The Director of External Affairs plays a key role in the development and implementation of strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, partner organizations, and/or the corporate sector.
The Director of External Affairs is responsible for developing and implementing strategies that affect government and corporate policy to further the Conservancy’s mission in Iowa and globally. Duties include daily contact with high-level local, state and federal officials, and corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and corporate actions related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy. The Director develops strategic partnerships, collaborates with and organizes grass roots efforts, and analyzes legislation. Provides research and policy analysis, oversees relationships with contract lobbyists, and participates actively in lobbying efforts. Provides training to staff and volunteers. Develops briefing materials and delivers reports on legislation and policy issues to the State Director, the Board of Trustees, other TNC staff, and partners. Works with Iowa’s communications team to coordinate messaging regarding public policy, marketing and fundraising, and conservation outreach. Participates in fundraising activity to increase the level of financial support for TNC projects and priorities. Supervises External Affairs staff member(s).
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Develops and coordinates strategy for complex legislative campaigns with a broad and diverse group of partners
- Coordinates with communication team to develop efficient and effective communications, media and engagement plans to help drive organizational strategy
- Serves as a member of our senior staff team, helping determine strategic direction for our chapter
- Collaborates with staff/teams throughout the Conservancy to coordinate work and help us achieve our larger mission
- Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners. Including direct lobbying.
- Supervises staff with responsibility for performance management, training and professional development.
- Ensures that program meets lobbying regulations and standards.
- Collaborates on the development and implementation of multi-year fundraising strategies, and goals for our external affairs work.
- This position requires some travel and sometimes requires availability outside of normal business hours.
- Experience working with evolving political, legislative, and conservation trends including direct lobbying experience
- Experience building strong relationships across a complex organization, and with external partners such as public agencies, corporations, donors, trustees and volunteers.
- Experience working with diverse coalitions.
- Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Supervisory experience.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Public relations, communication, and presentation experience.
- Negotiation and strategic relationship building experience.
- Fluency in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Iowa government and legislative activity
- Experience in developing communications, media and engagement strategies and measuring results
- Excellent writing, presentation, public relations and other communication skills
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government officials, corporate executives, board members, and others
- Ability to persuasively convey the mission and priorities of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups including donors and the public
- Successful experience in mediation and complex negotiations
- Master’s degree appreciated
- 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
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated