The Director of Conservation Policy and Advocacy plays an integral role in supporting Shedd Aquarium’s mission to spark compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. The Director works with the Sr. Vice President of Conservation Partnerships and Programs to direct conservation policy and advocacy at Shedd Aquarium.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission, and values.
• Develop and manage the implementation of policy strategies to advance the Aquarium’s conservation goals including: (1) Protect aquatic wildlife and ecosystems; (2) Improve global fisheries; (3) Reduce ocean plastic pollution; (4) Increase protection for threatened global shark and ray species; and (5) Convene stakeholders with like-minded mission.
• Lead development and implementation of the conservation policy & advocacy annual work plans (as part of Shedd’s overall strategic plan) including all programmatic, budget and grant management, and evaluation goals.
• Co-steer the multi-institutional Aquarium Conservation Partnership (ACP) program and lead the implementation of the ACP’s 2018-2019 Conservation Action Agenda.
• Strengthen the Aquarium’s reputation and influence by building and maintaining a strong network of NGO, government, science and business relationships
• Provide conservation and policy-related information and support to the Aquarium’s Chief Animal, Conservation and Science Officer, the SVP of Conservation Partnerships and Programs, and the VP of Communications and other senior staff members, as needed. 
• Works closely with the Aquarium’s Conservation Research, Public Relations and Marketing teams to inform the development and implementation of strategic communication activities.
• Organize conferences, workshops and other forums to advance the Aquarium’s policy priorities and conservation goals.
• Oversee the Aquarium’s lobbying compliance and reporting program.
• Maintain and build expertise of conservation policy issues.  Serve as reliable, knowledgeable source of current, relevant information and provide content and input for Shedd messaging and communications needs. Serve as Shedd spokesperson for media and other public appearances. Provide counsel to SVP and others.
• Track and analyze all relevant priority issues activity federally and internationally.
• Represent Shedd Aquarium policy vies on Capitol Hill and in various coalitions.
• Create a variety of internal and external communications (such as memos, opinion editorials, letters to the editor, talking point\s, letters, briefings and emails) on a daily basis.
• Collaborate with teams, including Conservation Partnerships and Programs, Learning and PR, to develop and provide advocacy opportunities to various Shedd audiences through public programs, digital platforms and member communications.
• Manage and coach staff for performance. Develop and monitor professional growth opportunities and training plans.
• Demonstrate a commitment to professional and personal growth by initiating dialogue with colleagues, engaging in self-directed learning and focusing on professional development goals.
• Fulfill other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education:

• A graduate degree in the sciences, law, policy or management.
• Expertise in ocean/Great Lakes conservation policy.
• Strong knowledge of ocean/Great Lakes science.
• Strong professional network in ocean/Great Lakes policy and science.  
• Excellent program management and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated success in coalition-building and management.
• Leadership/management training.
• Experience in institutional strategic planning.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in planning, development and implementation of ocean/Great Lakes Policy work.
• Minimum of seven years in a management role, including budget responsibility.
• Experience in executive branch, legislative branch and non-profit sectors.
• Outstanding communication skills, including writing and public speaking. Ability to effectively communicate conservation issues to the general public and special audiences.
• Demonstrated interest in and personal commitment to addressing current conservation and sustainability issues and awareness of local, national and international issues.
• Experience working in the conservation community.
• Experience managing complex relationships, people management and team building.
• Demonstrated experience with financial and grants management.