The Policy Associate plays a key role within the External Affairs and Policy Department to affect public policy to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. The Policy Associate serves as liaison and informational contact between the organization and state, local agencies, business, not-for-profit and/or private groups.
The Policy Associate provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priorities. Duties include research and policy development, tracking public funding opportunities, and contact with local and state officials on matters pertaining to administrative and legislative actions. The Policy Associate builds and facilitates internal communications, coordinating meetings, agendas, information, and presentations. They assist in influencing the outcome of policy initiatives at the state, regional, and local levels. The position also helps develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- Provides research and policy analysis in support of the Conservancy’s legislative and policy priorities.
- Develops reports, fact sheets, web-based materials, and other communications to influence the outcome of policy initiatives.
- Research and communicates funding opportunities to advance the Conservancy’s priority programs and projects.
- Maintains regular contact with local and state officials on matters pertaining to administrative and legislative actions.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements including lobbying laws and regulations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Experience with document management, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree appreciated.
- Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, or natural resource management.
- Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience with social media and public outreach.
- 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.