Manager of Public Policy - Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

Manager of Public Policy

Great Lakes/Atlantic Region

Ducks Unlimited (DU) seeks a highly motivated Manager of Public Policy to advance DU’s wetlands and waterfowl conservation mission across nine states in the western Great Lakes/Atlantic Region: MI, OH, IN, KY, MO, IL, IA, WI, and MN. This role strengthens DU’s influence at the state and federal level by building strategic relationships, engaging volunteers, coordinating grassroots advocacy, and representing DU with policymakers and partners.

The Manager will work and collaborate across all DU divisions—including Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Legal, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communications—to identify policy needs and advance priority issues. The position requires strong communication skills, policy experience, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Travel is required (10–25%), and some work outside normal business hours should be expected.

The Manager will focus primarily on state-level policy (approximately 75% of time) while supporting DU’s federal affairs team as needed (approximately 25%)

Primary Responsibilities:

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• Under the supervision of the Regional Director of Public Policy, manage and support DU’s public policy priorities across nine Great Lakes/Atlantic Region states.
• Serve as DU’s liaison with partner organizations to advance conservation and related policy outcomes.
• Oversee policy volunteer engagement and coordinate grassroots advocacy efforts. This includes serving as the primary staff liaison to DU’s regional policy committees.
• Manage regional policy communications, including action alerts and policy updates.
• Support DU’s federal policy priorities in coordination with the federal affairs team.
• Plan and execute regional public policy events that elevate DU’s brand and visibility among elected officials.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Regional Director of Public Policy.

Project Management

• Lead several major, long-term policy projects with defined goals and measurable impacts (e.g., WI Knowles‑Nelson Stewardship Fund reauthorization, MN Outdoor Heritage Fund appropriations).
• Identify and assist with smaller, short‑term policy issues arising from other DU departments.
• Balance long-term strategic projects with immediate policy needs and ongoing responsibilities.

Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with internal DU partners across Conservation, Fundraising, Development, Science/GIS, and Marketing/Communications.
• Engage and support DU volunteers, including state chairs, policy chairs, and senior volunteer leaders.
• Coordinate volunteer advocacy activities such as lobby days, project tours, and visits to state capitols or Washington, D.C.
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners, including NGOs, state agencies, legislators, legislative staff, and the Governor’s offices.
• Take leadership roles in local or regional coalitions that support DU’s work but have broader goals beyond our mission. 
• Represent DU professionally and effectively in all interactions

Event Coordination

• Organize and execute policy-related events, including lobby days, wetland field tours, and regional meetings. As well as partner and coalition-related events. 
• Attend DU events such as state conventions and leadership meetings to provide policy updates and strengthen volunteer engagement.

Communications & Legislative Tracking

• Draft official DU communications, including letters to state or federal agencies, state legislators, and Governor’s offices.
• Prepare op-eds, social media content, and volunteer communications in coordination with DU’s Marketing/Communications team.
• Track legislation and regulatory actions across the nine-state region and provide clear, digestible updates to internal and external stakeholders.
• Translate complex policy and scientific information into accessible formats for diverse audiences.

Qualifications:

Required

• 2–4 years of experience in public policy, conservation, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, wildlife, natural resources, or related field; OR a 2‑year degree; OR equivalent professional experience.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific or policy concepts to non‑experts.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external partners.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple workstreams.
• Ability to work independently with general guidance and defined outcomes.
• Passion for wetlands, waterfowl, wildlife, and conservation.
• Willingness to learn, adapt, and contribute to DU’s strategic direction.

Preferred

• Additional experience beyond the minimum in public policy or conservation.
• Budget management experience.
• State or federal legislative experience.
• Understanding of legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience working on conservation issues from a policy or science perspective.

Salary & Location:

• Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Position will be based in DU’s regional office near Ann Arbor, Michigan for the first year.
• Based on performance, relocation to another state within the nine‑state region may be considered at the supervisor’s discretion.

To Apply: Please fill out all application materials and attach a cover letter describing your interest in the position, your resume, and three professional references.

Benefits: DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.