Policy Director at Western Landowners Alliance

About Western Landowners Alliance (WLA): Founded in 2012 by landowners and managers, the organization aims to increase the wellbeing of working lands in the American West and the living communities, including human and wildlife, that depend on them.

Position Overview: The Policy Director will lead the organization’s state and federal policy strategy, working with leadership, advisors, members, and partners to identify priorities and execute strategies to achieve policy goals. This role includes representing the organization to policymakers, facilitating committees, conducting research and policy analysis, drafting briefs, letters, and implementing advocacy campaigns.

Amount of Time & Status: 40 hours a week, exempt, Monday-Friday

Location: This position is remote, but individual must reside either in the American West within reasonable proximity to a major airport, or in Washington, DC. Regular travel will be required.

Reports to: Chief Programs Officer

Direct Reports: Western Policy Manager

Compensation: $80,000-$120,000. Salary is commensurate with experience. Western Landowners Alliance offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental leave, medical leave, 403b retirement savings account with a discretionary match, life insurance, short and long-term disability benefits, and an employee assistance program.

Duties/Responsibilities Include:

• Develop and execute state and federal policy strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Track and analyze relevant legislation and regulations; provide policy briefings and recommendations.
• Engage leadership, advisors, members, and strategic partners in collaborative policy initiatives.
• Facilitate the WLA Policy Committee, Western Advisory Committee, and coordinated advocacy campaigns.
• Draft policy documents, briefs, letters, and outreach materials.
• Represent the organization to lawmakers, agencies, funders, staff, media, and external stakeholders.
• Oversee and manage policy staff and contractors
• Ensure compliance with all ethics laws, lobby disclosure and registration/reporting requirements.
• Support fundraising and organizational strategy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant graduate or professional degree with minimum of 5+ years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and strategic campaign development.
• Coalition building and community organizing experience.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse array of stakeholders.
• Strong knowledge of agricultural and environmental public policy issues.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills.

Working Environment/Physical Activities: Work environment is an office setting and outdoors. Physical activities include sitting at a desk and working on a keyboard and computer several hours a day; conducting business over the telephone and via email; standing for long periods of time; traveling via plane and long distances by vehicle (including traveling on unpaved roads), and operating recording/photography equipment in rugged/remote ranch and rangeland settings in various weather conditions. This position may also require moving organization materials weighing up to 25 pounds. This position also requires facilitation of meetings and interfacing professionally with the public.

Application Procedure: Please submit your resume and cover letter through our online portal. Please, no phone calls. Western Landowners Alliance values diversity and inclusivity and is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive environment for all team members regardless of race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, and age, among other areas. Candidates who bring such diversity are encouraged to apply.

Target Start Date: Immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by April 20, 2026.