Wetlands Watch is seeking a full-time Policy Program Director to help promote nature-driven
climate adaptation strategies statewide and beyond. We seek an experienced and creative policy
professional to work on a range of issues associated with developing, influencing, and implementing
policy responses to the impacts of climate change, specifically sea level rise, recurrent flooding, and
increased rainfall intensity. Wetlands Watch participates in climate change planning and policy at
all levels of government, working locally on land use and regulatory decisions, state-wide on
shoreline regulations and resilience plans, and nationally on “localizing” federal programs. Wetlands
Watch’s policy work is critical to accomplish our mission of conserving nature in a changing climate. This position will support Wetlands Watch’s role as a leader in Virginia, working through existing partnerships convened by the Virginia Conservation Network and others.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Policy Program Director will work closely with the Executive Director, in partnership with staff
contributing to existing policy, planning, and outreach initiatives. In addition, the Policy Program
Director may develop their own projects to advance the mission of the organization. The hire will
work in our Norfolk office, with flexible remote work available. The individual should expect to
spend significant time in Richmond and is expected to travel across the state of Virginia and within
the U.S., as required.
As part of our organization, you will:
● Create a comprehensive policy agenda for each level of relevant government (local, regional,
state, and national) that supports the mission and goals of the organization.
● Help lead Virginia’s resilience work, operating within existing partnership frameworks.
● Advance Wetlands Watch’s “Wetlands Migration Planning” (formerly managed retreat
planning) program.
● Develop and lead a program to ensure the implementation of climate change considerations in
Virginia’s natural resource and land use regulations.
Applications must be submitted to Skip Stiles via skip.stiles@wetlandswatch.org & include a cover letter articulating relevant experience, resume, writing sample, & three references.
