Pacific Environment

State Climate Policy Manager

Join Pacific Environment as State Climate Policy Manager in Washington. Lead advocacy for zero-emission shipping and clean ports, engaging policymakers and communities. Benefit from flexible work and a diverse, mission-driven team.
Pacific Environment
Pacific Environment
Hybrid Full time US$80,000–90,000 annually UTC-07:00

Pacific Environment

Company Overview

Name

Pacific Environment

Headquarters

San Francisco, CA, United States

Founded

1987

Size

Approximately 60 employees (source: pacificenvironment.org).

What They Do

Pacific Environment is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization dedicated to climate protection, marine conservation, and anti-pollution campaigns across the Pacific Rim. Founded in 1987, it has evolved from publishing scientific articles to becoming a significant network-builder, partnering with over 150 grassroots allies to achieve impactful policy wins. These include protecting tens of thousands of acres of old-growth forest and influencing global governance institutions (source: pacificenvironment.org). The organization focuses on high-emission industries such as maritime shipping and petrochemicals, advocating for zero-carbon shipping by 2040 and promoting marine protected areas under the 30x30 Initiative, which aims for 30% global protection by 2030 (source: pacificenvironment.org). It does not offer commercial products but provides essential services like policy advocacy at international bodies, coalition-building, and grassroots organizing (source: sec.gov). The target markets include Pacific Rim communities, ecosystems, and policymakers, focusing on coastal populations and Indigenous groups rather than corporate clients (source: pacificenvironment.org). Its unique position as a connector in the environmental advocacy space is bolstered by its consultative status with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and its emphasis on regulatory wins over hardware development (source: sec.gov).

Projects & Track Record

Pacific Environment has achieved notable successes in environmental advocacy, including co-founding the Clean Up Carnival coalition in 2018, which successfully delivered 100,000 signatures to pressure Carnival, a major player in the global cruise market, to end the use of heavy fuel oil in the Arctic. The organization has also played a crucial role in advancing Arctic shipping regulations at the IMO, addressing issues such as black carbon emissions and wastewater management (source: pacificenvironment.org). Other significant accomplishments include closing polluting factories and protecting vast areas of forest, demonstrating its commitment to environmental preservation and advocacy (source: pacificenvironment.org). Ongoing efforts focus on zero-emission shipping campaigns, marine protected areas in Southeast Asia, and plastic pollution reduction initiatives in Vietnam and China, showcasing the organization's proactive approach to pressing environmental issues (source: pacificenvironment.org). Additionally, it has highlighted innovative projects such as the world's first hydrogen-powered passenger ferry, Sea Change, which launched in San Francisco, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainable solutions (source: pacificenvironment.org).

Recent Developments

In recent years, Pacific Environment has seen significant leadership changes and developments. Shannon Wright was appointed as the new Executive Director in January 2024, succeeding Alex Levinson, who led the organization for over a decade and left it in a strong financial position (source: pacificenvironment.org). The organization submitted a comment to the U.S. SEC in June 2022, urging for comprehensive emissions disclosures, reflecting its commitment to transparency and accountability in environmental advocacy (source: sec.gov). Additionally, the promotion of the Sea Change hydrogen ferry launch on July 12, 2024, marks a significant milestone in its advocacy for innovative and sustainable maritime solutions (source: pacificenvironment.org). While there have been no reported acquisitions or mergers, the board has noted the organization's strong financial health, which is crucial for its ongoing advocacy efforts (source: pacificenvironment.org).

Working There

Pacific Environment offers a range of roles across various departments, including advocacy, policy, and operations. Positions are available in areas such as Federal Climate Policy, international programs focusing on the Arctic and Asia, communications, and development/fundraising (source: sec.gov). The organization seeks individuals with backgrounds in environmental law, campaign management, scientific research, and grassroots organizing, reflecting its commitment to diverse expertise in environmental advocacy (source: pacificenvironment.org). Job openings are primarily located at its San Francisco headquarters, as well as in Anchorage, Chongqing, Los Angeles, and remote positions aligned with Pacific Rim initiatives (source: pacificenvironment.org). The organizational culture emphasizes collaboration, justice, and systemic change, fostering an environment where emotional intelligence and international activism are valued (source: pacificenvironment.org). While specific benefits are not detailed, the organization's strong financial position suggests competitive compensation packages typical for nonprofits, including health insurance and paid time off (source: pacificenvironment.org).


