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About Miami Waterkeeper (MWK)

Miami Waterkeeper is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Biscayne Bay and the surrounding watershed. Launched in 2010, MWK has become a leading advocate for clean water, inspiring a movement of empowered citizens dedicated to achieving swimmable, drinkable, fishable water. Addressing issues on multiple fronts, we use community outreach, scientific research, and civic and legal action to advance our mission. Miami Waterkeeper is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. We are a small and hard-working team that is mission-driven and passionate about our environment and our community.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Environmental Policy and Governmental Affairs serves as a strategic leader in achieving “water wins,” victories toward our organizational mission to protect South Florida’s waterways. This position will lead Miami Waterkeeper’s strategic advocacy efforts, requiring the ability to implement multidisciplinary campaigns that drive meaningful environmental change. The Vice President represents the organization before elected officials and government agencies, while guiding a team that develops innovative policy solutions and advocacy strategies. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator, relationship builder, and strategist with a passion for environmental advocacy.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Legislative and Governmental Affairs

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, and government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels
• Monitor, track, and analyze legislation and regulatory proposals impacting South Florida’s waterways
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies in partnership with the Waterkeeper and Chief Programs Officer to advance Miami Waterkeeper’s policy priorities
• Represent Miami Waterkeeper in legislative hearings, rulemaking processes, and public forums
• Draft and review policy documents, legislative language, comment letters, testimony, and action alerts
• Coordinate and strengthen partnerships with coalitions, advocacy groups, and stakeholders to align efforts and amplify impact

Strategic Advocacy and Campaign Planning

• Identify emerging policy issues and advise the organization on legislative opportunities and challenges
• Work with the Chief Programs Officer and Waterkeeper to develop and implement advocacy strategies to address priority environmental issues in South Florida, and set team priorities, and annual campaign goals 
• Oversee Miami Waterkeeper’s engagement in litigation, legislation, and rulemaking to ensure alignment with strategic goals
• Collaborate with outside counsel, partners, and team members on legal briefs, draft legislation, and technical comment letters
• Represent Miami Waterkeeper at public events, meetings, and conferences to advance policy initiatives

Team Leadership and Management

• Project manage the policy team priorities
• Coordinate with other team leaders to work on common objectives across the organization
• Supervise at least two team members and relevant contractors
• Develop and manage the team’s annual budget
• Support the grants team on funding opportunities and reporting requirements
• Review and approve team deliverables, including talking points, action alerts, and other external communications

Candidate Qualifications

• 7+ years of policy, strategy, public policy, and/or legislative experience
• Experience working within or directly with regulatory agencies is a plus
• Experience managing and developing a team
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy and political environments
• Flexible, creative, and solutions-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders

Benefits

•   Medical, dental, and vision plan
•   Retirement Account (with limited 401K matching)
•   Generous time off policies
•   Remote work flexibility (2 days/week)
•   Relaxed and supportive work atmosphere and dress code

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

Miami Waterkeeper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We strongly value diversity, equity, and inclusion both in our organization and in our community.