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Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 3 million acres of public land, created more than 5,000 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, raised $84 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected more than 9 million people to the outdoors.
 
The Senior Legislative Representative is a registered lobbyist for TPL, serving with demonstrated knowledge, advocacy skills, and effectiveness. The Legislative Representative position utilizes skills in strategy, policy, politics, and coalition- and program-building to help deliver TPL’s mission. A key function of this position focuses on supporting the implementation of the organization’s strategic plan initiatives and policies by enhancing federal agency and congressional funding and support.

The Sr. Legislative Representative will join the Federal Relations team in Washington, D.C., reporting to the Vice President of Federal Relations and work collaboratively and independently to bring federal support to TPL’s national programs and state/local project priorities. In that role, they establish and maintain relationships with Congressional offices and federal agency staff, represent TPL’s appropriations and legislative needs to committee, subcommittee, and member staff as appropriate, work with TPL state directors and field staff to develop a project portfolio and related political and grasstops implementation strategies, work with Congress, federal agencies and the national conservation and parks community to advance TPL policies, participate with other members of the team in the development and execution of a strategic federal agenda, oversee development of and TPL involvement in various federal programs and policies, and provide strategic guidance to TPL staff.

Essential Functions:    
  • Lobby on behalf of relevant federal programs funded through annual federal appropriations, including the Interior and Environment; Transportation/HUD; and Commerce, Justice, and State Appropriations bills.
  • Support development and lead implementation of the organization’s federal policy agenda, working closely with TPL’s field and Lab programs.
  • Develop new opportunities for federal funding support for TPL projects and programs.
  • Oversee TPL’s policy and funding efforts with federal agencies including Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Fish and Wildlife, and the Forest Service.
  • Develop new partnerships and manage TPL’s participation in various D.C. and locally-based coalitions.
  • Serve as liaison to several TPL state/area offices and develop strategy for federal support for their land protection programs and projects.
  • Track and analyze legislation affecting TPL projects and issues of organizational concern.
Qualifications:
  • BA or BS (4 year college degree) required.
  • Minimum 5-7 years’ experience with congressional or federal agency advocacy; conservation, park development, or climate experience strongly preferred.
  • Excellent writing, presentation and communication skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines and goals.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member as well as independently, with minimal supervision.
  • A strong commitment to ensuring access to nature, equitable park development and land conservation required.   Knowledge of real estate processes helpful, as is broad exposure to other environmental and social issues.
As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Trust for Public Land’s comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, three weeks of vacation annually plus ten holidays, a one-week paid winter break and a 403(b) retirement plan, currently with a 5.5% company matching that moves to 7% effective 8/1/2022. The annual salary range for this role is $85,000-$97,000, commensurate with experience.

Join a diverse team of dedicated and passionate people working toward a mission you can believe in—creating parks and protecting land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage diversity in the workplace. We welcome people of all backgrounds and seek to foster a culture of respect, openness, learning, integrity, and fun. We strive to make our job postings accessible to all prospective applicants. For assistance completing the application process, please contact us at 415-495-4014 or jobs@tpl.org.