About PERC

The Property and Environment Research Center (PERC) is the national leader in market solutions for conservation, with over 40 years of research and a network of respected scholars and practitioners. Through research, law and policy, and innovative field conservation programs, PERC explores how aligning incentives for environmental stewardship produces sustainable outcomes for land, water, and wildlife. Founded in 1980, PERC is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and proudly based in Bozeman, Montana.

This is a transformational time at PERC. Our nimble team is growing in all departments to support our ambitious goal of inspiring a new era of conservation in America based on incentives and innovation. Read more.

Position Description

The State Policy Associate is a new role that will work to achieve meaningful policy changes at the state level on cutting-edge environmental issues. This position will work within the policy and legal team to shape conservation policy in favor of innovative, market-oriented solutions by crafting state policy proposals, strategizing on implementation, and working directly with policymakers and partners to advance those proposals. This is a fast-paced role best suited for an ambitious, driven individual, who will navigate the state political process from idea initiation to implementation.

This position will be responsible for identifying state policy opportunities to advance PERC ideas, crafting testimony for state legislatures, submitting public comments, sharing PERC research with state legislators and public officials, building coalitions, and hosting events to share policy ideas. The state policy associate will work closely with and report directly to the Policy Director.

Primary Responsibilities

State government relations (35%)

• Effectively communicate PERC’s ideas to state policymakers through email, phone and in-person meetings, cultivating relationships with influential partners
• Work with Policy Director to identify relevant state policymakers and policy advocates to advance PERC issues  in support of the greater policy and legal team
• Cultivate relationships with state government decision-makers
• Assist the Policy Director in advancing conservation policy priorities through ongoing communication and relationship-building with state officials
• Manage contracts with external lobbyists

Coalitions and partnerships (25%)

• Work with Policy Director to identify and build coalitions with relevant stakeholder groups to advance conservation efforts on state policy ideas
• Represent PERC and its policy positions at virtual and in-person events, meetings, and workshops as identified by Policy Director to build relationships and coalitions

Policy-oriented research (25%)

• Track breaking state policy developments on targeted issues and communicating to relevant PERC staff
• Informative research & data collection: gathering background information and collecting data on policy topics
• Watch or attend legislative hearings to inform policy team and broader research initiatives
• Work with PERC research team to summarize policy proposals for external audiences

Support the Policy Director in government affairs activities (10%)

• Produce background information and memos to prepare the Policy Director for events

Additional internal collaboration (5%)

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful webinars, events, and fundraising efforts as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Experience Required

• 3-6 years relevant experience in government offices, government affairs roles with advocacy organizations, or work with conservation policy
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
• Experience tracking legislative and agency developments
• Proven active listening skills and ability to take direction
• Ability to take initiative
• Proven track record of building and maintaining effective relationships and partnerships
• Self-motivated
• Strong time management skills and ability to take an organized approach to work
• Must have a valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with government at a state level
• Experience managing external contractors
• Familiarity with POLITICO Pro
• Familiarity with Salesforce

Travel Requirements

• Some regular travel by car and airplane is required

Working Conditions

• Business office environment with moderate noise
• Travel by car and plane is possible
• Will sit or stand at a desk
• Work on a computer, use a telephone, and other general office equipment
• Lift and carry up to 25 pounds

Location

This is a full-time, exempt position ideally based in Bozeman, Montana. We are open to remote positions for exceptional candidates.

Perks of working at PERC

• Great health (platinum, gold and silver plans), vision, and dental benefit choices for employees and family
• Flex/FSA or HSA offered
• 5% 401(k) PERC contribution
• PERC contributed life insurance
• Voluntary additional life insurance
• Voluntary accident insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid vacation and sick days
• 12 paid holidays
• Discounted gym membership
• Ability to work with an impactful conservation organization, dedicated to positive environmental outcomes

To Apply

Please submit the following to employment@perc.org:

• Resume
• Cover letter detailing: 1) interest in the role 2) understanding of PERC and our approach to conservation
• 3 references

Not sure you meet all the job qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend not to apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification when, in fact, they often do. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment and strongly encourage you to apply.