Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Source Water Policy Manager
at Alliance for the Great Lakes
🏢 About Alliance for the Great Lakes
The Alliance for the Great Lakes is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Great Lakes, which hold 84% of North America's surface fresh water. Working there means joining a team of policy experts, scientists, and advocates who are deeply committed to ensuring clean, safe, and sustainable water for all—a mission that directly impacts the health of millions of people and the region's ecosystems. Employees value the collaborative, mission-driven culture and the opportunity to influence real-world water policy at local, state, and federal levels.
About This Role
As the Senior Source Water Policy Manager, you will be the organization's foremost expert on sustainable water use and water quantity challenges in the Great Lakes region. You will lead research, develop policy analyses, and communicate findings to stakeholders, all while working to support underserved and disadvantaged communities. This role is critical because it directly informs advocacy efforts that shape water management policies and ensure the region's water resources are protected for future generations.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve conducting background research on a water withdrawal policy, drafting a section of a policy report, and meeting with external partners to coordinate advocacy efforts. You might also spend time analyzing data, preparing a presentation for stakeholders, or collaborating with the communications team to distill complex findings into accessible messages. The work is dynamic, balancing independent research with collaborative strategy sessions.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Alliance for the Great Lakes Is Looking For
- Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in environmental policy, water resources management, natural resource economics, or a related field, with at least 5-7 years of experience in water policy analysis or research.
- Proven expertise in Great Lakes water quantity issues, including knowledge of relevant compacts (e.g., Great Lakes Compact), state water withdrawal regulations, and sustainable water use practices.
- Strong research skills, including experience designing research questions, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, and translating findings into actionable policy recommendations.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity and environmental justice, with experience engaging underserved and disadvantaged communities in policy processes.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to write clear reports, present to diverse stakeholders, and collaborate effectively with partners across the Basin.
📝 Tips for Applying to Alliance for the Great Lakes
Tailor your resume to highlight specific projects where you analyzed water quantity policies or developed recommendations that influenced decision-makers—quantify outcomes where possible.
In your cover letter, explicitly reference the Alliance's Water Resources Program and its strategic goals, showing you understand how this role fits into their broader mission.
Provide a writing sample that demonstrates your ability to translate complex water policy research into accessible, persuasive content for non-expert audiences.
If you have experience working with disadvantaged communities, describe how you incorporated equity into your research or policy work, as this is a key emphasis for the Alliance.
Connect with current or former Alliance staff on LinkedIn to learn about the team's culture and priorities, and mention any informational conversations in your application.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your deep knowledge of Great Lakes water quantity challenges and your specific experience with relevant policies or compacts.', 'How you have used research and policy analysis to drive advocacy or policy change, ideally in a nonprofit or environmental context.', 'Your commitment to equity and examples of how you have centered underserved communities in your work.', 'Your ability to collaborate with diverse partners and communicate complex ideas to stakeholders, as this role is highly collaborative and public-facing.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the Alliance for the Great Lakes' website, especially their Water Resources Program and strategic plan, to understand their current campaigns and goals.
- → Read recent reports or publications from the Alliance on water quantity issues to familiarize yourself with their research and policy positions.
- → Investigate the Great Lakes Compact and other regional water management frameworks, as well as recent news about water withdrawals or diversions.
- → Learn about the Alliance's equity initiatives and how they engage with communities, as this is a core aspect of the role.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention the Alliance's specific work or the Great Lakes region—demonstrate your passion for this particular mission.
- Focusing only on academic research without showing how you've translated findings into policy impact or advocacy.
- Neglecting to address equity and environmental justice, which is a central component of this role and the Alliance's values.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Alliance for the Great Lakes!