Federal Policy Fellow

Job Description

Position: Federal Policy Fellow Reports to: Executive Director, Federal Affairs & Policy

Position Managed: N/A

Location: Washington, D.C. and Hybrid/In-Person

Department: Public Affairs Scope: Washington, D.C. Office

Position Type: Part Time

Hours: Short-term/Part Time 1-year role, 20 hours a week; and flexible up to 35 hours between the months of February through April

About Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)

WCS stands for wildlife and wild places. As the world’s premier wildlife conservation organization, WCS has a long track record of achieving innovative, impactful results at scale. We run field programs spanning 60 countries and the entire ocean. We build on a unique foundation: Our reach is global; we discover through best-in-class science; we protect through work on the ground with local and indigenous people; we inspire through our world-class zoos, aquarium, and education programs; and we leverage our resources through partnerships and powerful policy influence. Our more than 4,000 diverse, passionately committed team members in New York City and around the world work collectively to achieve our conservation mission.

Job Summary

The Federal Affairs Policy Fellow is an integral member of the Federal Affairs Team at WCS, collaborating on teams with lobbyists, analysts, campaigners, communicators, and conservationists. This position provides critical support to advance WCS’s U.S. government relations, policy and funding goals. This position reports to the Executive Director, Federal Affairs & Policy. Excellent attention to detail, being proactive, having a mind for process and project management, possessing strong research, writing and communications skills are all important elements contributing to success in this role.

Major Responsibilities

The individual’s main responsibilities will be in supporting the Washington, D.C. based Federal Affairs Program by researching federal budgets, legislation, rule-makings and Administration actions, policy tracking and analysis, meeting scheduling and meeting preparations, supporting events, and drafting social media and communications related to federal policy.

Responsibilities include

• Researching wildlife conservation issues and related federal policies and legislation to draft concise, engaging white papers, fact sheets, briefing documents, infographics and other materials that can be shared with a wide range of stakeholders, and presenting findings internally.
• Tracking legislative, regulatory and Administration action on U.S. environmental wildlife conservation, climate and global health policies.
• Monitoring U.S. foreign policy engagements for wildlife conservation implications related to WCS’s country programs.
• Working with Federal Affairs staff to draft press statements and social media posts on conservation and wildlife policy issues.
• Scheduling WCS and coalition meetings with federal agencies and other stakeholders and conducting meeting preparations.
• Supporting in person and virtual briefings, events and meetings with Capitol Hill and Washington, D.C. policy makers.
• Other projects as assigned by WCS Executive Director of Federal Affairs & Policy.
  
  

Qualification Requirements

• Graduate degree in public policy, economics, foreign policy, or related environmental policy fields. Current graduate students with relevant experience will be considered.
• Knowledge of federal legislative and agency decision-making processes. One to two years of relevant experience is preferred for all candidates and required for current graduate students applying for consideration.
• Superior research, writing, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Project management skills and great attention to detail.
• Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and One Note.
• Experience with Salesforce and Asana or other project management software preferred.
• Federal agency experience preferred. Internship/Fellowship experience will be considered.
  
  

Physical Demands

• The physical demands include but are not limited to use of a Keyboard, 10-key, Mouse, and Telephone Use, Handwriting, Sitting, Standing, Crouching, Kneeling, Bending, Walking, Stair Climbing, minimal Driving, and Lifting to 35lbs.
  
  

Workplace Conditions and Environment

• The workplace conditions and environment of the role include working indoors, closely with others, and/or alone.
  
  

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer

WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and look for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.

It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities.

Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.

Salary Range

23.00