Policy Specialist, Resilient Coasts and Floodplains

Policy Specialist, Resilient Coasts and Floodplains

Job Category: Conservation

Requisition Number: POLIC
001685

• Posted :
  September 25, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Showing 1 location

DC
WASHINGTON, DC 20005, USA

Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation (NWF or Federation) is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than six million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation's mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change.

To support our mission, we are seeking a Policy Specialist to join our Water and Coasts  this role you will help guide and implement the team’s federal policy strategies and campaigns, with a focus on resilient coasts and floodplains, including pre-disaster mitigation efforts and post-disaster recovery.

Responsibilities will include serving as a NWF policy representative with decision-makers, partners and in key coalitions; collaborating with and supporting government affairs staff to represent NWF policy positions on Capitol Hill; and conducting policy research and providing support and coordination assistance for Water and Coasts team priorities as needed.

You will also contribute to development and maintenance of relationships with partner organizations, conduct Congressional and Administrative tracking, and develop educational and advocacy materials (ex. reports, factsheets, action alerts, blogs, etc). You will be looked to as an NWF expert on national flood insurance and disaster policy, and coastal resilience policy, with an emphasis on issues in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) space.

Familiarity with nature-based solutions policies, projects, and implementation, as well as watershed and coastal restoration efforts, would also be beneficial to the role. At times you may be asked to assist with team coordination activities, including scheduling, note-taking, and facilitating meetings. You may also be asked to support other Water & Coasts team projects (including clean water campaign priorities) on an as-needed basis.

While primarily focused on federal policy, in this role you will collaborate frequently with staff in other program areas on related issues, and will at times be asked to do state-specific research and outreach in addition to federal advocacy work.

Play a leadership role in NWF’s campaign development and implementation related to resilient coasts and floodplains, including pre-disaster mitigation efforts and post-disaster recovery. Conduct related policy research and legislative tracking, advise on identification of federal policy priorities, coordinate with partner organizations, and develop relationships within key agencies including Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

This work will require a detailed understanding of legislative and administrative issues related to federal disaster policy including the National Flood Insurance Program and Stafford Act, pre-disaster mitigation efforts and post-disaster recovery, and policies and programs impacting coastal communities and wildlife, with an emphasis on advancing natural infrastructure where appropriate and promoting equitable outcomes for communities pre- and post-disaster.

Serve as the primary NWF representative in several coalition spaces focused on floodplain/coastal/disaster resilience policy. Build relationships with coalition partners, including cross-sectoral partners in the insurance and reinsurance space.

Support the government affairs team’s advocacy with Congress, the White House, and federal agencies. This includes tracking relevant hearings and rule makings, identifying and monitoring team priorities in the budget and appropriations process, supporting meetings with congressional and executive offices by identifying targets, supplying talking points, participating in…