Advocacy Director

The ADVOCACY DIRECTOR will engage with local, state and federal partners to advance coastal restoration. The Advocacy Director will report directly to the Executive Director and will operate as a senior strategic leader in the pursuit of CRCL’s mission. They will work closely with coalition partners at Restore the Mississippi River Delta on a coordinated effort to advance large-scale ecosystem restoration. This is a tremendous opportunity for the successful candidate to join a well-respected, high-impact organization working to restore a globally significant ecosystem.  

Responsibilities

The Advocacy Director has the following responsibilities, working in close partnership with the Executive Director, staff and the Board of Directors:

• Develop and advance CRCL’s policy positions and priorities for coastal restoration and protection programs, projects, funding and timelines.
• Manage strategic coalitions and relationships with industry, regulators, policymakers, legislators, legislative staff, opinion leaders, community groups and other environment NGOs.
• Collaborate with Restore the Mississippi River Delta (MRD) coalition partners: National Audubon Society, Environmental Defense Fund, National Wildlife Federation and Pontchartrain Conservancy.
• Represent CRCL at public meetings, press conferences and outreach events.
• Serve as lead liaison to CRCL’s Board of Directors Policy Committee.
• Plan and mobilize the engagement of the Board of Directors, Coastal Advisory Council, community partners, volunteers and other coastal wetlands voices in support of restoration projects and policies.  
• Write public comments on behalf of CRCL and the MRD on important policy and permit decisions.
• Plan and lead Coastal Issues Forum series to engage political candidates on coastal and water management issues.
• Manage one or more staff positions focused on advocacy and outreach.
• Collaborate with the CRCL communications team to communicate relevant information and recommendations to technical and nontechnical audiences through media interviews, press releases, blogs, presentations and action alerts.
• Assist in grant development and management and organizational strategy development and evaluation.
• Advise and support CRCL events including the State of the Coast conference, Stewardship Awards, workshops, field trips and on-the-ground restoration projects.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree or equivalent professional experience in law, policy, economics, political science, public administration, natural resource management or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to work with state and federal agencies and elected officials.
• Knowledgeable about Louisiana’s coastal restoration and protection programs and projects.
• Ability to effectively communicate technical and complex information for nontechnical audiences.
• Superb oral and written communication skills.
• Proven time and project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects.
• Ability to work independently as a highly motivated self-starter.
• Positive, solution-oriented, practical approach to coastal protection and management. 
• Sincere appreciation and enthusiasm for conservation and the coast of Louisiana. 

Salary  

• Commensurate with experience.
• Expected salary range: $65,000 - $115,000. Generous insurance and retirement benefits.
• Generous leave policy including parental leave.  

Location: Hybrid. The position is based out of New Orleans with frequent travel to Baton Rouge   and across south Louisiana and occasional travel to Washington, D.C. 

How to Apply:  Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume and contact information for references to isabella.donnell@crcl.org with Advocacy Director in the subject line. 

www.crcl.org