The External Affairs Director develops, coordinates and implements strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interactions with government, non-profit groups, business, and academic sectors. S/he works with partners, the Idaho Board of Trustees, and staff to advance strategic relationships and policy goals in Idaho. The External Affairs Director works with counterparts within other conservancy operating units to support national and global goals. S/he works as part of a leadership team, coordinates external affair actions throughout the chapter, integrates science into conservation policy goals and manages work teams.
The External Affairs Director identifies conservation policy and public funding opportunities, evaluates the potential for strategic partnerships, and develops and implements strategies to influence corporate practice, public policy, and public funding at the state and regional level. S/he works closely with Idaho Trustees, State Director and interdisciplinary teams of staff to meet these goals. The External Affairs Director collaborates with the Communications Director to develop and implement strategic communications to influence public policy. S/he also coordinates with science staff to inform conservation policy and practice. S/he works regularly with counterparts in other states and at the divisional, national, and global level to support The Nature Conservancy’s goals and strategies.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Establishes the Conservancy as a key partner and leading advocate for public policy and government action that supports The Nature Conservancy’s mission.
- Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community and non-governmental partners.
- Advocates before federal, state and local governments and conducts lobbying to achieve chapter priorities.
- May supervise professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Leads and participates collaboratively on interdisciplinary project teams.
- Persuasively communicates to diverse groups including key legislators, government officials, news media and others who are critical to the Conservancy’s overall public policy and funding strategies.
- Works directly with Chapter Trustees to strengthen external affairs strategy development and pursue public policy and funding goals.
- Effectively directs and or participates in complex negotiations.
- Serves as a senior leader of the chapter and helps set strategic direction and provides input to overall management for the chapter.
- Builds skills and talents of chapter staff to effectively engage federal and state agency staff and elected officials throughout Idaho.
- Responsible for meeting program goals and objectives. Develops and administers program budgets. Operates within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
- Ensures that program meets all lobbying, contractual and legal regulations and standards.
- Undertakes extensive travel throughout Idaho and occasionally regionally and nationally.
- 5 years of government relations experience, corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience building professional relationships with diverse interests/disciplines within an organization/corporation and with external stakeholders.
- Agency or congressional staff experience or experience working with state legislatures.
- Experience designing, implementing and directing multiple and multifaceted projects, setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
- Experience in directing or participating in complex negotiations and presenting to and communicating with government officials, corporate executives, board members and others.
- Proven written and oral communication and presentation skills.
- Fluency in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- Knowledge of Idaho government and public affairs.
- Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
- Experience with traditional news media and social media.
- Experience using science and technical information to inform communications and policy positions
- Supervisory experience
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.