Policy Director

Position Overview

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, or when policy negotiation, advising, or cooperation is required between Sustainable Conservation and private sector, NGO, and/or public agency stakeholders.

The Policy Director tracks what is happening in Sacramento and across the state and thinks strategically about how to best position Sustainable Conservation’s programs to influence aspects of state policy relevant to work in achieving the organization’s goals (learn more about Sustainable Conservation’s programs here). As Sustainable Conservation embraces the essential role of equity in environmental policy, the Policy Director will play an influential role in leading the integration of equity into all of Sustainable Conservation’s policy work.

More specifically, the Policy Director will be representing Sustainable Conservation’s interests in the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV‑SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs and the Dairy General Order among other policies, and actively communicating with a variety of state and regional agencies including the State Water Resources Control Board, the Department of Water Resources, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, the Natural Resources Agency, the Department of Fish & Wildlife and the Department of Food & Agriculture.

The Policy Director also provides advice and recommendations on policy positions and actions to the Chief Executive Officer, program staff, and the Board, and helps ensure that policy positions advocated by the organization with all government agencies, legislative bodies, and stakeholders are consistent with the positions approved by the organization.

Location:

This position can be based at our San Francisco or Sacramento office but will collaborate with our Modesto team as well. Preference will be given to candidates based in or around the Sacramento region. Our teams work in a hybrid work environment with an option to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic travel throughout the state will be required.

• Provide guidance, leadership and support to program leadership on policy and strategy issues at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Responsible for leading legislative initiatives and select administrative policy initiatives, all in close coordination with Program leads.
• Serve as an advocate and policy spokesperson for Sustainable Conservation positions to policymakers and constituency group leaders in collaboration with the different organizational programs.
• Provide governmental policy, political and social equity perspectives to the deliberations and actions of all of Sustainable Conservation’s programs.
• Work across individual programs to articulate, develop, and implement the organization’s overarching policy goals.
• Actively participate in leadership and program team meetings, and lead the generation and articulation of overarching policy positions at Board meetings.
• Develop and guide the relationships needed with members and staff of the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, community-based organizations and other stakeholder groups, and NGOs to support policy changes that address the needs of Sustainable Conservation’s programs.

• At least 5‑10 years of experience participating in policy efforts across California, at the local, state, and federal level.
• Highly collaborative – ability to work proactively and collaboratively with Sustainable Conservation teams to develop policy goals and associated implementation strategies.
• Ability to inspire, be pragmatic, diplomatic, resourceful, strategic and demonstrate a strong commitment to practical policy solutions and the mission and vision of Sustainable Conservation.
• Deep understanding of the complex public policy issues at the state and regional level across California.
• Aptitude to strategically partner with stakeholders…