New

Principal Associate, U.S. Conservation, Pacific Campaigns

The Pew Charitable Trusts
remote work
United States, Oregon, Portland
Jan 29, 2025
The Environment Portfolio at The Pew Charitable Trusts For more than 30 years, Pew has been a major force in engaging the public and policy makers about the causes, consequences, and solutions to some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges. Our environment work spans all seven continents with more than 250 professionals working at the local, national, and international levels to reduce the scope and severity of global environmental problems, such as the erosion of large natural ecosystems that contain a great part of the world's remaining biodiversity, and the destruction of the marine environment. Pew's global environmental program focuses on science-based, nonpartisan, and sustainable solutions to help protect the planet and people. We work in partnership with governments, Indigenous rights holders, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, local stakeholders, scientists, and other researchers to advance public policy so that nature and communities can thrive. Since 1990, Pew has worked in North America, South America and Australia to protect large and critically important terrestrial ecosystems, including rivers and other freshwater resources, coastal temperate rainforests, interior mountain ranges, the northern boreal forests, Australia's Outback, and Chilean Patagonia. We work to ensure these natural systems remain bountiful, functioning, and resilient, providing essential ecological services such as clean air and clean water, sustenance and food security for local communities and more broadly for the welfare of current and future generations. Our work relies on the sciences of conservation, sociology, biology, and economics to advocate for practical and durable solutions to the loss of biodiversity. In the sea, reforms to how our oceans are managed are essential to address overfishing, pollution, and loss of habitat. Pew began its oceans program in the United States, focusing on ending overfishing and protecting fragile marine habitat. Starting in 2005, Pew's ocean conservation program expanded around the world and played a significant role in reforming marine fisheries management in the European Union and on the high seas and creating large scale marine reserves around the world. Our work is grounded in the best available science and pursues domestic and international conservation measures that are long-term and provide permanent, durable protections for marine ecosystems. We also work to address systemic threats to the ocean, including from plastics, over-and-illegal fishing, seabed mining, and climate change. U.S. Conservation The U.S. Conservation project aims to address the accelerating impacts of biodiversity loss and climate change in the United States, by securing and implementing federal and state policies that enhance resilience for nature and people and mitigate climate change. The project focuses on four core science-based approaches: protecting terrestrial, freshwater and marine biodiversity; improving terrestrial and aquatic connectivity; securing new adaptation plans for people and nature that address climate threats; and advancing nature-based solutions that mitigate the release of greenhouse gas emissions. Position Overview The principal associate collaborates across the U.S. Conservation team to protect coastal, marine, terrestrial, and freshwater biodiversity and improve the adaptation and resilience of ecosystems and human communities to harmful impacts of climate change in the Pacific region. Reporting to the senior manager, U. S. Conservation, Pacific Campaigns, the principal associate represents the project to key decision-makers and partner groups, works with the project team to identify and develop new partnerships, and leads stakeholder and Tribal engagement work related to Pew's conservation efforts in the Pacific region. The principal associate will also provide political analysis and recommendations to help guide and implement campaign objectives related to freshwater, terrestrial, coastal and marine conservation, and work closely with colleagues across Pew. Located in Pew's Portland office, this position will participate in Pew's core in-office days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will have flexibility to work from home the remainder of each week. A remote office location may be considered for candidates based elsewhere in Oregon or Washington state. Responsibilities Develop and maintain an understanding of coastal, marine, freshwater, and terrestrial issues and the political landscape in the Pacific region to inform and advance program priorities. Lead or co-lead the development and implementation of effective strategies and plans to deliver program objectives. Work with communications staff to research, write, and edit campaign materials, such as web content, advocacy materials, fact sheets, and fundraising materials. Represent Pew in coalitions, conferences, events and meetings with government agencies, stakeholders, policymakers, PNW Tribes and other officials. Collaborate with project leadership and with Pew's government relations, communications, and legal affairs departments, and other colleagues to coordinate the projects and other Pew initiatives in the region. Provide support for team-sponsored convenings of stakeholders, experts, and the public-including securing speakers and experts, agenda development, logistics, invitations, and preparing materials for briefings and events. Cultivate and manage effective relationships with partner organizations, scientists, Tribal nations, government representatives and elected officials and other relevant stakeholders. Foster a work environment that is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible and in line with Pew's values and the project's related goals and shared agreements. Participate in activities that support program and Pew-wide objectives. Requirements Aptitude to think strategically and creatively, adjust to changing circumstances, remain attentive to details and exercise sound judgment in problem-solving. Demonstrated time- and project-management skills, including a capacity to meet multiple deadlines by maintaining a high level of organization. Skilled at informing and influencing internal and external audiences through written and oral communications. Experience with leading or assisting with public policy initiatives. Experience working in teams and coalitions to advance policy objectives. Excellent applied research and analytical skills, including synthesizing large sets of information and identifying key themes. Growing cultural competency related to Indigenous People and Tribal Nations of the region along with an understanding of sovereignty, Tribal Nation governmental processes, treaty rights, and ancestral lands desired. A commitment to continue individual learning about DEIJ principles and willingness to apply learnings into campaign planning, policy writing, and engagement strategies. Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Generally, six years of applicable experience. Key attributes and preferred experience Aptitude to apply a non-partisan, evidence-based approach to projects and campaigns that require support across the political spectrum. Comfort with developing and moving complex projects forward with a high degree of independence within a creative, fast-paced, action-oriented, and collegial environment. Skillful at setting short- and long-term planning goals in line with program strategies. Experience developing and managing productive and collaborative relationships. Experience convening groups of policymakers, practitioners, stakeholders, researchers, and other constituencies. Experience in advancing policy reforms at the federal, state and/or local government level. Experience with conservation policy area preferred. A growing understanding of emerging concepts related to landscape resilience, climate resilience, climate preparedness, nature-based solutions, natural climate solutions, and integrating climate data into resource planning processes. If you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align with every criteria described, we encourage you to apply anyway. Travel This position requires occasional domestic travel to meetings and conferences. Work Authorization Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the country for which they are seeking employment without visa sponsorship. Salary Range $100,300 USD - $112,100 USD The salary range represents a reasonable estimate of the annual salary based on Pew's commitment to provide equitable and market-competitive pay. The actual salary offered will take into consideration many factors including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills and experience, internal pay equity, and business need. Total Rewards We offer a competitive salary and benefit program, including: comprehensive, affordable health care through medical, dental, and vision coverage; financial security with life and disability insurance; opportunities to save using health savings and flexible spending accounts; retirement benefits to help prepare for the future; and work/life benefits to maintain a good balance. The Pew Charitable Trusts is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Pew considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to age, sex, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.