Policy Research Associate

The Nature Conservancy

. Support evaluation, prioritization, and advancement of state and local policies advancing regenerative agriculture and water quality improvements .

Posted 10/9/2026full-timeRemote • United StatesMid-Level💰 $60,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in developing and implementing state and federal policies related to regenerative agriculture and water quality, while effectively collaborating with government agencies and stakeholders. Proficient in research, policy analysis, and communication to influence legislative initiatives and foster strategic partnerships.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy DevelopmentLegislative InitiativesResearch and AnalysisStakeholder EngagementStrategic Partnerships

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy AnalysisLegislation DraftingResearch CompilationBudget DevelopmentGrant Program Implementation

Soft Skills

CommunicationCollaborationInfluencingSupervisionPresentation Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

Juris Doctor DegreeMaster’s Degree in Public Policy

Industry Keywords

Regenerative AgricultureWater QualityGovernment RelationsConservation OrganizationsAgriculture Policy

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support evaluation, prioritization, and advancement of state and local policies advancing regenerative agriculture and water quality improvements
Identify, compile, and research promising water policy interventions
Develop legislative or administrative solutions to policy interventions
Work with government relations professionals and others to implement solutions at state or federal level
Identify and foster relationships with third-party contractors, consultants, NGOs, and universities
Provide research and policy analysis supporting legislative and policy priorities
Prepare program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications
Influence policy and corporate initiatives at federal, state, and local levels
Develop strategic partnerships with agencies, conservation organizations, and industry
Serve as a subject matter expert on policy intervention projects
Assist government relations staff in addressing water quality challenges and advancing Edge of Field practices
Work independently and collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
May supervise administrative staff, volunteers, interns, or temporary staff
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements
Assist with budget development and fundraising goals
May work long or flexible hours to coordinate with staff and partners across the US or region

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience
Fluency in English
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure
Experience with legislative or policy initiatives at the state level
Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership
Experience working with partners and government agencies
Juris Doctor Degree or Master’s Degree in Public Policy or related field (desired)
Experience drafting legislation and negotiating with interested parties (desired)
Experience developing or implementing federal or state policies, including funding/grant programs (desired)
Experience with programs, laws and stakeholders who engage on agriculture, water and land-use policy related work in the United States (desired)
Successful applicant must meet The Nature Conservancy's background screening requirements
Working location must be within the continental United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
401(k) plan with an 8% employer match
Parental leave
Accrued paid time off
Life insurance
Disability coverage
Employee assistance program
Other life and work well-being benefits
Flexible work environment
Career development
Occasional domestic travel for multi-day retreats, meetings, and conferences