Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy

Company: National Wildlife Federation
Location: Washington
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Founded in 1936, the National Wildlife Federation is America's largest and most trusted grassroots conservation organization with 52 state/territorial affiliates and more than seven million members and supporters, including hunters, anglers, gardeners, birders, hikers, campers, paddlers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes. The Federation’s mission is to unite all Americans to ensure wildlife thrive in our rapidly changing world through programming focused on conserving wildlife, restoring habitats and waterways, expanding outdoor opportunities, connecting children with nature, and addressing the causes and consequences of climate change. The Federation is committed to inspiring all people around our shared love of nature and wildlife by creating a welcoming and inclusive community representative of all Americans. To advance our mission, we are seeking a full-time Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy to join our Climate and Energy team, working out of our National Advocacy Center in Washington, DC, with telework options. Our Climate and Energy team advances domestic policies at federal, regional, and state levels that curb greenhouse gas emissions, speed an equitable transition to clean energy on- and offshore, decarbonize industry, and expand natural and technological carbon removal. NWF seeks to grow bipartisan support for short- and long-term policy action on climate, working with a range of partners to build diverse coalitions. The Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy will help shape and bring leadership to NWF’s policy and advocacy priorities with regards to the needed expansion of responsibly developed clean energy in the United States, integrating our commitments to climate stabilization, habitat and natural resource conservation, environmental justice, and community engagement. You will report to the Associate Vice President of Climate and Energy and work alongside the rest of the Climate and Energy and Offshore Wind teams in Washington, D.C. As the Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy, you will serve as a primary in-house expert on clean energy technologies and policy options, helping guide the Federation’s activities to advance the environmentally and socially responsible buildout of renewable and zero/low-carbon energy at the pace and scale needed to stabilize our rapidly changing climate while avoiding, minimizing, and mitigating negative impacts to wildlife habitat and elevating the needs of host communities. You will advise and collaborate with the AVP and colleagues from the climate, offshore wind, public and private lands, environmental justice, Tribal outreach, and other teams and regional offices in shaping and representing clean energy policy for NWF. You will perform policy analysis, advocacy, research, writing, public and media education, coalition building and maintenance, and intra-organizational communication and coordination. Principle Duties (major areas of responsibility): Policy Analysis and Advocacy Congress: You will serve as our team’s primary point person for Congressional strategy and outreach on clean energy, keeping abreast of policy opportunities (including appropriations), building relationships with key offices and staff, and striving for bipartisanship. Federal Agencies: You will advocate for policy solutions at the Department of Energy, the Bureau of Land Management, and potentially others that steer the energy sector toward responsible decarbonization. You will monitor, lead, and collaborate on response to key regulatory actions through public comments and communications strategies. States: You will provide input to NWF’s Senior Program Manager for Climate and Energy Policy on the development of a state policy hub that provides resources and technical assistance to state partners, and on identification of potential model state legislation and targeted advocacy engagement opportunities. Analysis: In collaboration with the AVP and other team members, you will help guide NWF policy on permitting and on emerging areas of importance. Other Advocacy Duties: You will occasionally represent NWF and our clean energy policy goals in the media and help advise on public statements. Coalition Participation and Partnership Development – You will lead NWF engagement in NGO-industry working groups on clean energy, including on clean energy tax credits, energy innovation policy, next-generational geothermal energy policy, and congressional strategy regarding offshore wind. You will pursue or support new relationships and collaborations with various partners to advance federal policy priorities, and work with regional staff and field organizers to identify and educate partners at the state and local levels, especially within our network of 52 independent state and territorial affiliates. You will work closely with Federation affiliates to advise and support their participation in advocacy and stakeholder dialogues. Stakeholder Education – In collaboration with our regional field directors and other regional staff, you will personally engage in key U.S. regions (especially the Intermountain West, Gulf states, and Appalachia) to facilitate stakeholder education of clean energy solutions, such as by helping organize virtual listening sessions on local impacts of the clean energy buildout. You will help craft educational and persuasive materials on clean energy for different audiences and shape a strategy for (terrestrial) clean energy industry education on wildlife and community needs, working with colleagues to refine and disseminate best