Overview

Environment Washington is a citizen-based environmental advocacy organization and a project of Environment America, a national network of 30 state environmental groups with one mission — to change our country and our world to be a greener, healthier place. We believe there’s something special about Washington — something worth protecting and preserving for future generations. Whether it’s our majestic forests, our rocky and iconic coastline, wild and scenic rivers, or our local parks, Washington’s natural wonders enrich our lives in countless ways.

And yet it’s no secret that the earth is in trouble. For too long, our society has degraded the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink, diminished the wildlife and wild places we love, and destabilized the climate we need to survive. Despite the challenges, Environment Washington and our national network keep finding multiple ways to make a positive difference for the planet. We’ve won campaigns in Washington to reduce the use of single-use plastics, cut climate pollution and expand clean energy.

In every campaign we run, we put the earth first. Nothing else matters if we don’t have a healthy planet. Restoring and protecting the environment is our only mission. We also know that lasting progress for the planet comes one challenging step at a time. We have a bold vision of a greener world. But we know that making a difference often requires compromise. We also know that, to make progress sustainable, we need to reach out to everybody, not just the people who already agree with us.

We are currently recruiting an Oceans Advocate who is driven by these same goals to join our team, and help oversee our campaign to save the Southern Resident orcas. The Southern Resident orcas, who make their home in the Puget Sound, are starving. Fewer than 80 remain today and they are at risk of going extinct without urgent action. To save the orcas, we need to save their food source–the Chinook salmon– by breaching four dams on the Lower Snake River. Without this critical step, we may lose these orcas forever.

State Advocate Representative Responsibilities
  • Program: In coordination with our national program team, help lead our in-state campaign to Save the Orcas, participating in research, developing policy positions, and writing advocacy documents.
  • Advocacy & Coalition Building: Bring the plight of the salmon and the orcas and solutions to the attention of decision-makers — including federal lawmakers, state legislators, people on the governor’s staff, state regulators and local officials. Develop appropriate messages and materials for making the case to decision-makers. Build relationships with key players in the state, the region and at the federal level. Identify, reach out and work with partners who can help us win our campaigns.
  • Campaign strategy: Develop plans to win the political support we need to Save our Orcas through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage, endorsements and message development.
  • Communications: Serve as the public spokesperson for our environmental campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other outreach with a goal of building name recognition for the organization, educating the public about our issues, and building and demonstrating support for our positions.
  • Fundraising and grassroots support: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with our donors, all to bring more resources to campaigns we’re waging to protect our environment. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and foster our membership base, grassroots and online base of support.
  • Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power.
Qualifications

Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, show excellent judgment and discretion, and have the ability to oversee significant projects. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to environmental and public interest issues, to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. We’re looking for goal-driven and results-oriented individuals who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work.

Experience in state level political advocacy, grassroots organizing, fundraising is a bonus.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting annual compensation range for this position is $33,500-$42,000 and depends on relevant experience and education. The Public Interest Network offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boostered. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.

Environment Washington is an equal opportunity employer.