Forage Fish Campaign

The Forage Fish Campaign is a national advocacy organization dedicated to protecting forage fish species that are foundational to healthy marine ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, and resilient coastal economies. The Campaign works at the intersection of science, policy, and public engagement to end destructive industrial forage fishing practices.

Role Description The Forage Fish Campaign seeks a Policy Director to lead its federal and state advocacy efforts, manage external outreach consultants, and support public-facing communications and events. This senior role will shape and execute the Campaign’s policy strategy, engage decision-makers, and help build a durable coalition of stakeholders, partners, and supporters.

The Policy Director will work closely with the Executive Director, board members, scientific advisors, communications and government affairs specialists, and coalition partners to advance legislative, regulatory, and administrative reforms that protect forage fish and the ecosystems and communities that depend on them.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Advocacy Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy aligned with the Campaign’s mission and priorities.
• Track and analyze federal and state legislation, regulations, and administrative actions related to fisheries management and industrial fishing.
• Engage with policymakers, agency staff, and allied organizations to advance the Campaign’s policy objectives.
• Prepare policy briefs, comment letters, testimony, and advocacy materials in collaboration with scientific and communications partners.

Outreach and Consultant Management

• Manage and coordinate external outreach, lobbying, and communications consultants. 
• Ensure consistency of messaging, strategy, and deliverables across consultants and partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact between the Campaign and its external policy and outreach teams.

Public Relations and Communications Support

• Support public relations efforts by contributing policy expertise to press materials, op-eds, and media briefings.
• Assist in shaping clear, compelling messages that translate complex science and policy into accessible narratives.
• Represent the Campaign in media interviews, public panels, and briefings as appropriate.

Event Organizing & Coalition Building

• Plan and execute advocacy events, briefings, fly-ins, and public forums in Washington, DC and key coastal regions.
• Build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, community leaders, scientists, and advocates.
• Support coalition efforts to align stakeholders around shared policy goals.

Fundraising

• Help prepare grant requests and reports.
• As needed, meet with current and prospective donors to explain the goals, strategies and tactics of the Campaign.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with federal agencies, Congress, or state governments.
• Strong understanding of environmental, fisheries, ocean, or natural resource policy.
• Experience managing consultants or external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently in a startup or early-stage organizational environment.
• Willingness to travel occasionally for meetings and events.

Preferred Qualifications

• Washington, DC-based with existing policy or advocacy networks.
• Experience with nonprofit advocacy campaigns or coalition-based efforts.
• Familiarity with fisheries management institutions and marine conservation policy.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range of $120,000 to $140,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits package includes healthcare, 401k contributions with immediate vesting, and paid time off. Flexible work arrangements are possible with a preference for proximity to Washington, DC.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit a resume and brief cover letter to info@foragefishcampaign.org describing their interest in the role and relevant experience.