Application Guide

How to Apply for California Policy Officer

at Resources Legacy Fund

🏢 About Resources Legacy Fund

Resources Legacy Fund (RLF) is a unique organization that builds the behind-the-scenes architecture for environmental progress, focusing on partnerships and campaigns to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and injustice. Unlike traditional advocacy groups, RLF acts as a strategic backbone, providing funding, coordination, and expertise to amplify impact across multiple initiatives. Working here offers a chance to shape California's environmental policy from a high-leverage, collaborative position.

About This Role

As California Policy Officer, you will lead RLF's government affairs in Sacramento, driving legislative and budget strategies for ocean, land, climate, and equity issues. This role is impactful because you will directly influence state policy and funding decisions, working with a network of partners to protect natural resources and advance environmental justice. You'll also train program staff, multiplying your expertise across RLF's campaigns.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve a morning call with program staff to brief them on a pending bill, followed by a meeting with a legislative aide to discuss a budget request. Afternoon could be spent drafting a policy analysis or attending a coalition meeting, with evening events for relationship-building with stakeholders. The role requires flexibility to travel to Sacramento regularly and work remotely otherwise.

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🎯 Who Resources Legacy Fund Is Looking For

  • A seasoned government affairs professional with 10+ years in California policy, ideally with deep knowledge of state budget processes and legislative dynamics.
  • Someone who has strong existing relationships with legislators, agency leaders, and diverse stakeholders (including Tribal communities) and can hit the ground running in Sacramento.
  • A strategic thinker who can research, analyze, and develop policy while also executing advocacy campaigns and training others.
  • Passionate about environmental and conservation issues, with a track record of advancing climate, land, water, or renewable energy policies.

📝 Tips for Applying to Resources Legacy Fund

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific California policy wins and your role in them, especially budget or legislative campaigns.

2

In your cover letter, name-drop key relationships or partnerships you have in Sacramento, but only if genuine and relevant.

3

Show your understanding of RLF's unique model as a philanthropic intermediary—emphasize collaboration and systems thinking over individual advocacy.

4

Prepare a brief example of how you've trained or mentored others in policy or advocacy, as the job involves staff training.

5

Research RLF's recent initiatives (e.g., Ocean Protection Council, 30x30 goals) and reference them to demonstrate your fit.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your deep experience with California's legislative and budget processes, with specific examples of successful campaigns or policy changes you've led.", 'Your ability to build and maintain trust-based relationships across diverse groups, including policymakers, Tribes, and nonprofits.', 'Your familiarity with the environmental landscape in California, especially issues like ocean conservation, climate resilience, or wildfire.', "Your collaborative approach and willingness to support others' campaigns, aligning with RLF's role as a behind-the-scenes architect."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review RLF's website and recent reports to understand their funding areas and key partners (e.g., California Environmental Voters, Audubon California).
  • → Study California's current budget cycle and major environmental funding streams (e.g., Proposition 68, climate bond proposals).
  • → Look into RLF's role in specific initiatives like the Ocean Protection Council, California Natural Resources Agency's 30x30 plan, or wildfire resilience efforts.
  • → Familiarize yourself with key players in Sacramento: the Governor's office, relevant committee chairs, and tribal liaison positions.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you navigated a complex California budget or legislative process to achieve a policy win.
2 How would you approach building relationships with a new legislator or agency leader who is unfamiliar with RLF?
3 What are the top 2-3 environmental policy priorities in California right now, and how would you advance them through RLF's model?
4 Tell us about a time you trained or mentored a colleague on legislative or budget processes. What was your approach?
5 How do you balance competing priorities among diverse stakeholders (e.g., environmental groups, industry, Tribes) in a campaign?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't focus only on your own accomplishments without showing how you collaborate—RLF is about partnerships, not solo victories.
  • Avoid generic environmental policy language; be specific about California's unique political and budgetary context.
  • Don't neglect the training aspect of the role—failing to mention how you develop others' skills could be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Resources Legacy Fund!

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