Job Opportunity: American Lung Association – Manager, Nationwide Policy, Clean Outdoor Air

The American Lung Association has an excellent opportunity for a Manager, Nationwide Policy, Clean Outdoor Air. Working as a member of the Advocacy and Public Policy department, you will join an outstanding group of professionals dedicated to our mission: to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through research, education, and advocacy. 

The American Lung Association is a leading organization championing lung health and clean air for all. The Manager, Nationwide Policy, Clean Outdoor Air works on policy research, development and tracking on clean air and climate issues, with a specific focus on two important policy areas: reducing methane emissions and cleaning up emissions from locomotives/rail operations. Working in coalition with national partners and in cross-departmental teams, the Manager will develop policy and outreach documents and seek opportunities to raise awareness and advocate for policy change at the national, state and local level with the goals of reducing methane emissions from the oil and gas industry and from the transport and burning of gas for electricity; and of building a case for zero-emission rail to improve lung health and health equity. This is a grant-funded position. 

Location: The position is located at the American Lung Association’s Washington, DC office and will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual work. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Track and analyze health studies and other documents on the health impacts of diesel emissions from rail and benefits of moving to zero-emission locomotives. 
  • Track policy developments at the federal and state level to reduce oil and gas industry methane emissions and require cleanup of diesel locomotives.
  • Develop public-facing communications and outreach materials like backgrounders, fact sheets, blog posts and media drafts to educate health audiences and the public about the health impacts of diesel locomotives and of methane emissions and the health benefits of cleaning up these industries. 
  • Develop advocacy materials including letters and comments directed at decision-makers. 
  • Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, with a focus on environmental justice, environmental and health organizations, federal and state agencies, and researchers. Represent the Lung Association in relevant coalitions.
  • Ensure engagement with groups representing disproportionately impacted populations, with a focus on environmental justice. 
  • Work closely with state advocacy staff to deepen understanding and engagement on the issues and equip them to engage as state-level opportunities arrive. 
  • Contribute to development and tracking of grant deliverables, job targets, and milestones capturing project metrics to monitor program success and make program improvements.

Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor’s degree preferred in public policy, environmental policy, political science or related field (or equivalent experience). 
  • Two to three years’ policy analysis or advocacy/organizing experience (such as with a government agency, legislative office, non-profit organization, professional society, company, campaign, or academic institution.
  • Experience with outdoor air quality issues and/or public policy advocacy preferred. 
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills. 
  • Computer proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 
  • Ability to work independently while maintaining collaborative functions with interdivisional teams and across national and local office locations. 
  • Ability to travel within the continental U.S. as needed (1-3 trips per year anticipated
  • Consistent with its mission, the American Lung Association maintains a smoke-free workplace; all employees must abstain from tobacco use in any form, including vaping. 

Compensation: Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.  The target hiring range for this position is between $62,500 and $71,000 per annum. 

Benefits: The Lung Association offers a comprehensive benefits package including:  

  • Paid Leave – 10 vacation days in the first year (15 days thereafter), 2 personal days and 15 sick days per year, as well as 12 company-paid holidays per year. We also offer Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees.  
  • Insurance – Employees (and their eligible dependents) can enroll in our medical, dental, and vision plans, as well as voluntary plans for critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, short-term disability and supplemental life/AD&D insurance. Employees will be enrolled in company-paid life/AD&D and long-term disability Insurance coverage.
  • Retirement Plan – Eligible employees can participate in our 401(k) Defined Contribution Retirement Plan, which offers matching employer contributions (up to 4%) and year-end discretionary non-elective contributions.  

Questions? For more details about this role please reach out to alahr@lung.org