American Forests is a national non-profit organization committed to creating healthy and resilient forests from cities to wilderness, that deliver essential benefits for climate, people, water and wildlife. We advance our mission through forestry innovation, place-based partnerships to plant and restore forests, and movement building. We envision a world in which the significant environmental, societal and economic benefits of forests are fully realized and equitably available to all people. Established in 1875, American Forests is the oldest national non-profit conservation organization in the U.S. working to restoring urban forests and forested landscapes for more than 140 years.

American Forests is proud to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive and accessible workplace. These are our shared values. We welcome individuals who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to be a part of our team to help make a difference individually and collectively as we work toward achieving our mission. We are committed to fostering an environment that is welcoming and respectful and provides opportunities for advancement and professional growth for every team member.

We hope you find your future with us.

Summary

The Senior Manager, Urban Forests Policy supports the development and promotion of American Forests’ official positions on a range of urban forests and related climate, health and social equity issues. The ideal candidate has demonstrated experience and interest in legislative or governmental affairs at the federal, state or local levels. This is a team-orientated position; daily communication and interaction with fellow policy colleagues will be expected and required for success. The candidate must have proven ability and comfort working in a rapid response, fast-paced environment. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are highly preferred. Adaptability, flexibility and congeniality are necessary to succeed in this position. Must have the ability to move nimbly from administrative and implementation tasks to higher profile activities. The candidate should have strong interpersonal, project management, and written/verbal communication skills including experience with media relations. Capitol Hill or other legislative experience is preferred. The potential for growth and development is strong.

Specific Responsibilities

The Senior Manager, Urban Forests Policy supports the development and promotion of American Urban Forests Policy Program and Tree Equity work (100%) and is responsible for the following:  

Policy Initiatives (40%)

  • Conduct legislative research, track and summarize issues, and draft correspondence and lobbying-related materials.Support the development of policy papers and positions that further American Forests’ policy goals, based on the best available science and input from the program experts.
  • Draft regular communications about American Forests’ policy initiatives for a general audience.
  • Attend and report on legislative hearings.

Congressional and Administration Outreach and Education (15%)

  • Plan, schedule and conduct regular meetings to educate Congressional staff on American Forests’ public policy initiatives.
  • Support the development and implementation of events, to include congressional briefings.

Coalition Coordination (25%)

  • Serve as coordinator for external urban forestry coalition working in close coordination with VP for Urban Forests Policy.
  • Attend coalition meetings to track and report on public policy initiatives that further American Forests’ positions. 
  • Represent American Forests at coalition meetings as needed.

Digital Advocacy Efforts (10%)

  • Design and draft digital advocacy campaigns to support grassroots advocacy program goals and select policy initiatives.
  • Work across departments to coordinate and execute digital advocacy efforts.
  • Play lead liaison role between Policy and AF digital communications team.

Grants and Administrative Support (10%)

  • Support the development, submission, implementation, reporting and final delivery of external grants that further American Forests’ policy initiatives.
  • Process invoices, expenses, calendar meetings and conduct other administrative duties as they arise.

Desired Skills and Abilities

  • Demonstrated ability to research, track, and summarize legislative issues and draft correspondence and lobbying-related materials.
  • Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule, and execute meetings, including Capitol Hill and executive-branch appointments.  
  • Ability to work directly with staff at all levels of government and partner organizations.
  • Ability to represent the organization at legislative hearings and meetings, and other events, and coalitions.  
  • Ability to effectively communicate complex policy issues to lay audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to engage people and inspire them to act.
  • Ability to act as point person on multiple projects, to include prioritizing tasks, setting expectations, meeting goals and documenting efforts.
  • Ability to work in an agile, cross-functional team environment. 

Requisite Education or Certifications

Bachelor’s degree is required and 3-5 years demonstrated experience in policy or political campaigns, government or federal relations, or coalition coordination. Working knowledge and experience in the environmental, social justice or climate change fields is preferred.

Location & Working Conditions

This is Washington, D.C. based position. Remote work is available; however, the position requires physical residence in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. American Forests’ headquarters is located in downtown Washington, D.C. and within walking distance of several Metro stations (all lines), multiple bus lines and Capital Bikeshare.

Subject to applicable laws, American Forests requires all employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. We will consider requests for accommodation to this vaccination requirement during the recruiting process. Any requested accommodations must be reviewed and approved (if applicable) in advance of your start date.

Travel Requirements

Occasional travel is required, which includes frequent travel within Washington, D.C. to Congressional hearings, etc.

Supervisory Requirements

This position does not have any supervisory requirements.

To Apply  

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@americanforests.org. 

American Forests is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

If you are unable to submit your resume due to a disability, contact American Forests to request an accommodation or alternative application process.

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/LGBTQ+