
Building on more than thirty years of policy wins for the Pacific Rim’s peoples, ecosystems, and climate, Pacific Environment has been campaigning to end fossil fuel use, including to get ships off fossil fuels. Our federal strategies include securing strong regulatory frameworks and legislation to achieve zero-emission shipping on a timeline commensurate with the climate emergency; mobilizing congressional and public pressure on federal agencies and policymakers to adopt binding emissions standards and public investments; and engaging industry and maritime workers as partners in the transition to zero-emission shipping — working with bodies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, MARAD, and the Federal Maritime Commission to align national maritime policy with a zero-emission shipping future.
Position
Pacific Environment seeks an experienced Federal Policy Director to lead the organization’s federal government affairs strategy on maritime shipping issues. This role is the organization’s principal advocate before Congress and federal agencies — including the U.S. Coast Guard, Maritime Administration (MARAD), Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), EPA, and Department of Transportation — on policy priorities such as vessel emissions and fuel standards, port and vessel infrastructure investment, supply chain resilience, and maritime workforce and safety standards.
The Federal Policy Director will build and maintain relationships with congressional offices and committee staff, track and analyze relevant legislation and rulemakings, represent the organization in coalitions and public forums, and translate technical maritime policy into actionable advocacy strategy. This is a senior externally facing role requiring deep familiarity with the federal legislative and regulatory process and credibility with maritime policy stakeholders.
$105,000 – $115,000 a year
Pacific Environment offers compensation commensurate with experience and equitable with others on our team, along with a full benefits package for staff positions. The benefits include medical, dental, vision, 403b retirement planning with employer match, WFH stipend, generous PTO, sabbatical for tenured staff, and professional development reimbursements. The salary range is carefully considered to account for equity, and the final offer will be based on the candidate’s qualifications. The employee will enjoy a flexible working environment with a dedicated, diverse group of colleagues. This position has a salary range of $105,000–$115,000. Individual work experience and internal pay equity are considered when extending an offer.
Work environment & travel
This position is remote but requires the employee to be based in Washington, D.C. for regular meetings on the Hill, at agencies, and with coalition partners. Some additional domestic and international travel for conferences and events may be required.
Physical requirements
This role primarily involves sitting and working at a computer for extended periods, frequent virtual and phone communication, and regular in-person meetings, hearings, and events on Capitol Hill and at federal agencies. The ideal candidate must be able to complete the physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
Pacific Environment is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage people from communities harmed by environmental degradation and from backgrounds underrepresented in the environmental movement to apply. We welcome diversity to do our best work and believe that creating teams in which everyone can be their authentic self is key to the change we seek.
To ensure fair consideration of all candidates, we ask that applicants do not contact Human Resources, Hiring Manager, or Program Staff directly. No phone calls, please.






