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
- Oversee Miami Waterkeeper’s engagement in litigation, legislation, and rulemaking to ensure alignment with strategic goals
- Represent Miami Waterkeeper at public events, meetings, and conferences to advance policy initiatives
Team Leadership and Management:
- Project manage the policy team priorities
- Supervise at least two team members and relevant contractors
- Develop and manage the team’s annual budget
Candidate Qualifications:
- 7+ years of policy, strategy, public policy, and/or legislative experience
- Experience managing and developing a team
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate complex policy and political environments
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
