The Director of External Affairs for the Colorado River Program plays a key role in the development and implementation of one or more strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with water users, governments, multilateral agencies, other non-profits and/or the corporate sector. S/he may help manage and foster key relationships both externally and internal to TNC for the Colorado River system in the U.S. and Mexico. S/he may supervise staff and help support staff in effectively implementing the Program’s strategies. S/he will work on public funding initiatives. S/he will have some fundraising responsibilities.
The Director of External Affairs for the Colorado River Program leads a team or works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues. S/he liaises with TNC’s global strategy teams, Science and Field Conservation Staff, other External Affairs departments and with TNC’s Business Units to further the work of the Conservancy and its conservation partners through direct interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or businesses focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact our conservation programs. S/he identifies 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 state, regional or national level.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise a team of administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Financial responsibility may include working with/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development.
- Responsible for meeting the Conservancy's strategic goals and objectives.
- Communicates professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures.
- Supports program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
- Persuasively conveys the mission of the Conservancy to diverse groups including water users, government officials and others who are critical to the Conservancy's Colorado River strategies.
- Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and consultative capacity.
- Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including federal lobbying laws and regulations.
- Acts independently within broad program goals.
- Participates in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Supervisory experience.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience working in western water resources management and/or policy.
- Direct experience working with partners, including other non-profits, water users, agricultural partners, government agencies.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Experience in relationship building and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Experience in negotiation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills, particularly Spanish, and multicultural experience appreciated.
- State and/or federal agency experience or equivalent experience, including legislative or administrative regulatory experience.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals and donors.
- Experience in a corporate environment with business development, banking, corporate social responsibility or corporate sustainability.
- Excellent team player with experience working in multidisciplinary 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.
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.