The Climate Change Project Manager coordinates, advances and supports the Chapter’s internal initiatives related to climate change. As the hub of the Chapter’s climate change work, the Project Manager will engage in all aspects of the climate program including, but not limited to, adaptation (Nature-Based Solutions) and mitigation (Natural Climate Solutions), renewable energy siting, the emissions footprints of TNC facilities and operations in Illinois, and climate and energy policy. S/he will also support the Nature Conservancy's climate change goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and outside agencies or companies.
The Climate Change Project Manager builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations, and conducts other activities to drive the Illinois Chapter’s overall climate program. S/he helps to develop strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders to broaden support across Illinois for action to advance climate and clean energy policy. Working closely with conservation and government relations staff, the Climate Change Project Manager interacts with agencies, industry and other relevant parties to support the Chapter’s work around natural climate solutions related to mitigation and adaptation as well as clean energy siting. This position jointly reports to the Chapter’s Deputy Director and the Director of Conservation.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- In partnership with the Director of Government Relations, the Director of Conservation, and the Deputy Director in Illinois, develops and implements a workplan to better integrate and advance the Chapter’s work related to climate change across all Chapter functions and program areas.
- Supports targeted outreach efforts to broaden support for climate and clean energy action in Illinois.
- Actively engages with Chicago-based community climate initiatives and represents The Nature Conservancy’s interests at meetings, events and other forums.
- Works closely with project directors to assess the carbon footprint of each operational unit with the aim of providing an overall assessment and recommendations to improve the Chapter’s overall carbon footprint, including additional investments to offset emissions.
- In collaboration with program directors, assesses the feasibility of new climate mitigation and adaptation projects on lands and waters owned by the Conservancy in Illinois.
- With program directors, science partners, and the marketing team, assesses and communicates the ability of nature-based solutions to ameliorate the effects of climate change and related impacts (storm water, urban heat islands, poor air quality, riverine flooding) on people, cities, businesses and sectors including agriculture and transportation.
- In conjunction with conservation and / or government relations staff, organizes meetings, roundtables, listening sessions and other types of outreach events.
- Prepares program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
- May provide 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.
- Makes independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.
- Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, processing check requests, and completing travel expense reports.
- Supports efforts and participates in efforts to fulfill fundraising goals for climate and clean energy outcomes.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Fluency in English
- Experience with complex project management
- Experience with building internal and external networks including mechanisms for best practices sharing and communication
- Experience writing and editing promotional and informational material.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.
- Experience working with partnership development
- Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Some 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.