Aquaculture Policy Analyst I at Think Tank Inc. in Silver Spring, MD, USA

Job description

• The Policy Analyst I serves as a senior policy professional and point of contact supporting NOAA Fisheries. This role leads complex policy and regulatory analyses, develops strategic policy recommendations, and coordinates multi-agency policy reviews that inform federal decision-making related to aquaculture development and regulatory oversight.
• The analyst operates with substantial independence and provides subject-matter expertise on federal aquaculture policy and regulatory frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Advanced Policy and Regulatory Analysis
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of legislation, federal statutes, regulatory frameworks, and policy proposals affecting marine aquaculture.
• Develop policy options and recommendations for NOAA leadership.
• Prepare high-level briefing materials, policy memoranda, and issue papers for senior agency officials.
• Lead development of analytical tools, decision-support materials, and policy comparison frameworks.
• Interagency Policy Coordination
• Coordinate review and comment processes across NOAA offices, regional aquaculture coordinators, and federal partners.
• Lead consolidation of agency comments on draft policies, regulations, and interagency documents.
• Facilitate collaboration among federal agencies, state partners, and stakeholders.
• Strategic Communications and Outreach
• Develop communications strategies and policy messaging that support aquaculture program objectives.
• Prepare stakeholder-facing materials including policy summaries, outreach documents, and briefing packages.
• Support planning and execution of outreach activities, workshops, and stakeholder meetings.
• Meeting Leadership and Stakeholder Engagement
• Lead preparation of agendas, briefing materials, and presentations for internal and external policy discussions.
• Facilitate policy discussions and document key decisions and action items.
• Represent program priorities in coordination meetings with partner organizations.
• Program Management and Reporting
• Support task order management activities and monitor progress toward program objectives.
• Lead preparation of monthly progress reports summarizing program accomplishments, risks, and upcoming priorities.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior policy analysts and support staff.

Requirements

• Master's degree in marine science, environmental policy, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Three or more years of professional experience supporting federal policy or regulatory analysis related to marine resource management or aquaculture.
• Demonstrated knowledge of federal environmental and fisheries statutes, including:
• Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
• National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Endangered Species Act (ESA)
• Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
• Experience supporting NOAA Fisheries, NMFS, or other federal marine resource agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to develop policy recommendations and briefing materials for senior leadership.
• Experience coordinating interagency policy reviews or regulatory consultations.
• Strong project management, facilitation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Skills

Required

• Advanced policy and regulatory analysis
• Policy development and recommendation
• Briefing material preparation
• Interagency coordination
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communication