Managing Director, Campaigns

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive strategic campaign development and execution to ensure NRDC and the NRDC Action Fund achieve their policy priorities on climate, environmental health and nature, with a significant focus on climate campaigns, at the federal and state levels.
• Effectively manage a team of 6 campaign staff, providing strategic direction, regular coaching and feedback, supporting their professional development and fostering collaboration.
• Be a thought and action partner to the staff across External Affairs and Programs in planning and executing advocacy campaigns.
• Build and maintain relationships with key internal and external partners and coalitions.
• Develop and manage a discretionary budget in close coordination with the External Affairs' operations team; ensure direct reports are following institutional operations guidance.
• Lead and support development efforts in close collaboration with Development and institutional leadership.
• Anticipate needs for upcoming fights or key moments and identify proactive opportunities.
• Organize campaign briefings and reports for internal and external parties.

Requirements

• 15 or more years of experience in either electoral politics or advocacy campaigns and issue advocacy with proven cross-functional leadership ability demonstrated through senior roles held in campaigns, political committees, non-profit advocacy organizations, consulting firms, trade associations, etc.
• At least two consecutive years of work experience at a large mission-driven advocacy organization.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, advocacy, and social skills.
• Experience with budgeting, management, and fundraising.
• A professional network across federal and state elected offices, political party committees and campaigns, major advocacy and political organizations, and donor networks.
• Ability to build relationships, effectively collaborate, and engender trust from colleagues at all levels of institutional seniority.
• Ability to handle complex and sensitive discussions and processes with diplomacy, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity.
• An adept project manager who can juggle multiple priorities and ambiguity.
• Ability to commute to and work from the NRDC office at least eight times a month and additionally as needed.
• Ability to travel for work outside of normal office operations approximately 20% annually.
• Commitment to NRDC's mission and values.
• Ambition and growth mindset paired with methodical planning and patient discipline.

Nice to Have

• Experience in managing advocacy campaigns related to climate and environmental policy.
• Existing relationships with federal and state policymakers and advocacy organizations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive salaries and excellent benefits.
• Supportive working environment.
• Hybrid work model requiring in-office presence 8 days per month.
• Paid time off and health benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.