Job Title: MD Conservation Advocate
Department: Conservation
Supervisor: Director of Conservation
Position type and expected hours of work: Full time, Monday – Friday, some evening and weekend hours
Location: Remote
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $53,000-$57,000 (Salary Band 20)

Summary: The MD Conservation Advocate will research, coordinate and implement grassroots action and lead advocacy on climate resilience, local clean water, environmental justice, and land use policy issues in MD. The Advocate partners and networks with local, regional and state environmental, community and business groups to achieve policy outcomes that support Nature Forward Policy Priorities. They will engage the public to increase awareness, and organize and mobilize Nature Forward members, volunteers and local community members to take action to prepare for and adapt to climate change, protect and restore local watersheds, and preserve green space in our urban communities. 

To Apply: To apply for this job, please send your resume, cover letter and 3 references to conserve@natureforward.org. Applications for this job posting will be accepted through end of day, Friday, May 15, 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Advocacy and Organizing:

• Work with the Conservation Director to identify annual focal areas for campaigns in accordance with Nature Forward’s Conservation Policy Priorities.
• Network, convene, and facilitate meetings, events, and training for partner organizations (environmental and community groups) in MD to achieve shared advocacy goals.
• Educate, train, and organize residents of MD to advocate for nature in their communities to achieve Nature Forward’s environmental policy goals as they intersect with community goals.
• Build and foster relationships and conduct regular meetings with elected officials, decision-makers and their staff.
• Identify and communicate top threats to nature, climate, and clean water in MD and in partnership with Conservation Director and network partners, actively work to achieve policy (legislative & agency, including budget funding) and/or development outcomes that mitigate these threats.
• Identify MD advocacy concerns that warrant Nature Forward Action Alerts and coordinate communications with Nature Forward Conservation and Communications Director. 

Outreach

• Attend and present Nature Forward advocacy and citizen engagement initiatives at Nature Forward events, local and regional conferences and community meetings.
• Engage with coalition partners to design and lead community engagement programs Build upon replicable models and create innovative community engagement opportunities based on perceived needs and asks from the community.
• Train, engage, and provide on the ground coordination of volunteer field activities and direct and work with volunteers on research and organizing needs.

Communications

• Work closely with Nature Forward Communications Director to communicate MD climate change and other policy wins and threats through Nature Forward and partner communication channels, including the Nature Forward website, Conservation Blog, and social media.
• Communicate with funders as directed by the Conservation Director and Development Director.
• Develop reports and documentation for MD Advocacy and Outreach activities, including tracking and reporting on grant funded projects.
• Create articles, blog posts, and Action Alerts for members and residents to learn more about the Conservation Team’s impact and work in the MD.

Qualifications/Requirements 

Required Experience

• Bachelor of Science in Biology, Environmental Policy, or related field. Master Naturalist or similar adult education would also be valuable, as would personal experience/interest in nature and/or policy.
• 2 years of collaboration and community engagement skills and experience, including prior advocacy and/or community organizing experience.
• Ability to research and read dense bill language and/or development proposals.
• Basic familiarity with the communities and environmental concerns in your specified state or city with connections to communities, leaders, organizations, and/or coalitions preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking. Proficient in social and app-based communication. Proficient in Zoom and Microsoft Office products including PowerPoint, Word, Excel.
• Working knowledge of environmental issues such as: climate change mitigation and adaptation, water quality including urban runoff/stormwater management, land use planning, and/or related issues (we will teach this skill set to the right candidate), especially in terms of impacts on our residents and environmental justice.

Preferred Qualifications

• A passion for protecting environmental and public health through the lens of natural resources through organizing and policy change.
• A commitment to working respectfully across differences and bringing diverse communities together.
• Proficient/conversational in Spanish. 

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to hike moderate distances over uneven terrain carrying a load of 20 pounds.
• Must be able to balance on slippery rocks and scale down steep embankments.
• Must be able to travel to various local sites
• Must be able to work at a computer

Benefits  

• Health care
• Life insurance
• Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Medical & dependent care flexible spending accounts
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Approximately 15 organizational holidays annually, 2 flex holidays
• Vacation and sick leave based on length of service

Disclaimer: This description is not a comprehensive list of job activities or responsibilities.

Last Updated: April 2026