Science and Policy Director​

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Save California Salmon (SCS) seeks a Science and Policy Director. The Director will analyze and critique policies, data, scientific studies, and other policy issues for SCS and advance science based policy and restoration recommendations. Specifically, they will work with SCS’s staff to: review and draft comments, appeals, and litigation of state and federal policy; develop and submit policy testimony; provide oversight and strategic planning for SCS’s policy and science based work; supervise policy and science staff: and support education and media staff and our constituents in policy/science based activities and advocacy. 

Reports to: Executive Director 

Location: Sacramento, CA or North State, Hybrid Remote/In-person

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time 

Salary: $80,000/annually with full health benefits

Required Qualifications:*

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1. 3-5 years of experience working in water, science and Indigenous rights policies and their implementation, preferably in California
2. Knowledge of California water, land, and Indigenous rights laws and agencies 
3. Knowledge of federal environmental and Tribal law 
4. Experience writing scientific and policy related documents or analyzing these documents
5. Proficiency with Google Suite and strong computer skills
6. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
7. Experience with organizing campaigns 
8. High level of attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
9. Experience working with Tribes, Tribal organizations and people
10. Must be both self-motivated and a supportive team player
11. Must also work well with children, co-workers, and community members
12. Must be able to lift up to 20 pound boxes and drive for long periods of time
13. Experience with public speaking 

Desired Qualifications:

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1. Experience creating trainings and teaching policy advocacy 
2. 2-3 years of staff management and supervisory experience
3. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree related to policy, law, or science or minimum 3 years equivalent experience
4. Experience in community organizing
5. Experience organizing public events, trainings, and rallies
6. Experience working with public agencies, Tribal and non-Tribal representatives and educational institutions
7. Experience in communications related to science and/or policy issues 
8. Experience in storytelling with communities of color

* We recognize that there may be otherwise highly skilled candidates lacking in one or more requirements, and we may be willing to train the right applicant in developing their relevant skill set.

Full Job Description: The Science and Policy Director will carry out tasks related to water and land policy and advance scientifically supported solutions to assist SCS in fulfilling its purpose. Those tasks include campaigns for Tribal rights, protection of aquatic species and clean water, and advocacy against detrimental water plans and projects. The Director will work with the policy team, Tribal partners, natural resource agencies, and other non-profits, engage with state and federal agencies, provide leadership and mentorship related to scientific processes and strategic engagement, and with the media team to communicate science and policy information and opportunities to the public. Core work will include:

Policy and Campaigns: 60% of time

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1. Provide analysis and strategic planning implementation support for SCS policy campaigns and responsive work
2. Supervise SCS Policy\ staff, interns and contractors 
3. Track relevant proposed state or federal policies/regulations and assign staff to cover important meetings 
4. Assist SCS Staff Attorney with reviewing and drafting comments on proposed policy documents, scientific reports, and proposed legislation 
5. Recommend policies and scientific actions to Tribes, state, and federal agencies
6. Defend the positive policy actions of agencies
7. Provide summaries and media statements on critical policy and science proposals and needs
8. Represent SCS at coalition meetings, conferences, rallies, and other relevant public events
9. Participate in relevant local, state, and federal agencies meetings
10. Testify at hearings, workshops, or related meetings 
11. Hold webinars, trainings, or similar educational programs for SCS’ network and partners 

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Legal: 15% of time

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1. Support staff attorney with litigation and related processes 
2. Support staff attorney with meetings and partnerships related to policy and legal actions
3. Assist with drafting testimony or other documents for Tribes, staff, and experts
4. Track deadlines for administrative hearings and litigation 
5. Assist staff attorney with legal appeals, actions and analysis

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Administrative: 15 % of time 

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1. Document policy and educational events 
2. Conduct interviews related to job within coverage area
3. Attend internal meetings and represent SCS at external meetings
4. Support fundraising and grant reporting
5. Update science related strategic and work plans 

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Communications: 10% of time 

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1. Support the communications team in their development of science and policy press materials and talking points and other media engagement 
2. Engage in media briefings on critical policy and science issues
3. Hold webinars, trainings, or similar educational programs for SCS’ network and partners 
4. Support in-person outreach
5. Write articles for the California Water Justice Newsletter 

How To Apply:

Please email a cover letter, resume, work sample (writing or video), references and contact information to: Brittany Souza, Operations Manager via email to: brittany@californiasalmon.org. Preferred work sample will demonstrate proficiency in communicating and advocating for environmental justice policies. Please feel free to email with any questions. 

Deadline To Apply: January 20th, 2026. Special consideration will be given to early applications