Montana Policy and Advocacy Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

Trout Unlimited (TU) is seeking an experienced leader to advance and grow our strategic conservation policy and advocacy work in Montana. The Montana Policy and Advocacy Manager will be responsible for leading our federal policy strategies, working closely with our partners at Montana Trout Unlimited to advance state policy strategies, shaping TU’s involvement in land management plans, developing strong relationships with decision-makers and stakeholders, and working with other staff and partners to develop proactive and collaborative solutions to issues affecting Montana’s coldwater fisheries, habitat, and water.

The ideal candidate is creative and solution-oriented, adept at policy advocacy and lobbying, and is passionate about collaborative conservation. They will support efforts to secure federal and state policies and funding essential to the success of TU’s conservation work throughout the state. They should have experience advocating for policies before the Montana legislature and in state administrative processes, be a persuasive communicator, a strong collaborator, and be able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Finally, the ideal candidate will be excited to assist with fundraising efforts to ensure the durability of TU’s policy and advocacy work, a critical component of TU’s portfolio of pragmatic and respected conservation work in Montana. 

The Montana Policy and Advocacy Manager will report to the Montana State Director. The Manager will collaborate closely with National TU and Montana TU staff, and grassroots leaders working in Montana. The Manager will also collaborate with staff working across the West and in D.C. to advance shared nonpartisan policy and advocacy goals. There is a preference to base the position in Helena; however, applicants from other Montana localities will be considered so long as the applicant is able to travel regularly to Helena.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work with TU staff, Montana TU staff, and grassroots leaders to develop policy priorities, build strategies, and advance conservation policy at the federal, state, and local levels in Montana.
• Build and lead campaigns to protect the public land and water resources that sustain Montana’s coldwater fisheries.
• Represent TU on policy matters in front of the state legislature, executive branch entities, and other public meetings and hearings as needed. 
• Coordinate with TU’s Government Affairs staff on federal policy matters. 
• Coordinate with Montana TU’s Government Affairs staff on state policy and advocacy matters. 
• Monitor federal and state policy developments and government activities relevant to TU’s mission and formulate TU’s policy positions. Work closely with state and federal agencies to advance coldwater fisheries conservation in planning processes.
• Build and maintain relationships with TU staff and grassroots leaders to achieve a high level of collaboration between staff and volunteers.
• Maintain and strengthen partnerships and working relationships with elected officials, TU chapters and grassroots leaders, landowners, coalition partners, industry, NGOs, Tribes, and state and federal agencies.
• Represent TU on collaborative groups, coalitions, and campaigns. Adeptly communicate with TU staff and grassroots leaders to ensure clear representation of TU’s interests.
• Work closely with the development team and state leadership from TU and Montana TU to assist with foundation, major donor, and corporate fundraising efforts. This includes writing or reviewing grants and proposals and maintaining strong relationships with program officers.
• Maintain compliance with state and federal lobbying laws and regulations.
• This is a non-supervisory position.

This is not an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities. 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional experience in conservation advocacy and policy.
• Knowledge of state-level political landscape relevant to TU’s mission.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with multiple and diverse partners in a highly collaborative and inclusive manner, even on contentious issues. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability and willingness to be present in Helena full time during Montana’s legislative session.  
• Experience with communications, outreach and volunteer engagement. 
• Ability to work independently while managing complex workload. The job requires the ability to prioritize tasks, to be highly motivated and to be self-directed.
• Understanding of or willingness to quickly learn natural resource policy and management issues relevant to the conservation of trout fisheries and their habitats in Montana.
• Understanding and knowledge of Montana state government, including legislative, executive, and judicial branch entities responsible for natural resource issues.
• Experience with fundraising and grant writing preferred.
• Experience with earned media and various social media and web platforms. 
• Ability and willingness to travel with some frequency in-state and occasionally out-of-state, including some weekend travel. Valid driver’s license and own vehicle required. 
• Proficient with Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). 
• Passion for TU’s mission and conserving Montana’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds.

Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The salary range is $55,000 - $65,000 for managers and $65,000 - $75,000 for senior managers depending on experience. Title and compensation decisions are dependent on several factors including, but not limited to, an individual’s qualifications and experience level, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

We are committed to an inclusive work environment for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome you to read more about TU’s equity practice and values.

HOW TO APPLY

Please upload a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references using TU's Paylocity application system. We will begin reviewing applications the week of September 16th. The position will be open until filled