About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012 by landowners and managers, the organization aims to increase the wellbeing of working lands in the American West and the living communities, including human and wildlife, that depend on them.

Position Overview: The Southwest Government Affairs Manager will work with organizational leadership, members, and partners to identify policy priorities; this role will also develop and execute strategies to achieve policy goals and deliver resources to landowners in the Southwest. This will include representing and organizing outreach efforts to state legislatures, governors’ offices, state agencies, and other key constituencies.

Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday

Location: This position is remote, but individuals must be located in New Mexico. Periodic travel will be required, particularly during legislative sessions.

Reports to: Chief Policy Officer

Compensation: $70,000-$90,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental and medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program.

Duties/Responsibilities Include:

Legislative and policy research and analysis for Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico
Develop and maintain strategic partnerships, working groups and coalitions including direct outreach to WLA members, advisors, partners, and stakeholders.
Represent WLA at state legislatures, governors’ offices, state agencies, and other key constituencies.
Identify and establish collaborative relationships with government agencies (i.e. US Fish & Wildlife Services, New Mexico Department of Game and Fish, the New Mexico State Game Commission), producer groups, and other community-based organizations related to conflict reduction, hunting, fishing, and recreation, in New Mexico.
Provide policy briefs, issue memorandums and recommendations to organizational leadership.
Draft comment letters, local paper op-eds and other formal correspondence.
Develop and execute advocacy strategy in priority states.
Lead state lobbying activities and educational outreach, including compliance with ethics laws, lobbying disclosure and registration/reporting requirements.
As needed, assist in federal WLA policy work including policy analysis, regulatory comments, congressional testimony, and other advocacy activities.
Support delivery of state and federal resources to landowners.
Contribute to and review WLA communications products, including advocacy campaign outreach, social media posts and magazine articles.
Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent work experience, required.
Aptitude for policy research and analysis, including the ability to distill complex subject matter to any audience for comprehension.
Excellent communication skills (writing, editing and speaking); detail orientated; strong independent work ethic; and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders
Experience working for a government entity or nonprofit specializing in natural resource management and/or agriculture.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment.
Willingness and ability to maintain confidential information and work with diverse populations.

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office and field setting. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day, conducting business over the telephone and via email, standing for long periods of time, periodic travel and traveling long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads). This position may also require moving materials up to 25 pounds.  

Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter (required) via our website. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusiveness and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all team members regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or political affiliation. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply.

Target Start Date: Immediately