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Position Summary
The Federation is seeking an experienced, strategic leader to serve as Vice President of Conservation Policy. The role is responsible for developing and executing the Federation's policy agenda and leading advocacy efforts to advance land conservation, wildlife protection, and healthy waterways. The VP will drive legislative and regulatory success through strategic coalition building, stakeholder engagement, and relationship development at the local, state, and federal levels.
The VP will build and manage a team of policy staff, ensuring that the Federation’s advocacy efforts are grounded in science, aligned with organizational values, and positioned to achieve measurable conservation outcomes. The ideal candidate is a seasoned government relations professional with a track record of legislative and regulatory success who thrives at the intersection of policy, strategy, and coalition building.
The Vice President of Conservation Policy will collaborate across departments and with external partners, coalitions, and stakeholders to advance integrated conservation strategies. This role reports directly to the President & CEO.
Salary: Starting at $95,000, negotiable based on experience and qualifications
Essential Responsibilities and Tasks
Strategic Leadership & Policy Development
• Develop and lead statewide policy strategy on conservation land protection, wildlife management, water quality, and habitat conservation
• Represent the Federation as a subject matter expert in conservation, enhancing our presence in policy discussions, media, and stakeholder engagement
• Conduct legislative tracking, policy research, and regulatory analysis across multifaceted conservation issues
Advocacy and External Engagement
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and conservation partners statewide
• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and position papers on critical conservation issues
• Lead strategic advocacy campaigns, balancing grassroots organizing with strategic relationship building
Organizational Leadership
• Develop and manage a team of conservation professionals
• Support internal coordination to ensure unified messaging and timely response on priority issues
• Guide messaging strategy for policy priorities, working closely with the Communications team
• Coordinate with the Development team to secure funding through grants, donations, and partnerships
Qualifications
• 7+ years of experience in Florida conservation policy, government relations, advocacy, or related fields
• Deep understanding of Florida’s legislative & regulatory processes and regional dynamics
• Demonstrated experience influencing policy outcomes or leading advocacy campaigns
• Proven ability to work effectively with a diverse set of stakeholders and decision-makers
• Exceptional analytical, writing, and communications skills, ability to simplify complex issues
• Experience building and managing teams
• Commitment to science-based decision-making and long-term conservation of Florida’s natural resources