Government Affairs Specialist

About Miami Waterkeeper

Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Biscayne Bay and the surrounding watershed. Launched in 2010, MWK has become a leading advocate for clean water, inspiring a movement of empowered citizens dedicated to protecting South Florida’s waterways by advocating for resilient solutions grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community. Addressing issues on multiple fronts, we use community outreach, scientific research, and civic and legal action to advance our mission. Miami Waterkeeper is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. We are a small and hard-working team that is mission-driven and passionate about our environment and our community.

Position Overview

The Government Affairs Specialist is a full-time position based in Miami-Dade that supports Miami Waterkeeper’s advocacy and policy agenda at the City, County, State, and Federal levels to advance goals related to clean water, protecting thriving habitats, and advancing climate resiliency.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Legislative and Policy Engagement

• Monitor, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organization’s mission.
• Align government relations activities with the organization's overarching strategic goals.
• Keep Miami Waterkeeper’s staff up to date on government affairs priorities through briefings, written communications, blogs, and other analyses.

Advocacy

• Analyzes and tracks legislation, regulations, and administrative actions related to Miami Waterkeeper campaigns (related to clean water, protecting habitats, and climate resiliency) and develops draft legislative language to support policy objectives.
• Prepares background research, summaries, and analyses to inform Miami Waterkeeper’s advocacy positions.
• Co-develops briefings, talking points, one-pagers, technical letters, and regulatory comments.
• Develop and implement strategies to advance or defend legislation, regulations, and policies that support Miami Waterkeeper campaigns.

Coalition and Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain working relationships with Miami Waterkeeper members, Congressional offices, county, state, and federal agencies, coalitions, and partner organizations.
• Support Miami Waterkeeper’s participation in coalitions and working groups to advance mutual environmental legislative and policy priorities.
• Assist in planning and execution of conferences, meetings, and advocacy events.

Candidate Qualifications

• Preferably bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field.
• Experience: 3-5 years in government, public policy, or lobbying.
• Preferably knowledge in Environmental Policy.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills for drafting testimony and building consensus.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret complex policy language.
• Ability to manage multiple issue areas and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel as required.
• Collaborative mindset and ability to build strong relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision plan
• Retirement Account (with 3% 401K matching)
• Generous time off policies
• Remote work flexibility (2 days remote/week)
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code

Salary Range: $65,000 - $80,000

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and Miami Waterkeeper are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.