Government Affairs Manager

The Government Affairs Manager is an exciting opportunity for a full-time position with WEC and WCV to help advance goals across our four programs: Acting for Climate and Clean Energy; Protecting and Restoring Puget Sound; Preventing New Fossil Fuel Infrastructure; and Sustaining Evergreen Forests. The position reports to the Government Affairs Director and is responsible for shaping and implementing lobbying and advocacy campaigns, fostering strong partnerships with elected leaders and issue experts, and galvanizing support for a healthy environment at local and state levels of government. As part of the Government Affairs team, this position will focus on local government advocacy and may also support state level lobbying and litigation strategies to meet the goals and objectives of a specific effort.

Washington Environmental Council (WEC) is a nonprofit, statewide advocacy organization that drives positive change to solve our state’s most pressing environmental challenges. For 50 years, we have been at the forefront of environmental protection in the state, securing laws and policies that safeguard the health of our families and our environment. From bedrock laws like the State Environmental Policy Act, to free electronic waste recycling, to finding solutions that reduce our climate emissions and build our clean energy economy, WEC ensures a healthy future for our state so it remains a great place to live and work for all.

Washington Conservation Voters (WCV) is the statewide political voice for the environment. We work to elect environmentally responsible candidates to state and local offices. Working with allies in the community, we advocate for strong environmental policies and hold our elected officials accountable. Through our political work, we are strengthening laws that safeguard the health of our communities, the beauty of our state, and our economic future.

By effectively combining the policy know-how of WEC with the political know-how of WCV, we have reshaped how environmental protection is achieved in Washington state. While both organizations are independent, we work very closely together. Combined, we have a staff of 30 and offer competitive salaries, good benefits, and are committed to racial equity and environmental justice to ensure all communities have a clean and healthy environment.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full time, exempt position with a salary range of $52,000 to $60,000 annually depending on experience. We also offer a generous benefits package including medical and dental insurance, 401k plan and organizational match of up to 3% of your annual salary, a flexible spending account, paid vacation and sick leave, ten paid holidays per year, an unlimited ORCA transit pass, and if you work for seven consecutive years you are eligible for a two-month paid sabbatical. We encourage women and people of color to apply and join a great team who effectively collaborate to strengthen environmental protection in Washington.

To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and a resume to on our website here . No phone calls or mailed applications please. We are hoping to fill this position as soon as possible and will be reviewing applications on a rolling deadline.

Washington Environmental Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to dismantling structural racism and creating a welcoming work environment. WEC does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, creed, gender, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. People of color, people with disabilities, and people of all gender identities are encouraged to apply .

Responsibilities

• Work with program staff and partner organizations to identify and advance local government advocacy priorities for the environment centered on the needs of the local community.
• Develop and implement strategies involving legislation, rulemaking, or litigation to advance program priorities and support organizational work in key geographic areas.
• Assist in lobbying during the state legislative session and assist with tracking legislation.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with elected officials at the local and state level for environmental progress.
• Collaborate with WCV to support emerging leaders for environmental progress at the local and state levels and work to hold elected officials accountable for environmental decisions.
• Develop and expand authentic relationships and partnerships with a wide range of organizations and partners.
• Help foster a positive and inclusive work environment and actively participate in trainings and mentorship opportunities.
• Work with WEC and WCV fundraising, communications, and grassroots organizing staff to raise funds for, communicate about, and engage activists in local government level advocacy campaigns.

Desired Qualifications

Skills Required:

• Strong public speaking and policy analysis skills
• Passionate about environmental issues and social justice through personal experience, volunteer work, past professional experience, academic work, etc.
• Highly organized and proficient at managing multiple projects at once
• Takes initiative by anticipating and resolving campaign needs
• Minimum of 2 years of political campaign, advocacy campaign, or legislative process experience
• Proficient in drafting policy or legislation and able to quickly shift between technical tasks and public communication
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal, written, and listening communication skills
• Able to travel and spend time attending meetings, developing relationships, and conducting issue education and advocacy in local communities and/or in Olympia

Desirable Skills:

• A juris doctorate degree and legal experience to assist with litigation strategies (preferred but not required)
• Familiarity and comfort with technology tools (e.g., database, social media, etc.)