Policy Advocate

Job Type: Full-time exempt

Community Water Center acts as a catalyst for community-driven water solutions through organizing, education, and advocacy. CWC has offices in Visalia, Watsonville, and Sacramento, CA. We seek to build and enhance leadership capacity and local community power around water issues, create regional movements for water justice in California, and enable every community to have access to safe, clean, and affordable drinking water.

At CWC, we believe that safe, clean, and affordable water is a human right, not a privilege. Our organizing and advocacy work, community collaborations, and organizational culture all reflect a concern for equity, mutual respect, appreciation for diversity, and environmental and social justice. We are looking for candidates who share our values, who bring a willingness to contribute to our mission and to the growth of a new organization, and who are open to developing their skills. 

Ideal Candidate

We are seeking an experienced policy advocate energized to ensure community drinking water needs are prioritized within California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management and Land Transition programs.

Position Description

The Policy Advocate is a full-time exempt position that will be primarily responsible for leading community-driven policy advocacy related to Sustainable Groundwater Management and Land Transition. This role requires an individual who can navigate the California water and policy landscape and can effectively coordinate with community residents, government agencies, and affiliate organizations. This position will report to the Policy Director in the Sacramento office. All employees at CWC are “at will.”

Major Responsibilities

• Lead and support advocacy efforts which ensure groundwater is managed sustainably and community drinking water needs are prioritized.
• Lead and support advocacy efforts to promote equitable implementation of drought planning in the Central Coast and San Joaquin Valley.
• Advocate for community-centered implementation of the California Department of Conservation's Multibenefit Land Repurposing Program (MLRP), ensuring affected communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes.
• Represent the organization at public hearings, legislative meetings, regulatory proceedings, groundwater sustainability agency meetings, workshops, and other external events.
• Coordinate and support community participation in water policy and land transition decision-making processes by providing outreach, education, and engagement opportunities.
• Assist the Policy Director and other staff in advancing organizational policy priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, government agencies, elected officials, and other stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts and advance equitable water policy outcomes.

General Duties

• Foster an environment that promotes trust, respect and cooperation amongst staff, management, community members, and affiliate organizations
• Actively participate in staff, management, planning, and program meetings; reporting processes; and staff retreats.
• Actively participate in CWC activities such as advocacy events and fundraising events.
• Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Supervisor and other Directors.

Note: Nothing in this position description restricts CWC’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.

Required Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in regulatory policy
• Strong research, writing, public speaking, and facilitation skills.
• Very strong interpersonal communication skills, with sensitivity to appropriate delivery depending on target and audience
• Proven ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders on a policy push
• Strong project management skills to oversee campaigns, delegate appropriately, meet deadlines and ensure high quality work
• Ability to accept and provide praise and critical feedback
• Conversational and written fluency in Spanish

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in the San Joaquin Valley and/or Salinas Valley or familiarity with key environmental justice issues facing these regions
• Experience in CA water, environmental, and local government law
• Experience working in low-income communities and/or communities of color
• Experience living in small and/or unincorporated low-income communities of color

Physical and Travel Requirements

• This position requires a valid CA drivers license, the ability to drive on highways, the ability to travel within California and participate in outreach activities as needed, and the ability to work some evenings and weekends. The role may involve periods of sitting, standing, walking, or carrying materials of up to 50 lbs.

Starting Date: Open until filled

Salary Range: $75,000-85,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)

Application: To apply, email resume and cover letter to careers@communitywatercenter.org

Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement contributions; generous vacation, family and sick leave and holiday policies; hybrid (remote and in-person) work location policy; work from home reimbursements; flex-time; professional development opportunities and more. (Benefits guidelines and eligibility vary based on tenure and employment status, among other factors.)

Community Water Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such employees may be able to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. To learn more about the Community Water Center, visit our website at www.communitywatercenter.org