POSITION TITLE: U.S. Policy Analyst for Plastics

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Trash Free Seas

REPORTS TO: Vice President for Plastics (Trash Free Seas) 

STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt

LOCATION: Washington, DC strongly preferred; other locations in US

considered

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy educates and empowers citizens to take action on behalf of the ocean. From the Arctic to the Gulf of Mexico to the halls of Congress, Ocean Conservancy brings people together to find solutions for our water planet. Informed by science, our work guides policy and engages people in protecting the ocean and its wildlife for future generations.

TRASH FREE SEAS PROGRAM

Trash in the ocean compromises the health of humans and wildlife and threatens those whose livelihoods depend on a healthy ocean. Ocean Conservancy, a long-time leader in this field, has a growing portfolio of initiatives to stabilize ocean heath against the threat of plastic pollution while benefiting marginalized communities and not increasing GHG emissions.

Ocean Conservancy works to leverage new and existing resources and partnerships to bring the public, scientists, industry, government, and civil society partners together to analyze, develop, and implement solutions. The Trash Free Seas portfolio includes Ocean Conservancy’s work to advance science and policy solutions as well as engaging networks of advocates and partners through the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, International Coastal Cleanup – the single largest single-day volunteer effort to clean up trash from beaches – and the Trash Free Seas Alliance® – a forum of industry, science, and conservation leaders to advance solutions to the ocean plastic crisis.

Ocean Conservancy is a leading voice in advancing policy solutions at the state, federal, and international levels. As public pressure builds to address plastic waste there is significant momentum to enact new policy at all levels. Ocean Conservancy is uniquely suited to lead these efforts. Our past work has supported the passage of bi-partisan federal legislation, influenced executive branch action on plastics, informed state-led initiatives, and we are a critical voice in international policy discussions on the issue of plastic pollution. In addition to our policy expertise, we bring decades of leadership in data collection and science to understand the magnitude, sources, and impacts of ocean plastic. For over 30 years Ocean Conservancy has collected and analyzed data on plastic pollution through the International Coastal Cleanup. In recent years our work has expanded to support scientific and economic analyses of the major ways plastic waste reaches the ocean. In addition, through the International Coastal Cleanup, Global Ghost Gear Initiative, and the Trash Free Seas Alliance ® we have developed expansive networks of local advocates, private sector entities, and scientists that can be marshaled to advance both science and policy needed to stop plastic pollution. As momentum builds to advance policy solutions at the state and federal level in the US, Ocean Conservancy will seek to engage and shape these efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Policy Analyst will work with a team of Ocean Conservancy scientists, policy advocates, and media and outreach staff to advance U.S. state and federal policy campaigns to reduce plastic pollution. They are responsible for conducting policy research and analysis; provide policy synthesis and guidance; and generate written products to support Ocean Conservancy’s work with policy makers and stakeholders.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitors, researches, and analyses legislative, administrative, and corporate developments on policy and provides written and verbal analysis of such development.
• Working with the Trash Free Seas team leadership, develops, coordinates, and implements strategies to advance Ocean Conservancy’s goals for policies to reduce plastic pollution.
• Develop written materials to support the Ocean Conservancy’s policy efforts, including talking points, blog posts, briefing memos, concept papers, and presentations.
• Advocates for Ocean Conservancy positions with diverse audiences including decision-makers, stakeholders, the media and the public through research, analysis, writing, oral and written testimony, position papers and reports.
• Strengthen and expand relationships with stakeholders that correspond to our policy goals and outreach strategy.
• Represent the Trash Free Seas team at relevant meetings and provide notes as requested.
• Works with the development staff at Ocean Conservancy to provide reports on the progress and achievement of our objectives to funders and develop relevant grant materials.

• Works with our communications staff to keep Ocean Conservancy members, activists, funders and the public informed about program activities, objectives and achievements through press releases, newsletter articles, workshops, brochures, action alerts, media interviews and grant reports.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• At least 3 years of relevant experience, which could include working with NGOs; Congress; state, local, federal or international governments.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and synthesize complex policy information.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare written documents quickly, clearly, and efficiently.
• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively with diverse teams; integrate across disciplines; and work collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders, and communicate about complex policy issues.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated expertise and familiarity with relevant policy fields including, resource economics, and recycling.
• Proficiency in Microsoft office products required.
• Ability to be flexible and work under pressure.
• Great multi-tasking skills with the ability to see the big picture and remain attentive to details, deadlines, and deliverables.
• Collaborative team player; willing to take on a variety of tasks to further the program goals.

EDUCATION/TRAINING

• B.A. required;
• Advanced degree in environmental policy, political science, business, or finance preferred.

Ocean Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Ocean Conservancy is continually seeking to diversify its staff, particularly to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

OCEAN CONSERVANCY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.