Policy Associate/Manager

Save Our Canyons, a Utah 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is seeking a Policy Associate or Manager (commensurate with experience) to lead our advocacy efforts, shape policy initiatives, and collaborate with government officials (Federal, State, and local) and stakeholders to protect the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch mountains, canyons, and foothills.

Position Summary:

The Policy Associate/Manager will be responsible for advancing our policy agenda, engaging in advocacy efforts, and building relationships with government officials, community leaders, and other stakeholders. This role will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to secure protections for natural habitats and Wilderness areas, identify and address environmental threats, and ensure sustainable land management practices.  

Why this job is important:

The Wasatch Mountains are critical to Utah. As the 2nd driest state in the country, with about 85% of the state's population living within 15 miles of the Wasatch Mountains, the Wasatch are our watershed. Over 60% of the water used by residents of the Salt Lake Valley comes from the canyons of the Wasatch Mountains; much of the rest comes from aquifers fed by the Wasatch. Protecting the watershed resources of the Wasatch Range not only protects the aesthetic and scenic value of these lakes and rivers and the biological communities that support them, but contributes to a healthy future for growing populations in the valley below.

The Wasatch Mountains -- the longest and mightiest mountain range in Utah – are  under constant pressure. Monied and connected interests continually seek to exploit them for their private economic and political benefit, ranging from a plan to build the world's longest gondola up Little Cottonwood Canyon, a proposal for a 600+ acre gravel mine in Parley’s Canyon, and constant efforts by ski areas to expand and develop. 

The Policy Associate/Manager will engage with policy makers and administrators at all levels of state and federal government to protect the Wasatch from harmful statutes, regulations, or actions that threaten access, water, public health, wildlife habitat, or the general wildness and beauty of the Wasatch. 

The position will encompass a variety of activities, including, but not limited to legislative monitoring, maintaining and tracking files and databases, and preparing policy briefs or memo writing, and working with legislators to advance the goals of Save Our Canyons. 

The Policy position is responsible for scheduling and preparing for meetings, policy research, preparing briefings for Save Our Canyons staff, facilitating advocacy communications with relevant team members, and coordinating scheduling logistics across the team.  

Policy Position Job Duties:

Develop and implement policy strategies to protect the Wasatch mountain range, canyons, and foothills.

Monitor and analyze local, state, and federal policy developments related to land use, conservation, and environmental protection.

Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government entities, partner organizations, and community stakeholders.

Draft policy briefs, reports, and advocacy materials to communicate our positions and goals. 

Provide policy research and legislative analysis in support of our legislative priorities, including tracking appropriations for transportation projects in the Wasatch Mountains, state, local and federal environmental review of proposed projects in the Wasatch Mountains, and other priorities affecting the Wasatch.

Represent the organization at public meetings, hearings, and events. Be present when the State Legislature is in session.

Collaborate with legal, scientific, and policy experts to ensure that policy positions are grounded in the best available science.

Lead or contribute to public outreach efforts to build support for conservation initiatives.

Depending on experience, manage other policy professional(s) or intern(s).

Full-time, with co-defined flexible scheduling available, subject to the schedule of the Utah State Legislature, federal agencies, and county and local governments.

Reports to Executive Director

Prepare program materials, including memos, presentations, and other communications.

This position requires independent work with limited supervision. 

Our preferred candidate will have a working knowledge of the legislative process in Utah, state agencies and/or a background in regulatory law and policy, and an interest in working with lawmakers to shape the legislation and policies that affect the environment and natural resources in the Wasatch.

Attend, plan and represent Save Our Canyons at events, coalition meetings and fundraising activities.

Manager Level Job Qualifications:

2-3 years of experience with Utah environmental laws and socio-political environment.

Experience working with the Utah legislature.

Applied policy expertise in land management, wildlife management, water law, and/or transportation policy. 

Applied experience working to advance policy with a community environmental justice lens. 

Benefits:

Full-time, with co-defined flexible scheduling available, subject to the schedule of the Utah State Legislature.

$50,000 - $67,500 Annual Salary (commensurate with experience)

100% employer-covered health insurance, including dental and vision

Flexible-time off

Our office is located at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, positioned perfectly for quick escapes into the Wasatch Mountains when the going gets tough — and it will.    

Our organization follows a hybrid work structure where employees can work remotely or from the office, as needed, based on demands of specific tasks.

Regular, in-office work will be required at certain days and times to allow for collaboration, attendance at events, and in-person staff and stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree in an arena relevant to our mission and the work.

Experience working in policy environments and/or with non-profit organizations.

Be a quick and strategic thinker, nimble on their feet, with an ability to communicate with policy makers and their staff about issues confronting the Wasatch.

Able to synthesize complex topics into easy to comprehend topics for public consumption.

Good communication and organizational skills.

Ability to attend meetings often outside traditional working hours.

Ability to lead, facilitate, and coordinate meetings.

Submission requirements:

Please send a cover letter & resume to jobs@saveourcanyons.org with the subject line "Policy Position". Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to candidates who apply by November 14, 2024. 

For questions regarding this position please contact Sarah Sleater - sarah@saveourcanyons.org or 801-363-7283 (SAVE)