Bayou Vodokanal is looking for a Policy and Partnerships Manager – Citizens’ Ecological Coalition

Bayou Vodokanal is looking for a Policy and Partnerships Manager

Bayou City Waterkeeper (BCWK) is accepting applications for the position of Policy and Partnerships Manager who will develop and advocate for equitable water policies with communities most affected by water, infrastructure and climate inequities in the Lower Galveston Bay Basin, which spans a large Houston region. This position reports directly to the Executive Director. We invite you to apply by March 17, 2023.

Position overview
The Policy and Partnerships (P&P) Manager will work with our staff, community members, and organizational partners to develop policy goals that focus on the priorities of communities most affected by inequities in water, climate, and infrastructure. The P&P Manager will manage current and new local and regional policy strategies for wetland conservation, wastewater equity, and flood and climate change investment. Over time, the P&P Manager will work to weave community priorities into all of our work through teamwork, relationship development, and co-creating the water justice policy agenda. The ideal candidate must demonstrate a commitment to centering affected communities as well as understanding how to effectively strategize and advocate for local and state interests.

Main responsibilities
coalition building
● Work with BCWK staff to collaborate with local and institutional partners to advance water justice through local, state and national policies.
● Apply the lens of data-driven decision making to identify potential partnerships with communities and stakeholders, and to provide coalitions and partners with the best available information. Create action-oriented toolkits for community members.
● Manage and work with a water justice specialist to strategize, develop relationships, and build influence directly in communities around water equity policies.

Government Relations and Public Relations
● Manage engagement with elected officials and stakeholders to achieve BCWK’s goals. Represent BCWK in meetings with elected and agency officials.
● Raise public and government awareness of key policy issues through public education, relations with government agencies, collaboration with leading social leaders and media strategies.
● Create forums for dialogue with government officials, sponsors, agencies and donors on topics related to community water equity.
● Provide public comments or testimony before various government agencies (eg, the Houston City Council, the Harris County Court of Commissioners, and the Texas State Legislature).

Policy analysis
● Analyze regulations, peer-reviewed scientific data, white papers, reports and media to gain a deep understanding of the subject and prioritize BCWK policy.
● Prepare original policy or position papers, including letters of support or comments.
● Prepare newsletters, answers to frequently asked questions, topics for discussion, and speeches for staff as needed.
● Providing strategic advice on public policy issues to the Executive Director and staff.

Desired qualifications and skills
Studies show that women and people of color are more hesitant to apply for a job because they may not meet all of the listed requirements. The candidate ultimately hired by BCWK may not meet all of these requirements, but he demonstrates the desire and ability to grow in this role and fit into our small, tight-knit team. If you are passionate about our efforts and believe you have the skills to contribute to the growth of our organization, we want to hear from you.

● Three or more years of experience in public policy advocacy and lobbying. Management or leadership experience in a variety of settings is preferred but not required.
● Demonstrated ability to develop and implement effective policy change strategies targeting affected communities and/or demonstrated commitment to centering affected communities.
● Experience working with diverse communities.
● Experience with water, climate, infrastructure and/or energy policy, and familiarity with environmental justice, One Water and/or simply climate change frameworks.
● Working knowledge of politics and political processes in Houston, Greater Houston and Texas.
● A commitment to racial justice and the fight against racism. Understanding and commitment to promoting equity, equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
● Strong project management skills including attention to detail, organizational skills and time management.
● Experience of working in a team and with partner organizations to develop and implement joint strategies.
● Experience working in, managing or convening coalitions.
● Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
● Bachelor or Bachelor

Schedule/Location
We allow flexible working hours and locations so that our employees can respond to the needs of the community and balance work and personal responsibilities. Our standard work week is 36-40 hours. Sometimes more than the usual 36-40 hour work week is required, including some evenings and weekends. Some local travel is also required. Our employees meet in person once a week and, when necessary or beneficial, a P&P manager is expected to meet with partners and policy makers or attend other events in person (COVID permitting). The rest of our work is virtual.

The position requires periodic work in the evenings and weekends, as well as on business trips. Given the local and community oriented nature of this job, all employees must reside in the Greater Houston area.

Compensation
$60,000 to $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience. Our benefit package includes: Unlimited Paid Vacation, Paid Vacation and Paid Parental Leave; subsidized group health care, dental and vision insurance; IRA contribution; negotiable flexible hours; and 36-40 hour work week. This is a full-time, optional, vacant position.

How to Apply
Please send your resume and introductory letter explaining your interest to [email protected] with ‘BCWK Policy & Partnerships Manager’ in the subject line. March 17. Emails with questions are welcome.

About Bayou City Waterkeeper
Bayou City Waterkeeper is a water equity organization operating in the Lower Galveston Bay watershed, covering Greater Houston for over two decades. Through law and science, we work with local communities to build power, fill regulatory gaps, and confront water injustice and irresponsible development. Our key program areas are clean water, wetland protection and equitable climate change. Find out more on our website.

Our values
Recognizing the complexities of our watershed, the challenges we face to protect our waters from the harm caused by ongoing urban development and industrial activity, and the importance of responding to the needs of the communities we serve, our work is guided and informed by five values:
● Connectivity: Collaborate across disciplines and create multiple ways to interact.
● Fluidity: use movement and adaptability in our work.
● Bold Action: Engage in difficult negotiations, break down broken systems, create new structures, bring together unconventional allies, and apply data and research to action.
● Justice and Equity: Call for and act to correct injustice in our watershed.
● Regeneration: Water is a place for healing, joy, celebration, reflection and growth.

Our core values ​​drive us to seek a wide range of perspectives and experiences to achieve our mission and maintain an inclusive environment where all employees are valued and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to employment practices that ensure that employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, age, religion, physical or mental disability, health condition, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other non-position related factor.