The Director of Strategy & Policy has overall responsibility for developing strategy, managing special initiatives – issue, policy and ballot campaigns , including the Misssissippi Headwaters Engagement Initiative – and the chapter’s Government Relations Program ensuring desired results.
The Director of Strategy & Policy (DSP) will work closely with the State Director (SD) to manage all chapter strategic initiatives from policy development to government affairs and corporate engagement to special campaigns. The DSP will be primarily dedicated to managing the Mississippi Headwaters Public Awareness and Engagement Initiative through at least 2020, with a gradual shift in job scope to incorporate other bodies of work as it is feasible. This will include overseeing the field, communications, and government relations components of the initiative and working closely with all consultants and staff teams. The DSP will respond to opportunities and challenges, both to assure the SD is prepared and representing TNC in important settings as well as serving as a proxy in professional settings where designated by the SD. They will work closely with the SD and the entire chapter Leadership Team to assist in designing and implementing the annual and multi-year chapter conservation and government affairs strategies and ensure accomplishment of targeted results while contributing to a positive, collaborative and results-driven chapter culture.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Responsible for developing, setting and meeting programmatic and chapter level strategic government affairs and policy goals and objectives.
- Communicate professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures.
- Prepare and present project proposals and negotiate with federal, bilateral and multilateral agencies and/or the business and corporate sector, to achieve program goals.
- Persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including key legislators, government officials and others who are critical to the Conservancy’s overall public funding strategies.
- Work in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
- Develop and implement multi-year fundraising strategies and goals.
- Effectively direct and/or participate in complex negotiations.
- May require travel, especially in Minnesota and North Dakota/South Dakota,
- Work hours will include evening and weekend hours.
- Develop constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy for the benefit of the chapter.
- Supervise government affairs, administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience managing or providing leadership on a complex statewide or national advocacy, issue or candidate campaign; with a solid understanding of how to integrate grassroots, grasstops, communications, and lobbying strategies to achieve wins.
- Previous coalition leadership experience and ability to build relationships across different communities and cultures.
- Previous experience working with elected officials, corporate or community leaders.
- Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
- Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and negotiating complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Proven supervisory skills and experience, including the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire others.
- Well-organized and self-directed, able to delegate appropriately.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-cultural experience and/or multi-language skills appreciated.
- Proven outstanding interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills.
- Proven commitment to and enjoyment of people and teamwork.
- Proven commitment to the success and advancement of others
- Ability to foster an environment of creativity and professional growth
- Demonstrates patience under pressure and the ability to generate excitement, trust and good will.
- Ability to successfully navigate complex relationships and networks
- Current relationships with and passion for the chapter’s environmental and conservation communities a strong plus