Title: Public Affairs Officer Department: Public Affairs Office
Supervisor: Director of Public Affairs Classification: Full-time, Exempt Purpose & Responsibilities ESA has an excellent career opportunity in our Public Affairs Office (PAO). The Public Affairs Officer is an integral position within PAO. The Public Affairs Officer will be responsible for developing, coordinating and implementing strategies to increase federal funding opportunities with Congress for the science of ecology, provide policymakers with information, and develop opportunities for ESA member policy engagement. We are seeking a highly motivated individual who is enthused about working with a dedicated group of individuals who are committed to the science of ecology. Specific Activities for the Public Affairs Officer Research and Analysis * Work with the Director of Public Affairs to develop policy positions, analyze and respond to federal legislation, regulation, and rulemaking * Track federal science and environmental legislation and appropriations bills in Congress * Analyze select federal agency science budgets * Draft content for science policy letters * Attend and report on relevant congressional committee hearings * Represent ESA at coalition meetings, agency meetings, and at other events * Actively participate in, and report on, policy discussions of interest to the ecological community * Special projects as needed Advocacy * Assist with congressional policy briefings * Represent ESA in meetings with congressional office staff and Members of Congress * Working with the Director of Public Affairs, organize and coordinate ESA member biannual congressional visits Communications * Write and distribute a bi-weekly policy e-newsletter for ESA members * Create science policy content for ESA websites, social media and external written products and track analytics * Develop and maintain relationships with ESA members interested in science policy * Assist in developing policy and communication training workshops and webinars for ESA members * Draft policy-related press releases * Write posts for the Ecologist Goes to Washington blog Qualifications * BA/BS degree with 2-4 years of experience; or 1-3 years of experience with MS/MA degree * Experience or internship working in Congress or federal agency is a plus * Scientific or environmental background is a plus * Strong analytical, written, verbal skills * Excellent organizational skills * Ability to read, interpret, analyze, track, and apply legislation to ESA program policies, and make good decisions without daily oversight * Willingness to develop relationships with ESA members, policy makers, scientists, and other stakeholders * Ability to perform responsibilities with composure, accuracy, and quality under the stress of deadlines and/or fast pace * Effective time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple assignments simultaneously and to plan for both short- and long-term projects * Willingness to learn as needed and follow directions * Demonstrated high level of initiative * Must enjoy working effectively as part of a team * Positive attitude in accomplishing tasks * Ability to maintain confidentiality * Travel: less than 10%; must be able to travel to the ESA Annual Meeting each August ESA offers a casual work environment, competitive compensation (based on experience) and a great benefits package: employer paid health insurance, vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, employer contributed retirement account, and casual Fridays. The position is based in ESA's Washington, DC office. Please email a cover letter with salary expectations, CV or resume to Alison Mize, and a short writing sample to [email protected]<file:///\\esa04\Departments\PAO\Alison\Policy%20Associate\[email protected]>. You may also include your LinkedIn url and any social media handles or pages. Please put "PA Officer with your last name" in the subject line. The position is open until filled. ESA is an Equal Opportunity employer. About ESA The Ecological Society of America<http://www.esa.org/esa/>, founded in 1915, is the world's largest community of professional ecologists and a trusted source of ecological knowledge, committed to advancing the understanding of life on Earth. The 10,000 member Society publishes five journals<http://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/hub/> and a membership bulletin and broadly shares ecological information through policy, media outreach, and education initiatives. The Society's Annual Meeting<http://www.esa.org/portland/> attracts 4,000 attendees and features the most recent advances in ecological science.
