Director of Policy

Who We Are

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do.

We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non‑profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported almost entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Salary Range: $117,250 - $150,750

• New hires are typically placed between Tier I and Tier III within the range, $117,250 - $137,350

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification:
Full-Time, Exempt

Job Type: Hybrid

Location:

Boston, MA

At a time when our planet faces unprecedented challenges, The Trustees is poised to embark on an ambitious 5-year strategic plan that will accelerate the conservation and care of special places throughout Massachusetts. As the Director of Policy, you’ll play a crucial role in developing public policy and strategic approaches that will help conserve places of ecological, historical, cultural, and recreational importance for everyone, forever.

As the Director of Policy you’ll position the Trustees as an active and influential member of the conservation and climate advocacy community, working to address policy, funding, legislation, and other areas that impact the Trustees’ work and the quality of life in Massachusetts communities. Key mission areas of focus include conservation, climate resilience, agriculture, and public access and recreation.

You’ll largely focus your work at the state level, though there will be specific opportunities to engage at the federal and local level as well. You’ll advise and support both leaders and property‑based staff in addressing high‑priority issues and community relations, building meaningful relationships with policy makers and in communities across the state and advocating for funding and legislation that advance the mission of the Trustees.

The Director of Policy reports to the Chief Conservation and Climate Officer and is an active member of the Conservation and Climate Team. This position also works very closely with the Marketing and Communications staff to ensure effective, proactive external communications around The Trustees’ priorities.

• Lead the development and implementation of policy and advocacy priorities and strategies that drive The Trustees’ strategic goals and objectives and position the organization’s voice in the public dialogue.
• Represent The Trustees before elected and appointed officials and pursue networking and outreach opportunities that maintain and build The Trustees’ presence and effectiveness.
• Track and advocate for state and federal policy and funding for organizational priorities.
• Prepare briefings on key issues for the President/CEO.
• Lead on and support advocacy best practices including:
• Policy agenda‑setting and annual work‑planning that articulates a clear, proactive focus and sets priorities and targets. This will involve a collaborative process that engages internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinating staff relationships and interactions with public officials.
• Communicating internally to ensure that the President, Board, and Executive Team are up‑to‑date and informed about our public issues‑related positions and, when appropriate, are activated to support a successful outcome.
• Participating in broader staff communications.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to a) develop communications to members and other Trustees’ audiences and to the media. This may include drafting policy statements, talking points, op‑eds and public remarks for various outlets to be delivered by…