The Natural Resources Policy Advisor plays a key role for The Nature Conservancy in Maine in advancing state and federal policy to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. They serve as liaison and informational contact between the organization and federal, state and local agencies, legislators, the private sector and nonprofit groups.
The Natural Resources Policy Advisor provides research, policy analysis and lobbying in support of The Nature Conservancy in Maine’s land, freshwater, and marine conservation priorities. They work with the Director of Government Relations and Climate Policy to accomplish our conservation objectives by advancing and influencing state, regional and federal policy. In Maine, they track and engage in legislative and administrative actions related to forestry and land use, conservation campaigns (bonding), inland fisheries and wildlife, and marine resources. They build and facilitate internal networks, working with conservation staff to develop organizational policy priorities, and they cultivate key external partnerships in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. They also work with Maine’s Congressional delegation to achieve TNC’s federal policy objectives and support federal funding for Maine-based projects.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately and to assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Provides research and policy analysis in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities.
- May provide assistance with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
- Influences the outcome of public policy initiatives at the state and federal levels.
- Develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.
- Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience working with partners/government agencies and the corporate sector.
- Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, country, sub-national, or local.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in legislative advocacy, public policy and/or state government, preferably with experience in natural resources policy.
- Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
- Experience negotiating complex agreements.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
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.