Water Policy Manager

Responsibilities

• Track trends, changes, and developments in scientific, legal, political, and regulatory matters. Monitor developments in programmatic priorities by researching, tracking, and analyzing legislation and policy initiatives related to PFAS, sourcewater pollution and protection efforts, and water use.
• In collaboration with Clean Wisconsin’s water policy team, support the program’s legislative and policy priorities including drafting legislation, preparing and occasionally delivering testimony, and developing policy briefs and educational materials.
• Cultivate strategic relationships with key government officials, especially those at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Department of Health Services and University of Wisconsin System Schools.
• Conduct program and policy analysis to identify and support potential recommendations and solutions to ground- and surface-water contamination.
• Evaluate scientific data related to water contamination to support policy and programmatic efforts. Assess linkages between emerging contaminants and public health.
• Create outreach materials and website content to elevate the voices of place-based groups impacted by water contamination and enhance public awareness and policy-maker education.
• Identify and support place-based groups working to protect drinking water quality through data analysis and policy development.
• Promote Clean Wisconsin’s efforts to combat water pollution at speaking engagements, fundraising events and other venues.
• Maintain effective communication with other environmental organizations, coalitions and partners.
• Aid in grant development, grant reporting, project management and other activities that support program priorities.

Required Skills and Experience

• Ability to perform in a rapidly changing work environment and manage competing priorities while maintaining a long-term vision.
• Familiarity, fluency and comfort with issues of water contamination and basic governmental processes at the state and federal level.
• Demonstrated ability to translate technical issues into the language of laypersons.
• Attention to detail, procedural rules and instructions.
• Familiarity with key stakeholders in water advocacy, paired with a demonstrated ability to forge strong relationships of trust.
• Strong listening skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to be a spokesperson to the media, to other advocates and within appropriate governmental forums.
• Knowledge and appreciation for how issues of water contamination and related government programs play out in low-income households, urban and rural communities.
• Interdisciplinary thinking and grasp of the intersections between water pollution, climate change, and environmental justice.
• Ability to interact effectively, appropriately, and compassionately with staff and colleagues.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, and Zoom (or equivalents).

Traits

• Commitment to securing a sustainable and healthy future for all Wisconsin communities and addressing the disproportionate burden falling on low-income households in our urban and rural areas.
• Commitment to help create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Team player.
• Flexibility and creativity.
• Sense of humor.

Working Conditions

• Office based position in Madison, Wisconsin with potential for a hybrid work schedule allowing remote work up to two days or approximately 16 hours per five-day work week.
• Frequent travel throughout the state to meet with impacted community members, policymakers, agency staff, researchers and partner organizations.
• Occasional evening and weekend work for public meetings, conferences, workshops and events, as necessary.

Required Education

• An undergraduate or graduate degree—or equivalent experience—related to environmental science, conservation, climate change, public policy or political science.

Compensation

• Salary range for the position is $64,000- $80,000 commensurate with skills and experience.
• Benefits package includes health and dental insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan with a 6% employer match, paid sick leave and vacation, life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance.

To Apply

• Please submit a cover letter and resume to hiring@cleanwisconsin.org. Be sure to include the subject line “Water Policy Manager.”
• Applications that do not follow these instructions will not be reviewed.
• For best consideration, please submit materials by July 30, 2026.