The Policy Associate provides policy and communications support to the California Climate Change Team and the External Affairs Department to affect public policy and advance conservation in support of The Nature Conservancy’s mission.
The Policy Associate provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s climate change and conservation priorities, including, but not limited to, nature-based climate change mitigation and resilience strategies. Duties include research and policy development, tracking and drafting input for regulatory processes, development of communication materials and content, and occasional contact with legislative and administrative staff on matters pertaining to policy development. The Policy Associate builds and facilitates internal communications and related climate change strategy development, coordinates meetings, agendas, information, and presentations. They assist in influencing the outcome of climate policy initiatives at the state level.
The position also provides some operational support to the California Climate Change Team. Duties include, assisting in the development of fundraising, communications, and/or educational materials and producing narrative reports as needed. They support the Director in budget, contract, and event development and tracking, as well as other financial transactions.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Provides research and policy analysis in support of the Conservancy’s climate change and policy priorities.
- Develops reports, fact sheets, comment letters, web-based materials and content, and other materials to influence or communicate policy initiatives and outcomes.
- Maintains regular contact with Conservancy staff to support internal communications and climate policy strategy development.
- Coordinates events in support of climate change policy priorities.
- Supports budget and contract development and tracking, fundraising and related reporting, and other financial transactions.
- May need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups (inside and outside the Conservancy) over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish program goals.
- Supervises no staff, but may help plan and direct the work of volunteers or interns.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
- Experience researching, analyzing, interpreting, and compiling technical information from divergent sources.
- Proficiency with document management, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, climate change policy, or natural resource management.
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s or law degree appreciated.
- Experience with social media, development of web content, and public outreach.
- 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.
- Experience preparing proposals for government grants and commenting on state regulatory and rulemaking actions.
- Knowledge of current trends in public funding programs and/or other types of conservation funding.
- Knowledge of California legislative process and natural resource laws.
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.