Jobs at Defenders of Wildlife (Now Hiring) — 2 open

DEFENDERS OF WILDLIFE

POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Coordinator, Government Relations	Hourly Rate: $28.85 - $31.25 FLSA: Non-Exempt
DEPARTMENT: Government Relations  LOCATION: Headquarters, Washington, D.C. REPORTS TO: Vice President, Government Relations  NUMBER OF DIRECT AND INDIRECT REPORT(S): 0
LAST REVISED: June 2026

POSITION SUMMARY

This position involves a broad range of administrative and advocacy responsibilities in support of the Government Relations Department. The coordinator has responsibility for assuring the efficient administrative functioning of a fast-paced legislative and administrative advocacy department, including the filing of lobby disclosure reports to Congress. The position directly implements various aspects of Defenders’ advocacy agenda including but not limited to monitoring or attending congressional hearings and press conferences and agency events; tracking legislation, agency rules and their implementation, and related developments; writing fact sheets, briefing memos and other documents; distributing informational and educational materials to congressional staff; organizing and staffing special events; and assisting with congressional and administrative lobbying and grassroots organizing. The coordinator must be extremely well organized and have excellent administrative skills; have familiarity with the legislative and administrative rules process or a willingness to learn about both; possess strong oral and written communication skills; be capable of articulating Defenders’ position on complex federal policy issues; and possess a commitment to wildlife and natural resource conservation. 

The coordinator works in a highly collaborative manner to execute tasks for several members of Defenders’ staff. The position provides extensive administrative and program assistance to department staff, with priorities determined and assigned by the Vice President. The coordinator also regularly functions as the Vice President for Government Relation’s liaison to other environmental organizations, Defenders' members, and the general public. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree in related discipline 

Experience: 1 year of relevant experience (2+ years of experience preferred)

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted as a satisfactory substitute for the specific education and experience listed above. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for All Defenders 

https://defenders.org/knowledge-skills-and-abilities 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities for Coordinator, Government Relations 

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Activities Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like.	N
Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments including tight and confined spaces.	N
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.	C
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.	O
Adjusting or moving objects up to 10 pounds in all directions.	O
Communicating with others to exchange information.	C
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.	C
Operating machinery and/or power tools.	N
Operating motor vehicles or heavy equipment.	N
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.	C

Environmental Conditions Check all that apply	Frequency (N)Never, (O)Occasionally or (C)Constantly
Low temperatures.
High temperatures.
Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
Noisy environments.
Hazardous conditions.
Poor ventilation.
Small and/or enclosed spaces.
No adverse environmental conditions expected.	X

Physical Demands Check only one
Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.	X
Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.
Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Heavy work that includes moving objects up to 100 pounds or more.

Visit www.defenders.org to apply.

All employees are required to satisfactorily perform the essential duties and responsibilities of their positions. The essential duties and responsibilities listed above are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Defenders of Wildlife provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to their race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, genetic information, disability, veterans' status or and any other legally protected class, characteristic or trait per applicable federal, state, or local law.

Please be advised this position is union-eligible. This position is part of a union bargaining unit represented by OPEIU Local 2.