The Nature Conservancy is committed to taking a more impactful approach to respond to the challenge of global climate change. To advance our mission, TNC will work in Florida and across the nation to accelerate both climate mitigation and adaptation approaches.
The Climate Program Manager (“Manager”) will advance The Nature Conservancy’s energy and climate goals through collaboration, effective communication, and by building strategic partnerships designed to broaden support in Florida for action to further our strategies on climate. The Manager works with other TNC Operating Units and Regions, research organizations, governments, business sector, community organizations, and other NGOs.
The Manager will lead efforts in Florida in support of TNC’s climate and energy priorities. S/he will work closely with TNC staff, outside consultants, collaborators, and the corporate community to identify opportunities and develop strategies and alliances to build the enabling environment that will allow incremental progress toward greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions. S/he serves as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy, partner organizations, federal, state, and local government officials and business groups in order to advance climate mitigation and clean energy solutions. S/he participates in fundraising activities to increase financial support for the TNC climate and energy program.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
Working closely with the Director of Policy and Strategy, the Climate Pillar Team, and the Government Relations Program Manager:
- Leads the Chapter’s climate strategies (“Pillar) to broaden support for action on TNC’s climate and energy priorities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (e.g. expanding clean energy, energy efficiency, bio-sequestration, etc.)
- Makes strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
- Strengthens TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate solutions.
- Identifies key stakeholders and constituencies and develops and implements strategies to engage these individuals and audiences in collaborative action on climate and energy policy and priorities.
- Coordinates with the other pillar leads on climate adaptation strategies and on pillar planning.
- Aligns Chapter strategies with those of the North American Region’s 50-State Climate Strategy, the Worldwide Office, and with other Business Units with parallel approaches.
- Coordinates and reports on the Florida Chapter’s efforts and progress on strategies to the TNC North American Region.
- Creates new and strengthens existing partnerships with other organizations in the non-profit and private sectors, including conservation, business and recreation sectors.
- Oversees contracts and directs consultants for research and analysis (e.g., exploring policy options, making the case, polling/messaging/public opinion) to achieve climate and energy Pillar strategies.
- Convenes and facilitates internal and external meetings to deepen understanding of climate change impacts, expand support for climate action and to advance solutions.
- Coordinates use of media (e.g. earned, paid, social) in support of climate action and TNC’s climate and energy policy priorities.
- Manages Florida’s MacArthur Foundation budget for addressing outcomes along with other climate mitigation budgets.
- Articulates strategies addressing climate change for Marketing and Philanthropy colleagues and materials.
- Develops the 5 year budget for climate strategies for the Capital Campaign and has overall responsibility for financial management of program.
- Tracks climate science and policy developments relevant to Chapter strategies and opportunities for expanding climate and energy work.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, as well as lobbying laws and regulations.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Fluency in English.
- Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
- Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals, and developing written communications.
- Experience negotiating with other agencies, companies, private parties or related entities.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience in climate adaptation and mitigation approaches, clean energy, or sustainability preferred.
- Demonstrated experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
- Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
- Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
- Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions in Florida.
- Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across team, 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 building relationships to influence outcomes and politically savvy.
- Strong time management, organizational, and prioritization skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage and track multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Outstanding written and oral communication and negotiating skills.
- Collaborative; team member.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
- Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment.
AUTO SAFETY POLICY
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with the Conservancy's Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.