Jessica Grannis

Senior Advisor

Bend, Oregon, United States

About

Skilled program director and policy expert with nearly 20 years of experience informing climate action. Thorough understanding of the state and federal policy, legal, and funding landscape affecting adaptation. Experience advising senior government officials, including members of the Biden administration and state and local governments. Proven track record of strategic planning, fundraising, program implementation, and coalition building.

Experience

  • ICLEI USA (Remote)
    • Senior Advisor
      Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

    • Director of Programs
      Mar 2025 - Jun 2026 · 1 yr 4 mos

      Lead ICLEI USA's work to support local governments advance climate solutions through our sustainability, resilience, equity, nature and circular pathways.

  • Senior Advisor at NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration
    Jun 2023 - Jan 2025 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Led successful execution of over $6 billion in NOAA investments through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, ensuring alignment with Administration priorities. • Acted as the primary liaison between NOAA, Department of Commerce, and the White House, briefing senior leadership on program and budget execution. • Developed a GIS Awards Explorer to effectively communicate and report on NOAA's BIL and IRA investments.

  • Program Director, Coastal Resilience at National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
    Nov 2021 - Jun 2023 · 1 yr 8 mos

    • Oversaw strategic direction and expansion of the National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) • Directed contract work delivering technical assistance to applicants and evaluating program outcomes including the risk reduction and ecosystem service benefits of NCRF projects. • Directed the day-to-day management of a multi-million dollar portfolio of more grants, including ensuring successful project implementation and facilitating peer-learning opportunities among grantees. • Led fundraising efforts and managed relationships with funding partners.

  • National Audubon Society (2 yrs)
    • Interim Vice President of Coastal Conservation
      Jan 2021 - Nov 2021 · 11 mos

      • Managed staff and set strategic agenda and execution of Audubon’s coastal and marine conservation programs. • Led development and implementation of Audubon’s coastal resilience strategy, advancing federal and state policies supporting nature-based approaches for reducing climate risks. • Successfully advocated for policies in the 2020 Water Resources Development Act and implementation of FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program.

    • Coastal Resilience Director
      Dec 2019 - Nov 2021 · 2 yrs

  • Georgetown University Law Center (12 yrs 4 mos)
    • Adjunct Professor
      Dec 2019 - Nov 2021 · 2 yrs

      • Co-taught an annual “experiential” course on climate change law with real-world projects. • Supervised over 30 student projects providing research and analysis for state and local partners. • Developed students' skills in legal and policy analysis and writing. • Facilitated hands-on learning experiences to address pressing climate policy issues.

    • Supervising Attorney, Adjunct Professor
      Aug 2009 - Dec 2019 · 10 yrs 5 mos

      Clinical teaching instructor at Harrison Institute for Public Law Policy Clinic.