Senior Advocate, Climate Mobility Adaptation

Position Summary

NRDC is seeking a Senior Advocate to work with the Adaptation team in our Washington D.C., New York, or Chicago office. The role will lead and expand NRDC’s work on climate mobility, with a particular focus on planned relocation as a climate adaptation strategy.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead NRDC’s climate mobility strategy, with an emphasis on planned relocation as a just and equitable adaptation response.

• Build on and expand NRDC’s existing climate-related home buyout work to more fully integrate it into broader mobility and relocation frameworks.

• Identify emerging opportunities, policy gaps, and priority interventions for advancing equitable planned relocation nationally.

• Design and develop guidance, analytical tools, decision frameworks, and implementation resources to support state, local, and tribal governments as well as community-based organizations in planning, evaluating, and executing planned relocation processes.

• Produce research, briefs, and policy analysis to advance best practices, governance models, funding structures, and community-centered approaches to climate mobility.

• Build and strengthen partnerships with community organizations, academic institutions, advocacy groups, and governmental entities engaged in climate mobility and planned relocation.

• Serve as a convener across organizations to coordinate messaging, elevate the importance of planned relocation nationally, and support alignment of practices across sectors.

• Represent NRDC in working groups, coalitions, conferences, and public forums on climate mobility and planned relocation topics.

• Work closely with cross-program teams to integrate climate mobility into broader NRDC priorities.

• Communicate strategy, findings, and recommendations to internal staff, leadership, funders, and partners.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in public policy, climate adaptation, environmental science, planning, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 7 – 10+ years of experience in climate adaptation, climate mobility, disaster recovery, planned relocation, or related fields.

• Demonstrated expertise in planned relocation, climate mobility frameworks, and community-centered adaptation practices.

• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local adaptation programs and related mechanisms (experience in implementation is a plus).

• Experience working in, with, and for frontline communities.

• Experience building and leading coalitions or multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Exceptional writing, communication, and external engagement skills.

• Ability to navigate complex political, social, and community dynamics with cultural competency and humility.

• Commitment to equitable, community-led adaptation and environmental justice principles.

• Proven experience managing internal processes, project teams, and budget towards a joint plan and strategy.

• Track record of cultivating high-level relationships with political and non-profit advocacy groups, with a well-established professional network in politics, government, and non-profit advocacy.

• Problem-solving skills, including the ability to proactively identify obstacles and propose solutions or recommendations to overcome them.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse colleagues and partners.

• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.

• Ability to represent NRDC with maturity, judgement, and professionalism.