Program Associate, Environment and Land Use

About the Position: 

The National Association of Counties (NACo) announces an opening for a Program Associate on the Environment and Land Use Team focusing on energy technology and siting, environmental, community and military readiness. 

Within NACo’s County Practices and Innovations department, the program associate role is a project support position focused on contributing to the timely execution of project-based deliverables, such as coordinating logistics for small group events and supporting the dissemination of communications materials. The program associate will contribute to multiple initiatives within the Environment and Land Use portfolio by conducting comprehensive background research on relevant topics or emerging concern, helping execute virtual and in-person events and implementing communications strategies, such as newsletters, case studies and webpage updates. Program associates will build foundational skills in information gathering and synthesis, program and event logistics, content development and communications.

The position is dependent on the availability of project-based outside funding.

Key Responsibilities:

• Actively support multiple projects in the Environment and Land Use portfolio, including but not limited to effective land use and siting, energy development, resilience, military readiness and community engagement. 


• Actively support the Environment and Lanud Use portfolio and team.


• Actively support the development of written materials, conference calls, national webinars, small group convenings and national conferences.


• Assist in information gathering, development of focus group and listening session materials and support logistics, talking points and run-of-show for these events.


• Take notes during events and synthesize proceedings and key takeaways. 


• Assist in drafting, formatting and posting program resources including webinars, newsletters, toolkits, news articles and case studies for national dissemination through NACo’s website.


• Creation and maintenance of contact lists, response to invitations, meeting logistics and transcribed verbal conversations for online posting and disseminating materials for in-person and virtual events and announcements.


• Assist in developing quality information and guidance to county government officials on emerging issues relevant to county needs and interests. 


• Other duties as assigned by the Associate Program Director and County Practices and Innovations department leadership. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree required, concentrations in environmental sciences or public policy a strong plus.


• Internship experience and/or up to 2 years’ full-time experience in relevant field, such as environmental science, energy siting/development, public policy, government, nonprofit sector, associations; coursework or demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience in local government is a plus.


• Interest in key areas of land use and siting and community resilience, such as rural development, environmental, community and military readiness, energy development or scientific communication.


• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including virtual and in-person facilitation and outstanding attention to detail. 


• Ability to multitask and contribute to multiple projects without compromising quality or timely delivery; strong project management skills and experience preferred.

• Ability to work well in a political environment while maintaining a non-partisan perspective.


• Commitment and passion for mission-driven work to advance county priorities and push towards sustainability and community readiness. 


• Brings collaboration, innovative ideas and creativity to the position and work products; works well under pressure, as part of a team and with external partners.

Location and Travel: 

• Individuals must be located in Washington DC, or surrounding area, with an available hybrid schedule (minimum requirement to be in office 2 days a week).


• Ability to travel to conferences, meetings and partner engagements

Salary Range: $60,000- $62,000 commensurate with experience  

Application Procedures: 

Interested in joining our team? Apply on our NACo Career Center Page.