Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the state’s oldest and most influential organizations dedicated to conserving Tennessee’s wildlife and natural resources. Founded in 1946 and headquartered in Nashville, the Federation has spent more than 78 years championing conservation, sound resource management, and the responsible enjoyment of Tennessee’s great outdoors. We serve as a trusted voice for sportsmen, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation advocates across the state.

We have an exciting opportunity for an Associate Director of Conservation Policy to join our newly established Institute for Wildlife Conservation Policy. This innovative initiative is designed to proactively shape and implement public policy that leverages public resources and private market solutions to deliver large-scale conservation outcomes for Tennessee’s lands, waters, and wildlife.

The Associate Director of Conservation Policy plays a critical role in shaping and advancing the Federation’s mission. Reporting to the Director of Conservation Policy, this position is responsible for conducting rigorous policy research, delivering expert analysis, and strategically engaging with policymakers and stakeholders to shape effective, science-based conservation policies.

With a strong understanding of both state and federal legislative and regulatory landscapes, the Associate Director of Conservation Policy will monitor key developments, assess their implications, and lead targeted advocacy efforts to achieve conservation goals. This role crafts clear, compelling policy recommendations rooted in science and aligned with the Federation’s values, translating complex environmental challenges into actionable insights for decision-makers and the public alike.

By collaborating across departments and building nonpartisan coalitions, this role strengthens the Federation’s capacity to drive forward-looking, impactful conservation policy that will benefit Tennessee’s natural heritage for generations to come.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, legislative staff, conservation partners, Federation staff, and other key stakeholders at the state and federal levels.
• Champion the Federation’s policy priorities at the state and federal levels; represent the Federation at legislative sessions, committee hearings, state board and commission meetings, and executive branch forums.
• Monitor and analyze relevant state and federal legislation, flagging key developments and recommending actions to the Director.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to engage on key legislation.
• Assist in executing legislative and lobbying strategies by preparing testimony, coordinating policy briefings, and facilitating meaningful engagement with legislators and their staff.
• Plan and execute legislative outreach strategies in collaboration with internal and external partners.
• Prepare policy reports, briefings, and presentations that clearly communicate conservation priorities.
• Collaborate with the communications team to develop messaging that promotes policy priorities and legislative wins to the public and key audiences.

Policy Development

• Identify policy opportunities that advance the Federation’s mission through legislative, administrative, and regulatory means.
• Collect, organize, and synthesize information relevant to conservation, resource management, and environmental policy.
• Collaborate with the Director to develop actionable policy proposals and implementation strategies.
• Support the implementation of key policy initiatives, working across teams to ensure consistency and impact.

Policy Monitoring & Research

• Analyze existing and proposed laws, regulations, and public policies relevant to conservation and natural resource management.
• Lead research and information gathering on emerging conservation issues to inform the Federation’s policy positions and engagement strategies.
• Draft briefing materials, fact sheets, talking points, position statements, reports and other materials to support decision-making, advocacy and outreach.
• Monitor implementation of conservation programs and evaluate their effectiveness.
• Compile and summarize scientific and policy research in a format that supports advocacy, education, and communications.
• Support the Federation’s fellows program through mentoring, operational assistance, and coordinated logistical support.

Internal Coordination & Communication

• Work cross-functionally with teams including communications, development, and program staff to ensure policy work aligns with organizational goals.
• Provide timely updates to internal stakeholders and contribute to organizational planning and strategy.

Other Duties

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and high-quality completion.
• Represent the Institute in meetings and coalitions as assigned.
• Travel within Tennessee as directed to cover assignments.  A valid TN driver’s license including a good motor vehicle record, and appropriate automobile insurance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Conservation Policy.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills; Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes at both state and federal levels.
• Understanding of conservation issues and challenges.
• Ability to articulate the benefits and values of mission-driven work.
• Proven ability to be flexible, work cooperatively, and build productive relationships at all organizational levels.
• Professional and friendly.  Able to handle the day-to-day ups and downs with efficiency, attention to detail, and a sense of humor.
• Ability to work independently and within a collaborative, team environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment; Ability to shift priorities quickly and unexpectedly.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to reject setbacks and enthusiastically persist until goals are achieved.
• Resourceful and innovative at tackling challenges in a timely manner.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, wildlife management, environmental science, or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in policy analysis, government relations or legislative work. Conservation, agriculture or environmental focus a plus. Master’s degree may be substituted for up to two years of relevant experience.
• Understanding of conservation and natural resource issues affecting the Southeast with a strong focus in Tennessee.
• Experience with advocacy campaigns or grassroots organizing a plus.
• Familiarity with GIS or data visualization tools a plus.
• Working knowledge of tools such as TLS or other legislative tracking systems.