Last updated on Feb 23, 2026 | Report an issue

Pacific Environment is a nonprofit organization dedicated to confronting our most urgent environmental issues by connecting local and global movements, catalyzing policy change and inspiring action for the benefit of people and our planet. Together, we promote a healthy climate, reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity for an equitable and thriving future. Learn more at www.pacificenvironment.org.

Building on more than forty 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 a Washington State Climate Policy Manager to join our climate policy team and provide critical policy support for our Ports for People campaign on zero-emission shipping and ports. They will implement a multi-state advocacy campaign to advance climate goals, including achieving zero-emission shipping and zero-ready ports. This position is well-suited for someone who has a successful track record in policy advocacy and has experience in mobilizing public support to stop the climate crisis and protect vulnerable communities impacted by worsening climate. Legislative experience is strongly preferred. Campaigning and/or organizing experience a plus.

This position will report to the Climate Campaign Director, Ports.

Responsibilities

  • Policy advocacy lead in Washington and Oregon to support adoption of clean shipping regulations
  • Advocate before the State Legislature, at regulatory hearings and stakeholder meetings
  • Lead engagement with leadership and staff at major ports
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with decision-makers and other key partners, including but not limited to, community and environmental justice groups, tribal nations, regulatory agencies, labor organizations, port and maritime associations, utilities and academic partners
  • Represent Pacific Environment with the press, in coalitions with key allies and in key policy forums
  • Lead on bill tracking for Washington and Oregon
  • Conduct research and analysis to support policy development
  • Craft position letters, public testimony, fact sheets and policy papers in support of Pacific Environment's policy and legislative priorities
  • Cultivate and lead the Seattle-Tacoma Clean Ports & Shipping Coalition
  • Monitor maritime fuels, including hydrogen and LNG, in Washington and Oregon, identifying and flagging issues of concern and opportunities
  • Develop and implement various campaigns and advocacy tactics such as grassroots organizing, traditional and digital outreach, engaging policymakers and in-person mobilization tactics
  • Project management and coordination, including logistics to execute campaign activities and events
  • Other tasks as determined by the Climate Campaign Director, Ports

Key qualifications

  • Minimum 5-6 years of relevant work experience, particularly in policy advocacy or environmental and social change organizations
  • Demonstrated professional experience with Washington legislative and regulatory landscapes and processes
  • Meticulous attention to detail and quality of work product
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to problem-solve and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience working in coalitions and building organizational partnerships across issues and differences
  • Experience working with communities most impacted by the climate crisis, particularly those affected by racial and economic injustice
  • Experience working with labor is a plus
  • Experience in maritime decarbonization, other heavy industry sectors, or energy is a plus
  • Demonstrated critical and strategic thinking abilities with a proactive approach to problem-solving
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite and online research tools

Relevant experience for this position can take many forms, and we strongly encourage applicants from a diversity of backgrounds.

Work environment & travel

This position is based in Seattle, Tacoma or Olympia, WA. While most work will be completed remotely, there will be occasional travel obligations for in-person meetings and events locally, regionally or further.

Physical requirements

The State Climate Policy Manager work involves sitting and looking at a computer for long stretches of time, communicating with co-workers electronically and occasional in-person meetings or events. The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

Compensation & benefits

Pacific Environment provides compensation commensurate with experience and equitable with others on our team, plus a full benefits package for staff positions. The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $90,000. Individual work experience and internal pay equity are heavily considered when presenting an offer. The employee will enjoy a flexible working environment with a dedicated, diverse group of colleagues.

How to apply

To be considered, applicants should submit a resume and cover letter describing relevant experience here. This position will remain posted until filled; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Pacific Environment is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply. To ensure fair consideration of all candidates, we ask that applicants do not contact Human Resources, hiring manager, or program staff directly.

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.

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Pacific Environment. Please inform our HR team by emailing [email protected] if you need any assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application or interview process.

Pacific Environment participates in the E-Verify Program: https://www.e-verify.gov/employees

No phone calls, please.

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About the role

August 25, 2026

August 25, 2026

Full time

Hybrid

Non-profit

US$80,000–90,000 annually

Hydrogen, Smart Grid

Pacific Environment

pacificenvironment.org

  •  Seattle, Washington, United States
  •  Tacoma, United States
  •  Olympia, United States

5-6 years

UTC-07:00