Senior Policy Program Manager

CleanAIRE NC (CANC) is an advocacy organization working for clean air and climate change solutions since 2003. Headquartered in Charlotte, our mission is to advocate for the health of all North Carolinians by pursuing equitable and collaborative solutions that address climate change and air pollution.

POSITION

The Senior Policy Program Manager leads CleanAIRE NC’s public policy and advocacy initiatives, providing strategic direction and execution of the organization’s legislative and regulatory agenda. This role advances policies that improve air quality, promote environmental justice, and address climate change at the local, state, and federal levels.

Reporting to executive leadership and working closely with cross-functional teams, the Senior Policy Program Manager drives advocacy strategy, manages high-impact campaigns, and ensures alignment between policy priorities and organizational goals. This position focuses on legislative leadership, coalition engagement, and measurable advocacy impact while strengthening CleanAIRE NC’s influence across North Carolina.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Policy Program Manager ensures that CleanAIRE NC’s policy and advocacy efforts are strategic, coordinated, and effective in advancing environmental and public health outcomes. Key responsibilities include:

Policy Strategy & Legislative Leadership

• Develop and execute CleanAIRE NC’s annual policy and legislative agenda aligned with organizational priorities.
• Identify and advance opportunities for environmental legislation in partnership with policymakers and stakeholders.
• Create and implement advocacy strategies to influence legislative, regulatory, and rule-making outcomes.
• Monitor and analyze policy trends, political developments, and public opinion to inform organizational positioning.

Advocacy, Government Relations & Public Engagement

• Serve as a primary advocate for CleanAIRE NC’s policy priorities with government officials, agencies, and civic bodies.
• Translate complex environmental science and policy into clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences.
• Draft advocacy materials including policy briefs, fact sheets, legislative alerts, and public communications.
• Represent the organization at coalition meetings, public forums, legislative sessions, and media engagements.
• Partner with Communications and Marketing to support media outreach and digital advocacy campaigns.

Permitting & Regulatory Advocacy

• Monitor and respond to air permitting processes and regulatory actions impacting communities.
• Provide policy guidance and strategic support to communities addressing environmental concerns.
• Navigate administrative and regulatory frameworks to advance environmental protections.

Coalition & Community Leadership

• Build and maintain relationships with advocacy organizations, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison to coalition partners to align advocacy strategies and initiatives.
• Support community-led advocacy through education, tools, and strategic guidance.

Board & Organizational Collaboration

• Support and coordinate with the Board Policy Team, including briefings and ongoing policy education.
• Provide updates on legislative developments, regulatory trends, and advocacy outcomes.
• Collaborate with program staff to align advocacy efforts with organizational initiatives.
• Strengthen CleanAIRE NC’s position as a leading air quality and climate advocacy organization.

Staff Leadership & Program Support

• Recruit, supervise, and support program staff and interns as needed.
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and mission-driven team culture.
• Ensure effective coordination and execution of advocacy initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Environmental Policy, Government Relations, or related field required; advanced degree (Master’s or JD) preferred.
• 5–7 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, government relations, or environmental law.
• Proven experience leading advocacy campaigns and legislative initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of environmental laws, regulatory systems, and air permitting processes.
• Familiarity with North Carolina’s policy landscape preferred.
• Experience in climate, energy, or transportation policy strongly preferred.
• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex policy into accessible messaging.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to environmental justice and equity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role operates in a hybrid work environment that includes remote work, in-office collaboration, and in-person meetings across North Carolina.

The position requires a highly organized and strategic professional who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced advocacy environment. Evening and extended hours may be required during legislative sessions or major advocacy campaigns.

WORK SCHEDULE & COMPENSATION

CleanAIRE NC offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employee wellbeing and professional growth.

Salary range for this position will be commensurate with experience and organizational salary structure.

This role may require occasional evening or weekend work and travel within North Carolina for meetings, advocacy events, and community engagement activities.

APPLY

Application materials will be accepted until the position is filled.

CANC will schedule and complete phone screenings as qualified applicants are identified.

Please contact Human Resources if you require application accommodations.
To learn more about CleanAIRE NC, please visit www.cleanairenc.org

Equal Employment Opportunity

CleanAIRE NC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve.

All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs.