Overview

Megafire Action is a startup nonprofit organization dedicated solely to developing and securing policy solutions to solve the megafire crisis. The scale and intensity of modern wildfires, especially megafires, demand an urgent and coordinated policy response. To meet this challenge, we advocate for reform at the national and state level, with a special focus on landscape management, community resilience and better use of innovative technology solutions.

Megafire Action has established itself as a key driver of wildfire policy change at the federal level. We are looking for a leader with a track record of excellence to build out a nimble, and highly effective California state policy operation.

This leader is driven, has a hands-on, ownership mentality, and will bring an outcomes-focused approach to leading Megafire Action’s efforts in Sacramento.

They will be responsible for developing and implementing an agenda that balances the ambition that the Los Angeles fires demand with the art of the possible. There will be a heavy initial focus on the built environment, the insurance crisis, and utility resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a deep understanding of the California wildfire policy landscape and build an agenda that capitalizes on opportunities to advance the organization’s priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key state policy decisionmakers in the legislature and throughout state government.
• Advise on and advocate for Megafire Action’s policy priorities.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key government officials, agencies, and policymakers at the state and regional levels, including California State Legislature, Governor’s Office, Executive Branch agencies as well as with the fire service in California and with California’s Office of Emergency Services.
• Advise on and advocate for Megafire Action’s fundamental policy priorities and funding needs in legislative and regulatory processes
• Manage contracts of lobbyists and other related consultants

Advocacy and Mobilization:

• Support the development and oversight of Megafire Action’s mobilization efforts including aligning with others to conduct state and regional meetings and various opportunities that raise awareness and foster alignment across the wildfire landscape in California, and the West.
• Develop and implement advocacy strategies, working alongside the Megafire Action Communications team to promote California’s wildfire-related policy agenda and needs.
• Collaborate with the communications team to create messaging and materials supporting policy and funding initiatives
• Develop and implement strategies that equip and engage proximate leaders in effective advocacy efforts
• Represent Megafire Action in meetings, hearings, and other forums to advocate for our policy priorities
• Organize, develop, and implement statewide policy coalitions in identified states
• Engage with various coalitions critical to Megafire Action’s work including the Association of Firetech Innovation, community foundations, the California Firesafe Council, Western Fire Chiefs Association, other NGO’s and foundations as needed.

Strategic Planning:

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on policy
• Prepare reports, presentations, and other materials for senior leadership and board of directors’ meetings, summarizing policy developments and their implications for California
• Support Megafire Action’s annual policy priority planning and coordinate alignment with national, regional, and state partners
• Ensure Megafire Action is compliant with state regulations related to lobbying, policy, and advocacy efforts

Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist and support in the attainment of our mission, the Megafire crisis is solvable.

Qualifications

• A proven track record of securing legislative and/or state policy victories in California.
• Solid working relationships with legislators and senior state policymakers in Sacramento
• Experience developing and executing a policy agenda, either inside or outside of government.
• Superb interpersonal communication and writing skills.
• A healthy skepticism of the status quo and drive to push for systemic change.
• Knowing when to ask for help – A willingness to learn and adapt to changing organizational needs and opportunities.

What makes candidates stand out:

• A track record of leading and growing teams.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working directly on wildfire policy and existing relationships with wildfire stakeholders.

Details & Compensation:

• Hours: This position is a full-time, remote, salaried position based in California
• Reports to CEO
• Location: California, near Sacramento preferred.
• Paid leave: Flexible PTO
• Healthcare and lifestyle stipends
• Competitive retirement benefits
• Salary range: $175,000-$190,000/year

Megafire Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

At Megafire Action, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We believe that individuals from all backgrounds, especially those from communities disproportionately affected by wildfires and environmental challenges, bring unique perspectives and experiences that are invaluable to our mission. We strongly encourage you to apply and be a part of our inclusive community.