The Director of Government Relations will play a key role in the development and implementation of the Conservancy’s conservation strategies, including efforts to protect land and water, tackle climate change, provide food and water sustainably and build healthy cities. S/he will advance natural resource and conservation outcomes by developing strong relationships with state and federal elected officials, state and federal agency leaders and partners organizations, and using those relationships to influence the policy and management choices of those entities.
A priority focus will be to broaden public and political support for policies that lead to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, energy conservation and clean energy development. The individual works closely with staff from across The Nature Conservancy to engage external audiences to broaden political support for climate and energy policies that advance climate policy solutions.
The Director of Government Relations 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 Operating Units to further conservation goals, policies and strategy.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise a team of administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
- Applies a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies.
- Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
- Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
- Acts independently within broad program goals.
- Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies and goals.
- Participates in negotiates for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
- Experience with climate and energy issues.
- Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Supervisory experience (if required).
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience with communication and presentation skills.
- Experience with negotiation.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience with the role of nature-based mitigation and adaptation efforts.
- Master’s degree or equivalent experience working in government relations and strategy development related to conservation, climate, water quality, agriculture, and natural resources management.
- Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in the country (national and/or regional).
- Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills, with experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals within the legislative, elected-officials, agency and corporate sectors.
- 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.
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.