The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) is a mission-driven non-profit dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat and our hunting heritage. Since our founding in 1984, we have helped conserve nearly one square mile of elk country every day. In partnership with others, we have conserved or enhanced more than 9.1 million acres, including improving public access to 1.6 million acres. Our impact will extend to 10 million acres by 2030.

RMEF is proud of our conservation successes and is committed to making an even larger impact in the future. RMEF is seeking a State Advocacy Manager to coordinate state contract lobbyists, track and evaluate state legislation, engage with state wildlife commissions, and conduct advocacy and lobby to advance RMEF’s mission.  Responsibilities include: state legislative engagement, lobbyist coordination, advocacy, and coalition representation. This role collaborates closely with RMEF government affairs staff on priority states. 

This is an exciting opportunity for a government affairs professional to apply their expertise in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. 

Qualifications include:

· Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, wildlife, or related field 

· Five years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, communications or public policy, preferably at the state level

· Experience working with wildlife commissions or natural resource agencies 

Location: This position is remote however the successful candidate must be located in the western region of the United States. Consideration will also be given to the proximity of a major airport.

Travel Requirement: Extensive travel will be required (estimated at 25-40%) including weekends. Hours beyond the normal workweek will be required. 

Essential Functions: 

• State Legislative Engagement: Monitor, analyze, and report on state legislation relevant to RMEF’s mission; Maintain bill tracking data for RMEF’s internal database and external webpage; Develop and execute strategies to support or oppose legislation; Coordinate with internal teams to assess policy impacts and mobilize grassroots support; Ensure compliance with state lobbying regulations.
• Lobbyist Coordination: Manage relationships with state contract lobbyists, including oversight of contracts, deliverables, and performance; Ensure consistent messaging and alignment with RMEF’s policy priorities; Ensure reporting and compliance requirements are met for state lobbying laws and rules.
• Wildlife Commission Advocacy: Track and engage with state wildlife commissions and related regulatory bodies; Represent RMEF in commission meetings, hearings, and stakeholder processes; Develop and maintain relationships with commissioners and agency staff; Develop volunteers to participate in wildlife commission engagement.
• Direct Advocacy and Lobbying: Serve as a central advocate for RMEF at the state level, and coordinate with RMEF field staff and volunteers to ensure advocacy consistency across the organization; Serve as RMEF lobbyist in select priority states; Build and maintain relationships with state legislators, agency officials, and other key stakeholders; Draft testimony, policy briefs, and advocacy materials; Facilitate RMEF comment on state regulatory issues; Plan, draft and execute grassroots engagements on high priority issues.
• Wildlife, Habitat and Sportsmen Coalition: Serve as primary RMEF representative on state coalitions for wildlife, hunting, and habitat organizations that align with RMEF priorities; Support and develop coalitions in new places; Coordinate with volunteers and RMEF staff 
• Strategic Planning & Growth: Identify opportunities to expand RMEF’s advocacy footprint in priority states; Collaborate with the Director of Government Affairs to develop long-term strategies and policy goals; Support grassroots engagement and coalition-building efforts.
• Coordination with c4 organization Hunt to Conserve

Supervision of Others: 

This position has no supervisor responsibilities. It may supervise independent contractors as directed by department leadership.  

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

1. Knowledge and support of RMEF’s mission, goals, and activities including hunting. Understanding and support of the North American Model of Wildlife Management.
2. Strong understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills including public speaking. Must be able to effectively communicate with large groups/individuals with varied backgrounds. 
4. Ability to work across the political spectrum regardless of party, and the ability to evaluate issues to understand all sides while advocating for the interests of RMEF.
5. Familiarity with conservation policy, hunting heritage, and land management issues.
6. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and stakeholders simultaneously and demonstrate flexibility with changing priorities.
7. Excellent computer skills.
8. Must have the high level of integrity and be able to build trust among staff and outside individuals.
9. Must present self in a professional manner and be able to respectfully handle sensitive topics. 
10. Must be project, task and goal-oriented and have the ability to work in a team environment.

Physical Demands:

The employee must sit or stand for long periods of time; use a computer terminal; reach forward and to the side; bend from both standing and sitting positions; and lift items weighing various pounds. Must be able to travel extensively by automobile and airline. Extensive travel will be required (estimated at 25-40%) including some on weekends. Hours beyond the normal workweek will be required.