The Government Relations Associate plays a key role in the Virginia Chapter’s programs to affect public policy to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. S/he serves as liaison and informational contact between the organization, state and federal elected officials and agency staff, and business and conservation groups.
The Government Relations Associate provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s policy priorities and tracks legislation, regulations and other policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals. S/he builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. S/he provides services that assist in influencing the outcome of policy initiatives at the state and federal levels. S/he develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately, and assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Tracking, monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory processes and documents, and attending hearings, workgroups, and other meetings as needed.
- Provides assistance with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
- Coordinating workgroup meetings and legislative visits.
- Influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the state and federal levels.
- Develops strategic partnerships with elected officials, relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry.
- Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Fluency in English.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience with legislative, regulatory or other policy or initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, country, sub-national, or local.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience working with nonprofit organization partners and government agencies.
- Must have valid driver’s license, safe driving record (per TNC’s Auto Safety Program).
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Experience in writing formal correspondence, drafting policy analysis memos, and interpreting legislative language and reports.
- Experience with current political and conservation trends and issues in Virginia, and familiarity 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.
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.