Director, Political Affairs Advocacy

EDF envisions a world in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected to the environmental challenges we face and are engaged in creating durable, equitable solutions. We seek talented candidates who share the Core Values that allow us to experiment courageously in our work while staying true to who we’ve been as an organization for 50 years. Are you a results oriented individual who is passionate about creating environmental solutions that make a lasting difference in the world? Do you respect diverse perspectives, talents and contributions? Do you value innovation and enjoy designing and using a wide range of problem-solving tools? Do you embrace environmental goals with a sense of optimism while taking into account real-world dynamics? If you have integrity and a strong desire to uphold a commitment to science, rigorous analysis, intellectual honesty and ethical action, then EDF is the place for you.

Overall Function

Provide leadership and strategic vision to achieve legislative objectives that advance EDF’s advocacy goals across program areas. Specific legislative objectives include:  lay the groundwork for bipartisan climate legislation; advance clean energy policies; preserve clean air rules; and block congressional efforts to weaken core environmental protections. This position will have a focus on building bipartisan relationships with members of Congress. 

Key Responsibilities

• With a focus on Democratic member offices, serve as an EDF lobbyist and build a strong network of relationships directly with members of Congress, high-level staff, key committee staff, and leadership staff.
• Develop and implement strategies and plans tailored for Democrat and Republican members on climate related issues, such as sustainable agriculture, resilience and technology innovation, as well as comprehensive, economy-wide climate policy.
• Coordinate across programs including with Climate, Energy, Ecosystems, and EDAF PAC to ensure the Hill engagements are well coordinated and to build EDF’s brand and political influence with lawmakers.
• Collaborate effectively with EDF’s legal and regulatory teams and external coalitions to advance pro-environmental policies and block Congressional and executive branch attacks on our nation’s bedrock environmental laws.
• Work closely with strategic partners to help shape our policy-related communications and messaging strategies.
• Partner with external organizations, including other NGOs at the federal and state level and company representatives to advance EDF’s legislative goals. 
• Collaborate with and direct associate organizations and consultants. 
• Assist with fundraising efforts, including writing high quality proposals and reports and cultivating individual donors.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of Capitol Hill lobbying experience, especially with Democratic members
• Bachelor’s degree required; Masters would be a plus
• A proven network of bipartisan congressional contacts
• Experience lobbying on energy and environmental issues
• Familiarity with the NGO community
• Ability to interface with environmental groups to ensure collaboration and coordination when needed

Environmental Defense Fund is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.