practices for responsible development. Fundraising – You will work closely with the AVP and NWF’s philanthropy team to maintain existing funder relationships and devise and execute strategies to seek new funding opportunities to support our clean energy goals. Qualifications A Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience, with a working knowledge of clean energy, smart grid technology, renewable energy permitting/siting, energy storage, or related policy. A Master’s or other advanced degree in environmental policy or law, environmental engineering, energy innovation, climate change, biology, environmental economics, or relevant field can count towards experience. Familiarity with the U.S. political system and have issue advocacy experience, plus be skilled at synthesizing and communicating information for policy or advocacy audiences in a compelling and accurate manner in writing and orally. Well organized with excellent attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks, set goals, and meet deadlines. Comfortable working in a dynamic team and independently and be a go-getter with initiative to get things done. Strong interpersonal and networking skills with the ability to work well with diverse interests, including labor, business, conservation, and environmental justice and Tribal representatives Travel Requirements Travel will consist of about 20-30% of time throughout the U.S. Location and Work Mode: This position will be based in Washington, D.C. The National Wildlife Federation is committed to a flexible and empowered work environment with an authentic community of care for all staff. In this position, the employee may work hybrid (remote/office mix) to be decided jointly with their supervisor in the final stages of the interview process. For more information on Work Modes, please review the benefits section of our careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About -Us/Careers Physical Requirements of the Job: Remaining in a normal seated or standing position for extended periods; reaching and grasping by extending hand(s) or arm(s); dexterity to manipulate objects with fingers, for example, using a keyboard; communication skills using the spoken word; ability to see and hear within normal parameters; ability to move about the workspace. The position requires mobility, including moving materials weighing up to several pounds (such as a laptop computer or tablet). Persons with disabilities may be able to perform the essential duties of this position with reasonable accommodation. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be evaluated on an individual basis. Compensation And Benefits The salary range for this position is currently $85,000 – $90,000 annually, dependent upon qualifications and experience. We are proud of our designation by Mogul as a Top 100 Workplace with the Best Benefits, and by Forbes as one of America’s best small employers! We value work-life balance and a family-friendly atmosphere with flexible scheduling. We want you to be able to integrate work and personal life with attention to your self-care, so that your work schedule is not depleting. We offer benefits so you feel restored and fueled through the day and week. We offer these supports to help manage your mental, emotional, and physical health: Paid time off: Vacation that starts off at three weeks accrual based on a full-time schedule, unlimited wellbeing (this time can be used for physical, spiritual, emotional, cultural, religious or financial wellbeing for yourself, a partner, or family member – including pets), and 11 holidays We close down for a paid winter break between December 25 to January 1 to recognize end of-year stress, and time for reflection, rejuvenation, and spending time with family. Up to 16 weeks of fully paid Family and Medical Leave Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance options – all outpatient mental health is covered at in-network rates Therapist available at no cost Pet insurance and discount perk program Annual wellbeing allowance In addition to your salary, we offer the following supports to your personal finances: Retirement plan with immediate match and vesting Annual year end retirement contribution Tuition Reimbursement Adoption and Surrogacy assistance Pet adoption stipend Student Loan management Applicants are invited to learn more about National Wildlife Federation’s benefits package at https://www.nwf.org/About -Us/Careers. Application: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. NWF is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment with regard to any classes or characteristics protected by law. For more information on our recruiting process, please review our Careers page: https://www.nwf.org/About -Us/Careers We recognize that people come with a wealth of knowledge and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. Your experience, which may include paid and unpaid work, including volunteer work, helps build the competencies and knowledge that translates to our openings. Whether you’re new to the field, returning to work after a gap in your employment, or are taking the next step in your career path, if you believe you could excel in this role we encourage you to apply! Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of excellence. To be eligible for this role you must be a U.S. citizen or have valid work authorization to work in the U.S. Please let us know if you require accommodations during the application or interview process by reaching us at careers@nwf.org or 703-438-6244. If selected for this position, a background check will be conducted.

Keywords: National Wildlife Federation, Ellicott City , Senior Policy Specialist, Clean Energy, Energy / Utilities , Washington, Maryland