The Director of External Affairs supports The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals by developing and implementing TNC’s advocacy and engagement strategies to influence government policy and legislation and corporate/community practices. S/he will communicate a clear vision and strategy designed to broaden legislative, executive, agency, corporate, and community support in Kentucky for key initiatives, with a specific emphasis on energy policy to address climate change. S/he coordinates project teams, assists with the design and delivery of project objectives, and serves as legislative liaison and informational contact (emphasis on energy and climate issues) in Kentucky between TNC and federal and state governments, business groups, and non-profit organizations.
The Director of External Affairs coordinates efforts in Kentucky to broaden support for key conservation initiatives, with a special emphasis on energy and climate policy targets which further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. Duties include: 1) maintaining regular contact with the staff of Kentucky’s congressional delegation (and members as possible and/or required), and state and federal agency staff as needed 2) outreach to develop strategic partnerships with governments, businesses and trade groups, and non-government organizations 3) organizing meetings and presentations, 4) research and policy analysis 5) tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s mission, programs, and investments, and 5) ensuring the Kentucky chapter complies with federal and state lobbying laws and regulations. The Director of External Affairs will work closely with the State Director and Kentucky’s Leadership Team to develop a strategic approach and workplan.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Serves as primary liaison with members and staff of Kentucky’s congressional delegation
- Assists with developing and executing a strategy to broaden support in Kentucky for action on TNC's energy and climate policy priorities (e.g., supporting clean energy, energy efficiency, and sustainable energy siting).
- Conducts outreach and represents TNC to government officials, the business sector, non-profit community, funders and other audiences.
- Identifies key stakeholders and constituencies and develops and implements strategies to engage these individuals and audiences in collaborative action on energy and climate policy.
- Creates new and strengthens existing partnerships with other organizations in the non-profit and private sectors, including the environmental, conservation, sportsmen’s, outdoor recreation, business, and other communities.
- Coordinates projects and teams involving research and analysis on a broad range of legislative subjects including state conservation funding initiatives and climate and energy policy (e.g., science and technology, economics, public opinion).
- Monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments and coordinates action on policy opportunities, as appropriate, in support of TNC's priorities.
- Shares information and coordinates strategy with TNC staff in other state, regional, and worldwide office programs.
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, assisting with budget development.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience in policy analysis and working to influence policies and/or decision makers.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience with state or federal energy regulation or energy/climate legislation.
- Experience working with nonprofit organization partners, corporations or government agencies.
- Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in writing formal correspondence, drafting policy analysis memos, and interpreting legislative and regulatory language and reports.
- Experience drafting legislation and lobbying to influence outcome of legislative proposals
- Experience with current political and conservation trends and issues in Kentucky, and familiarity with legislative and regulatory processes.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in sustainability or political science.
- 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 and contracts.
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.