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Manager of Public Policy - Great Lakes/Atlantic Region
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DUCKS UNLIMITED
Ann Arbor, MI (In Person)
Full-Time
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Job Description
Manager of Public PolicyGreat Lakes/Atlantic RegionDucks Unlimited (DU) seeks a highly motivated Manager of Public Policy to advance DUs wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission across nine states in the western
The Manager will work and collaborate across all DU divisionsincluding Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Legal, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communicationsto identify policy needs and advance priority issues. The position requires strong communication skills, policy experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fastpaced environment. Travel is required (1025%), and some work outside normal business hours should be expected.
The Manager will focus primarily on state-level policy (approximately 75% of time) while supporting DUs federal affairs team as needed (approximately 25%)
Serve as DUs liaison with partner organizations to advance conservation and related policy outcomes.
Oversee policy volunteer engagement and coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts. This includes serving as the primary staff liaison to DUs regional policy committees.
Manage regional policy communications, including action alerts and policy updates.
Support DUs federal policy priorities in coordination with the federal affairs team.
Plan and execute regional public policy events that elevate DUs brand and visibility among elected officials.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Public Policy.
Project ManagementLead several major, long-term policy projects with defined goals and measurable impacts (e.g., WI KnowlesNelson Stewardship Fund reauthorization, MN Outdoor Heritage Fund appropriations).Identify and assist with smaller, shortterm policy issues arising from other DU departments.
Balance long-term strategic projects with immediate policy needs and ongoing responsibilities.
Relationship BuildingBuild and maintain strong working relationships with internal DU partners across Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communications.
Engage and support DU volunteers, including state chairs, policy chairs, and senior volunteer leaders.
Coordinate volunteer advocacy activities such as lobby days, project tours, and visits to state capitols or Washington, D.C.Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including NGOs, state agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the Governors offices.
Take leadership roles in local or regional coalitions that support DUs work but have broader goals beyond our mission. Represent DU professionally and effectively in all interactionsEvent CoordinationOrganize and execute policy-related events, including lobby days, wetland field tours, and regional meetings. As well as partner and coalition-related events. Attend DU events such as state conventions and leadership meetings to provide policy updates and strengthen volunteer engagement.
Communications & Legislative TrackingDraft official DU communications, including letters to state or federal agencies, state legislators, and Governors offices.
Prepare op-eds, social media content, and volunteer communications in coordination with DUs Marketing/Communications team.
Track legislation and regulatory actions across the nine-state region and provide clear, digestible updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Translate complex policy and scientific information into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Bachelors degree in political science, public policy, wildlife, natural resources, or related field; OR a 2year degree; OR equivalent professional experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific or policy concepts to nonexperts.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
Ability to work independently with general guidance and defined outcomes.
Passion for wetlands, waterfowl, wildlife, and conservation.
Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to DUs strategic direction.
PreferredAdditional experience beyond the minimum in public policy or conservation.
Budget management experience.
State or federal legislative experience.
Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
Experience working on conservation issues from a policy or science perspective.
Position will be based in DUs regional office near Ann Arbor, Michigan for the first year.
Based on performance, relocation to another state within the ninestate region may be considered at the supervisors discretion.
As a remote employee, you may be required to come in at any time, with reasonable notice, into a DU office (or other designated location) for meetings and other business needs.
Great Lakes/Atlantic Region:
MI, OH, IN, KY, MO, IL, IA, WI, and MN. This role strengthens DUs influence at the state and federal level by building strategic relationships, engaging volunteers, coordinating grassroots advocacy, and representing DU with policymakers and partners.The Manager will work and collaborate across all DU divisionsincluding Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Legal, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communicationsto identify policy needs and advance priority issues. The position requires strong communication skills, policy experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fastpaced environment. Travel is required (1025%), and some work outside normal business hours should be expected.
The Manager will focus primarily on state-level policy (approximately 75% of time) while supporting DUs federal affairs team as needed (approximately 25%)
Primary Responsibilities:
Policy Leadership & StrategyUnder the supervision of the Regional Director of Public Policy, manage and support DUs public policy priorities across nine Great Lakes/Atlantic Region states.Serve as DUs liaison with partner organizations to advance conservation and related policy outcomes.
Oversee policy volunteer engagement and coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts. This includes serving as the primary staff liaison to DUs regional policy committees.
Manage regional policy communications, including action alerts and policy updates.
Support DUs federal policy priorities in coordination with the federal affairs team.
Plan and execute regional public policy events that elevate DUs brand and visibility among elected officials.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Public Policy.
Project ManagementLead several major, long-term policy projects with defined goals and measurable impacts (e.g., WI KnowlesNelson Stewardship Fund reauthorization, MN Outdoor Heritage Fund appropriations).Identify and assist with smaller, shortterm policy issues arising from other DU departments.
Balance long-term strategic projects with immediate policy needs and ongoing responsibilities.
Relationship BuildingBuild and maintain strong working relationships with internal DU partners across Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communications.
Engage and support DU volunteers, including state chairs, policy chairs, and senior volunteer leaders.
Coordinate volunteer advocacy activities such as lobby days, project tours, and visits to state capitols or Washington, D.C.Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including NGOs, state agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the Governors offices.
Take leadership roles in local or regional coalitions that support DUs work but have broader goals beyond our mission. Represent DU professionally and effectively in all interactionsEvent CoordinationOrganize and execute policy-related events, including lobby days, wetland field tours, and regional meetings. As well as partner and coalition-related events. Attend DU events such as state conventions and leadership meetings to provide policy updates and strengthen volunteer engagement.
Communications & Legislative TrackingDraft official DU communications, including letters to state or federal agencies, state legislators, and Governors offices.
Prepare op-eds, social media content, and volunteer communications in coordination with DUs Marketing/Communications team.
Track legislation and regulatory actions across the nine-state region and provide clear, digestible updates to internal and external stakeholders.
Translate complex policy and scientific information into accessible formats for diverse audiences.
Qualifications:
Required24 years of experience in public policy, conservation, or related fields.Bachelors degree in political science, public policy, wildlife, natural resources, or related field; OR a 2year degree; OR equivalent professional experience.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific or policy concepts to nonexperts.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
Ability to work independently with general guidance and defined outcomes.
Passion for wetlands, waterfowl, wildlife, and conservation.
Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to DUs strategic direction.
PreferredAdditional experience beyond the minimum in public policy or conservation.
Budget management experience.
State or federal legislative experience.
Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
Experience working on conservation issues from a policy or science perspective.
Salary & Location:
Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.Position will be based in DUs regional office near Ann Arbor, Michigan for the first year.
Based on performance, relocation to another state within the ninestate region may be considered at the supervisors discretion.
As a remote employee, you may be required to come in at any time, with reasonable notice, into a DU office (or other designated location) for meetings and other business needs.