Immediate Opening for a Legislative Advocate in Our Washington, DC Office

The Legislative Advocate works closely with the Legislative Director and Executive Director to advance SUWA’s goal of protecting Utah wilderness, working from Washington, D.C. This person plays a critical role in the success of SUWA’s congressional and administrative efforts. The Legislative Advocate will regularly lobby Congress, the Department of Interior and the Bureau of Land Management; analyze legislation and public lands policy; develop educational materials for Congress, government officials and the public; and coordinate with SUWA staff in Utah and other wilderness advocacy organizations.

This is an entry-level advocacy position. A competitive benefits package includes health care and dental coverage, a retirement plan, parental leave, and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for travel and additional training are available.

Please send resume, cover letter, and writing sample (1-3 pages) to Jen Ujifusa at jen@suwa.org. Position open until filled. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

Qualifications:

Applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree, the ability to communicate with diverse audiences, and the ability to work in teams. We are also looking for someone who is self-motivated and committed to securing wilderness protection for qualifying public lands in Utah. Enthusiasm for environmental or wilderness issues a must. Experience with the legislative process and Congress is preferred, but not required. SUWA is committed to strengthening our organization through the contributions of passionate people with a diversity of backgrounds and life experiences.

Responsibilities:

Assist Legislative Director in daily tasks while implementing SUWA’s broader legislative strategies

• Lobby members of the House of Representatives and Senate to gather cosponsors for Utah wilderness legislation and defend against harmful legislation.
• Work to achieve proper interim administrative protections for lands included in Utah Wilderness Coalition’s wilderness proposal in order to ensure their wilderness suitability for eventual designation.
• Help organize activist trainings and lobby days in Washington, one or two times per year, working with SUWA grassroots staff.
• Coordinate with SUWA staff on wilderness legislation, public land reform measures, and relevant administrative actions to achieve the goals of the organization.
• Coordinate with other wilderness advocacy and environmental groups in Washington to elevate the Utah wilderness issue nationally and defend against administrative or legislative action harmful to Utah’s wild lands.
• Prepare and deliver materials to Congress and the Bureau of Land Management
• Help with office administrative tasks
• Assist with hiring and managing the Policy Intern

About the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance:

The mission of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance is the preservation of the outstanding wilderness at the heart of the Colorado Plateau, and the management of these lands in their natural state for the benefit of all Americans.

SUWA promotes local and national recognition of the region’s unique character through research and public education; supports both administrative and legislative initiatives to permanently protect the Colorado Plateau wild places within the National Park and National Wilderness Preservation Systems, or by other protective designations where appropriate; builds support for such initiatives on both the local and national level; and provides leadership within the conservation movement through uncompromising advocacy for wilderness preservation.