Sustainable Conservation
How to Apply
To apply, send your cover letter and resume to
JOBS@suscon.org
with “Policy Director” in the subject line.
Position Summary The Policy Director, in collaboration with program directors, leads Sustainable Conservation’s efforts whenever successful achievement of the organization’s goals would benefit from the creation or change of rules, regulations, or statutory law, or a substantive change in the interpretation of a public agency’s role or mission. The Director tracks developments in Sacramento and across the state and strategically positions Sustainable Conservation’s programs to influence state policy relevant to achieving our goals.
Leading initiatives related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV‑SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs, and the Dairy General Order, the Director actively communicates with statewide agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Department of Food & Agriculture.
The Director provides policy advice and recommendations to the CEO, program staff, and the Board, and ensures all advocated positions are consistent with the organization’s approved stances.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide guidance, leadership and support to program leadership on policy and strategy issues at the federal, state, and local levels.
Lead legislative initiatives and select administrative policy initiatives, in close coordination with Program Leads.
Serve as an advocate and policy spokesperson for Sustainable Conservation positions to policymakers and constituency group leaders.
Provide governmental policy, political and social equity perspectives to the deliberations and actions of all programs.
Work across individual programs to articulate, develop, and implement the organization’s overarching policy goals.
Participate actively in leadership and program team meetings, leading the generation and articulation of overarching policy positions at Board meetings.
Develop and guide relationships with members and staff of the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, community‑based organizations, other stakeholder groups, and NGOs to support policy changes that address Sustainable Conservation’s programmatic needs.
Experience and Skills Required
At least 5–10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California at the local, state, and federal level.
Highly collaborative and able to work proactively with Sustainable Conservation teams to develop policy goals and implementation strategies.
Inspirational, pragmatic, diplomatic, resourceful, and strategic with a strong commitment to practical policy solutions and the mission and vision of Sustainable Conservation.
Deep understanding of complex public policy issues at the state and regional level in California.
Aptitude for strategically partnering with stakeholders from multiple interest areas to find common ground and achieve collaborative goals.
Knowledge of the California Legislative and Budget process.
Knowledge of natural resource agencies’ policies and processes.
Familiarity with statutes, regulations, and subject‑matter knowledge of California water supply, water quality, land‑use, and sustainable agriculture issues.
Curiosity and ability to learn new issue areas efficiently.
Strong organization and time‑management skills, with demonstrated ability to plan and move forward multiple initiatives with multiple teams to meet deadlines.
Demonstration of Sustainable Conservation’s core values (Collaboration, Respect, Well‑Being, Learning, Honesty, and Results).
Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Valid CA Driver’s License and willingness to travel frequently to Sacramento, Central/San Joaquin Valley, and other Bay Area locations as needed; occasional overnight travel within CA may be required.
Compensation The compensation for this position will be in the range of $135,368 – $144,600 annually. The exact offered pay will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
What We Offer A competitive compensation package based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous 401(k) match, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as holiday leave. We value culture and diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer, encouraging qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Our staff is collaborative, dedicated, and caring, and we prioritize professional development and career growth aligned with our mission.
Equal Opportunity Statement At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity, and as an equal‑opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
JOBS@suscon.org
with “Policy Director” in the subject line.
Position Summary The Policy Director, in collaboration with program directors, leads Sustainable Conservation’s efforts whenever successful achievement of the organization’s goals would benefit from the creation or change of rules, regulations, or statutory law, or a substantive change in the interpretation of a public agency’s role or mission. The Director tracks developments in Sacramento and across the state and strategically positions Sustainable Conservation’s programs to influence state policy relevant to achieving our goals.
Leading initiatives related to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV‑SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs, and the Dairy General Order, the Director actively communicates with statewide agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, the Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Fish & Wildlife, and the Department of Food & Agriculture.
The Director provides policy advice and recommendations to the CEO, program staff, and the Board, and ensures all advocated positions are consistent with the organization’s approved stances.
Primary Responsibilities
Provide guidance, leadership and support to program leadership on policy and strategy issues at the federal, state, and local levels.
Lead legislative initiatives and select administrative policy initiatives, in close coordination with Program Leads.
Serve as an advocate and policy spokesperson for Sustainable Conservation positions to policymakers and constituency group leaders.
Provide governmental policy, political and social equity perspectives to the deliberations and actions of all programs.
Work across individual programs to articulate, develop, and implement the organization’s overarching policy goals.
Participate actively in leadership and program team meetings, leading the generation and articulation of overarching policy positions at Board meetings.
Develop and guide relationships with members and staff of the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, community‑based organizations, other stakeholder groups, and NGOs to support policy changes that address Sustainable Conservation’s programmatic needs.
Experience and Skills Required
At least 5–10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California at the local, state, and federal level.
Highly collaborative and able to work proactively with Sustainable Conservation teams to develop policy goals and implementation strategies.
Inspirational, pragmatic, diplomatic, resourceful, and strategic with a strong commitment to practical policy solutions and the mission and vision of Sustainable Conservation.
Deep understanding of complex public policy issues at the state and regional level in California.
Aptitude for strategically partnering with stakeholders from multiple interest areas to find common ground and achieve collaborative goals.
Knowledge of the California Legislative and Budget process.
Knowledge of natural resource agencies’ policies and processes.
Familiarity with statutes, regulations, and subject‑matter knowledge of California water supply, water quality, land‑use, and sustainable agriculture issues.
Curiosity and ability to learn new issue areas efficiently.
Strong organization and time‑management skills, with demonstrated ability to plan and move forward multiple initiatives with multiple teams to meet deadlines.
Demonstration of Sustainable Conservation’s core values (Collaboration, Respect, Well‑Being, Learning, Honesty, and Results).
Commitment to principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Valid CA Driver’s License and willingness to travel frequently to Sacramento, Central/San Joaquin Valley, and other Bay Area locations as needed; occasional overnight travel within CA may be required.
Compensation The compensation for this position will be in the range of $135,368 – $144,600 annually. The exact offered pay will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, education, experience, the external labor market, and internal equity.
What We Offer A competitive compensation package based on experience, fully paid health insurance benefits, generous 401(k) match, FSA, EAP, vacation, floating days, sick leave, and the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day as holiday leave. We value culture and diversity and are an equal‑opportunity employer, encouraging qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply. Our staff is collaborative, dedicated, and caring, and we prioritize professional development and career growth aligned with our mission.
Equal Opportunity Statement At Sustainable Conservation we value culture and diversity, and as an equal‑opportunity employer we encourage qualified individuals from all backgrounds to apply to our job openings.
#J-18808-Ljbffr