Director, Agricultural Policy

Duration

This is a two-year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension.

Location

This position is based in Washington, D.C. and may be remote or hybrid out of our D.C. office.

Overall Function 

Agriculture is responsible for nearly a quarter of global greenhouse gas pollution, with the overuse of nitrogen-based fertilizer and methane emissions playing a major role. The Director, Agricultural Policy, will lead EDF’s efforts to develop and implement effective and innovative agricultural policy solutions in the United States and around the world in order to reduce impacts to air, land, water, and climate. The Director will bolster EDF’s leadership on agricultural policy, markets, and innovation and will catalyze a growing global strategy to ensure effective teamwork and management across the organization and with key partners. This role, a key leader within the Climate-Smart Agriculture team and the Agriculture, Water, and Food (AWF) focus area will report to the Vice President, Climate-Smart Agriculture. 

Key Responsibilities 

• With key colleagues and partners, lead the development of strategies and workplans for agriculture policy, with a specific focus on cropland and fertilizer use.

• Partner with the Vice President, SVP, and EDF Development to engage trustees and donors and to raise funds to advance our mission, and liaise with EDF Executive Team and Board of Trustees as needed.

• Identify emerging issues and trends to identify EDF’s role and value add, and develop strategies based on assessed needs and opportunities. 

• Guide strategy for analyzing complex agriculture issues and designing solutions to reduce climate impacts of agriculture by strengthening management and aligning stakeholders’ economic incentives with the health of the planet. 

• Advance EDF Organizational Effectiveness and Culture (OEC) goals so people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values. 

• Serve as a lead authority on issues of agricultural policy and implementation of improvements, including effective and authentic community engagement, which ensuring attention to issues of equity and justice.

• Regularly communicate in various fora (internal, public, etc.) on key areas of expertise, representing EDF and the Climate Smart Agriculture team. 

• Provide expert advice and consultation to the policymakers, partners, staff and other stakeholders on agricultural policy. 

• Play a key lead role in fundraising efforts, including drafting strategically relevant proposals, growing relationships with donors and foundation officers, tracking and reporting progress, and other functions.

• With the Vice President, work to identify and cultivate new funders and individuals to contribute to the fundraising goals. 

• Identify and oversee consultants and coordinate with staff and partners to ensure aligned execution of work to achieve results and work closely with financial operations lead on budget matters. 

• Guide, motivate and develop staff, prioritizing professional development and ensuring staff understand how their work relates to EDF’s global strategy. 

• Effectively coordinate across EDF teams (AWF, Political Affairs, OCS, OCE, and others) to ensure EDF priorities are met. 

• Develop a team management p