Policy Director, Sustainable Conservation (San Francisco)

Job Summary

The Policy Director, in collaboration with program directors, leads Sustainable Conservation’s efforts whenever the organization’s goals would benefit from creation, change, or clarification of rules, regulations, or statutory law, or from policy negotiation, advising, or cooperation with private sector, NGO, and public agency stakeholders.

Position Summary

In this role the Director will track state‑level policy developments, advise senior leadership on strategic positioning, and integrate equity considerations into all policy initiatives. The Director will represent the organization on a variety of laws and regulations including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, CV‑SALTS, Irrigated Lands Regulatory Programs, and the Dairy General Order, and will maintain relationships with agencies such as the State Water Resources Control Board, Department of Water Resources, Regional Water Quality Control Boards, Natural Resources Agency, Department of Fish & Wildlife, and Department of Food & Agriculture.

Location

Position based in either the San Francisco or Sacramento office with collaboration with the Modesto team. Preference for candidates located in or around the Sacramento region. A hybrid work environment is offered with the possibility to work remotely a few days a week. Periodic statewide travel will be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide guidance, leadership, and support to program leadership on policy and strategy issues at federal, state, and local levels.
• Lead legislative and selected administrative policy initiatives in close coordination with Program leads.
• Advocate and serve as a policy spokesperson for Sustainable Conservation positions to policymakers and constituency group leaders.
• Offer governmental policy, political, and social equity perspectives to support program deliberations.
• Collaborate across programs to articulate, develop, and implement overarching policy goals.
• Participate in leadership and program team meetings and lead the generation of policy positions at Board meetings.
• Develop and guide relationships with the California Legislature, regulatory agencies, community-based organizations, stakeholder groups, and NGOs to support policy changes aligned with Sustainable Conservation’s programs.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of policy experience at local, state, and federal levels.
• Highly collaborative, proactive, and able to work across internal teams.
• Strong diplomatic, resourceful, and strategic skills.
• Deep understanding of complex public policy issues in California.
• Knowledge of the CA Legislative and Budget process.
• Knowledge of natural resource agency policies and processes.
• Familiarity with statutes and regulations related to water supply, water quality, land use, and sustainable agriculture.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Valid California driver’s license and willingness to travel.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $135,368 – $144,600 annually.

Benefits:

• Fully paid health benefits
• 401(k) with match
• FSA
• EAP
• Vacation and floating days
• Sick leave
• Paid winter holiday week
• Collaborative culture rooted in organizational values

Application Process

Send a cover letter and resume to with “Policy Director” in the subject line. Anticipated start date: February 1, 2026. Position type: Exempt, full time with benefits. Company: Sustainable Conservation, 98 Battery Street, STE 302, San Francisco, CA 94111, USA. Web: suscon.org .