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• Policy Associate

Potomac Conservancy is a fast-growing organization with a budget of $1.5 million and a staff of eleven. Its central offices are located in Silver Spring, Maryland and are Metro-accessible. Potomac Conservancy is an equal-opportunity employer.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Policy Associate

Location: Winchester, VA Position Description Potomac Conservancy seeks a Policy Associate to lead its policy program in the Potomac headwaters. The Policy Associate will be responsible for covering state and local policy issues related to water quality, land use, and land conservation, with a special focus on the Virginia portions of the Potomac watershed. This position is located in our Winchester, VA field office. The Policy Associate will report to the Senior Director of Policy, in the Silver Spring, MD, office.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and manage Potomac Conservancy�s policy program for the Potomac headwaters region, focusing initially on Frederick and Shenandoah Counties, Virginia. The goal of this program is to implement regulatory changes that will improve water quality throughout the Shenandoah watershed and downstream to the Chesapeake Bay. Key tasks will include: --Meet with community and government leaders to discuss watershed health and its relationship to land use. --Work with government-sponsored committees to provide policy direction and support. --Identify ordinance or other policy changes to improve local watershed health, and actively advocate for these prioritized policy changes. --Educate decision-makers about the link between land use and water quality, focusing on the concepts of riparian protection and low impact development.
• Represent Potomac Conservancy in several statewide coalitions in Virginia, including the Healthy Rivers Initiative and Virginia United Land Trusts. Track issues of concern to these coalitions, particularly funding policies related to water quality and land conservation, and provide policy and advocacy support as needed.
• Advocate for improved stormwater permitting and practices in Virginia and West Virginia. Participate in meetings and coalitions to determine best approaches and to coordinate advocacy efforts.
• Provide support to Potomac Conservancy�s land conservation program, including but not limited to conservation easement document review, policy advice, and research.

Qualifications:

• Strong record of achievement and relevant experience in the nonprofit, public, or private sector. Minimum of 3 years experience plus graduate or law degree strongly preferred.
• Thorough understanding of state and local regulatory structures, especially in the areas of water quality permitting, zoning, and land use law. Working knowledge of low impact development and other land use issues related to water quality.
• Demonstrated ability to work with elected officials, community groups, and advocacy coalitions.
• Experience with conservation easements very desirable.
• Outstanding communication (both speaking and writing), interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking and planning skills.
• Must have strong project, time, and budget management skills, and be able to handle multiple tasks simultaneously without sacrificing attention to detail.

How to Apply: Interested applicants please reference Policy Associate in your subject line and submit a cover letter along with your resume via e-mail to: merwin@potomac.org.

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