications skills, and government relations experience is imperative. Passion for wildlife and wildlife conservation mandatory; bird identification skills a plus. Ability to deal with conflict, exercise good judgment, and maintain high ethical standards in conduct and speech is mandatory. Must be highly organized, self-directed, able to take initiative and solve problems, and must have or be able to obtain a license to lobby in Washington as well as a valid driver’s license. The preferred candidate will be committed to the Audubon mission of conservation. *Physical Requirements: *Able to travel and attend external functions occurring on weekends and evenings. Send résumé with three references to Bryan Flint by December 15, position open until filled. Please submit via e-mail to contact@tahomaaudubon.org and include “*Policy Advocate*” in the title. -- Krystal Kyer Conservation Coordinator Tahoma Audubon Society 2917 Morrison Road W., University Place, WA 98466 www.tahomaaudubon.org c: 253-232-9978 CONNECTING PEOPLE TO NATURE