Policy & Engagement Manager – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Policy & Engagement Manager provides operational and administrative support in support of SDZWA’s Government Relations mission. The position will help to ensure strong engagement at the local, state, federal and international levels in furtherance of the organization’s mission and policy objectives. this position reports to the Vice President of Government Relations.
WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support VP of Government Relations in developing conservation operational legislative and funding objectives
• Track and analyzes legislation and regulations with potential impact to SDZWA mission priorities
• Maintain internal tracking systems for GR policy outreach and engagement
• Drafts recommended policy position statements
• Assists in organizing advocacy days at the city, state and federal levels
• Other duties as assigned by the Government Relations team

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Join a mission driven and focused team, where your initiative and organizational skills will help ensure success. We’re seeking a proactive, result-oriented team member who thrives in fast-paced environments and is eager to drive meaningful change by ensuring organizational excellence. If you are a mission support professional with a passion for science and conservation, this is your opportunity to turn purpose into action. A Resume and Cover Letter is highly recommended.

JOB experience

• 3 years of professional experience in policy, advocacy, or government affairs required.
• 3 years in stakeholder engagement, policy analysis and research required.
• 3 years of experience with environmental and conservation policy analysis and research preferred

EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, environmental studies, conservation biology, natural resource management, public policy, political science or a related field required.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes
• Ability to understand and succinctly explain complex policy matters
• Effective collaboration skills
• Team building skills
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral)
• Develop presentations using powerpoint or keynote
• Develop and maintain strong tracking databases and systems
• Prepare and make presentations
• Use word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics, and desktop publishing systems
• Work effectively with others in a diverse environment

SOME OF THE PERKS YOU WILL ENJOY AS A TEAM MEMBER

• Free admission to the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park
• Family Passes
• Complimentary Tickets
• Local and In-House Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program

IMPORTANT DETAILS

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Position Type: Salaried Full-Time Exempt Position
• Salary Range: $87,264 to $98,172

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail [email protected]. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an Application, please email your request to [email protected] and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.