The Climate Policy Associate will advance The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by developing and executing strategies designed to broaden support for and to advance climate policy in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
The Climate Policy Associate will coordinate efforts to broaden support for action on climate policy first in Minnesota and later in North and South Dakota. The individual will serve as the project manager for the Chapter’s climate work which will include: 1) conducting research and serving as subject matter expert when it comes to climate policy, 2) development of strategy to advance policy and public funding priorities for the benefit of TNC’s climate goals, 3) policy analysis and tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s climate goals and 4) coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. The Climate Policy Associate will work closely with the External Affairs Director to develop the strategic approach and workplan.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- In partnership with the External Affairs Director, develops a strategic approach and workplan to broaden support for and to advance policy related to climate action in Minnesota and North and South Dakota.
- Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible, bipartisan partner on climate solutions.
- Identifies key stakeholders and key constituencies and develops and implements strategies to engage these individuals and audiences in collaborative action on climate policy.
- Organizes meetings, roundtables, listening sessions and other types of outreach events.
- Prepares program materials including presentations, memos, or other communications.
- Coordinates projects and teams involving research and analysis on a broad range of subjects related to climate policy (e.g. science and technology, economics, public opinion)
- Monitors legislative, regulatory and administrative developments and coordinate action on policy opportunities, as appropriate, in support of TNC’s climate priorities.
- Shares information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regionally, and with Worldwide Office programs.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Assists with fundraising and budget development for all chapter climate policy initiatives. Provides assistance, as requested, in fundraising for broader TNC climate initiatives, including writing proposals, meeting with funders and prospects or testifying before a public funding committee.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience working with Minnesota’s key stakeholders and experience building trust with influential constituencies.
- Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at either the country, state or local level.
- Experience with organization skills and attention to detail.
- Experience being a collaborative team member.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience in writing formal correspondence, drafting policy analysis memos, and interpreting legislative and regulatory processes.
- 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.
- Outstanding written and oral communication skills
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.