Policy and Advocacy Associate Manager

Green Foothills’ vision for the San Mateo County coast includes healthy, safe, thriving communities surrounded by resilient ecosystems and sustainable farmland, where climate-smart planning addresses the challenges of sea level rise, coastal erosion, and loss of habitat. If you share this vision, this could be the role for you!

The Policy and Advocacy Associate Manager will focus primarily on Green Foothills’ work on the San Mateo County coast advancing climate resilience, protecting biodiversity and local farmland, advocating for smart land use planning, and engaging with coastal communities, organizations and agencies. Experience with environmental and land use policy and planning as it relates to the coastal zone (California Coastal Act, zoning and general plans, CEQA) is required for this position, as well as a fundamental understanding of coastal issues. Experience with both local and state-level legislative policy and/or advocacy is highly desirable. Other relevant skills include an understanding of climate resilience issues, ecology and conservation science, farmland preservation, and experience with community organizing. Candidates who bring significant experience in one or more of these areas may be considered for a higher-level position as our budget allows.

This is a full-time exempt position that will be mostly remote, with occasional work time in our Palo Alto office. Strong preference for candidates currently residing on the San Mateo County coast.

Responsibilities

Support strategies and programs for climate adaptation on the San Mateo County coast. Engage on land use plans and policy initiatives such as Local Coastal Program updates, transportation planning efforts, General Plan and specific plan updates, and policy proposals within the city and county governments that affect the coast.

Review and monitor development proposals to identify potential development threats to critical coastal resources. Advocate with decision-making bodies to ensure that harmful projects are mitigated, revised or rejected, and that development is planned wisely to avoid areas vulnerable to sea level rise and bluff erosion and to protect sensitive habitats and farmland.

Support climate-smart planning and policies that provide for affordable housing (especially farmworker housing), equitable transportation solutions including improved bike and pedestrian access, and protection of farmland and open space.

Support community leaders in marginalized communities in their leadership work to advocate on behalf of their communities, as well as to educate and inform their communities about climate issues such as heat risks, local resources, and emergency response.

Build relationships with coastal community leaders, nonprofits, Indigenous tribes, and agencies that focus on the San Mateo County coast.

Advocate on state legislation that benefits or impacts coastal climate resilience and protection of the coastal zone. Monitor state bills relevant to Green Foothills’ work and partner with organizations and agencies on state and regional policy efforts.

Write articles and action alerts in support of Green Foothills’ environmental and land use policy positions. Deliver oral public comment at city and county meetings. Assist in drafting comment letters on Environmental Impact Reports and other public documents and land use issues.

On an ongoing basis, build a thorough knowledge of land use regulation and policy, conservation science, and the local political landscape through research, participation in meetings, and self-education.

Support recruitment of applicants for the Green Foothills Leadership Program from the San Mateo County coast.

Support Green Foothills events on the San Mateo County coast.

As needed, support Green Foothills’ fundraising, marketing, and community engagement activities.

About you

3+ years of relevant work experience. Experience with environmental and land use planning and policy related to the coastal zone in San Mateo County.

Experience with both local and state-level legislative policy and/or advocacy (the California Coastal Act, zoning and general plans, and CEQA).

Understanding of climate resilience issues, ecology and conservation science, farmland preservation, and/or experience with community organizing.

Fundamental understanding of coastal issues. Strong preference for candidates who currently reside on the San Mateo County coast.

Strategic thinker, highly self-motivated, willing to take initiative when needed. Able to work independently with minimal supervision and engage in a large number of projects and priorities.

Intellectually curious, interested in learning and able to do research independently.

Works well as part of a small, collaborative team.

Excellent writer; capable of synthesizing complex ideas into clear, accessible language and writing in different styles as needed.

Demonstrated ability to ground work in equity and inclusion, working with people of diverse backgrounds, and tailoring communication to diverse audiences. Clear empathy and listening skills.

Commitment to and understanding of the mission, vision, and values of Green Foothills.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite applications, and Zoom. Familiarity with Asana is a plus.

Flexible to work on some evenings and weekends.

Spanish-speaking ability is a plus.

Valid driver’s license and insurable driving record.

Compensation and Benefits

Full premium for basic medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee

Flex Spending Accounts and a 401(k) plan with partial employer match

Competitive paid vacation and sick leave package

Flexible schedules, work can be done mostly from home and in the field, work-from-home partial reimbursement provided.

Competitive salary for the industry. 100% job value is $84,110. The new hire would start at 90-93% of job value during their trainee phase and then be eligible for 94-97% job value within 3-6 months. This position will be eligible for promotion to a Manager position after the first 2 years of service at Green Foothills. Candidates who bring significant experience in one or more relevant fields may be considered for a higher-level position as our budget allows.

Green Foothills Is An Equal Opportunity Employer: We encourage People of Color, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals to apply. Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background, and that’s okay. If this job excites you, please apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications described. Green Foothills understands the labor that goes into applying for a job and the interview process. All candidates who make it to the final panel interview portion of the process will receive a $50 REI gift card in appreciation of their time.

To Apply: For information about working at Green Foothills and to apply for this position, visit greenfoothills.org/careers. Please apply by October 18, 2024. Target start date is December/January. Position open until filled.