The Director of Government Relations in Georgia develops, leads and implements strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with government entities -- elected officials and agency representatives at federal, state and local levels (e.g. City of Atlanta and DeKalb County).
The Director of Government Relations in Georgia furthers the work of The Nature Conservancy and its conservation partners through direct interaction with elected officials and agency representatives at federal, state and local levels focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact our conservation programs. They identify conservation policy and funding opportunities, evaluates the potential for strategic partnerships, and develops and implements strategies to influence public policy and public funding for conservation at a large scale. They liaises with counterparts within the organization to provide and extract useful lessons and experience and to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches. This role serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues. S/he liaises with Science and Field Conservation staff, the US Government Relations team, other Government Relations staff and the Georgia program’s senior leadership team to o further conservation goals, policies and strategy.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Accountable to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including key legislators, government officials and others who are critical to the Conservancy’s overall public funding strategies.
- Prepares and presents project proposals and negotiates with federal, state and local agencies to achieve program goals.
- As a member of the senior leadership team for the Georgia program, provides the necessary political frames/filters for organizational strategies/decisions.
- Effectively directs and/or participates in complex negotiations.
- Recruits, trains and supervises professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies, and goals.
- Financial responsibility includes working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Responsible for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives. In 2020 and beyond this includes leading the development and implementation of strategies designed to address climate change -- reduction in carbon emissions, renewable energy deployment, mitigation, and adaptation.
- Ensures that the program complies with federal lobbying laws and regulations.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and consultative or advisory capacity.
- Communicates professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures.
- Develops and sustains constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy.
- Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Direct experience educating and influencing legislators and government officials.
- Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
- Supervisory experience.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Demonstrated relationship building skills.
- Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven track record working with the Georgia congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. and the Georgia General Assembly in Atlanta.
- Experience conceiving and implementing strategic initiatives.
- 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.
- Master’s degree appreciated.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
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.