The External Affairs Associate supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals in New Mexico by leading project teams of staff and partners, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and federal, state, local and tribal agencies, business and interest groups.
The External Affairs Associate plans, implements and coordinates programs at the state and local government level to affect public policy to further the Conservancy’s mission. Duties include daily contact with local, state, and federal agencies and elected officials, on matters pertaining to administrative and legislative actions. They build and facilitate internal networks, plan and coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations. They influence the outcome of policy at the federal, state and local government levels. They develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, Tribes, traditional communities, and private sector to advance a shared conservation agenda for New Mexico.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Serves as a team leader for Climate Action in New Mexico, including energy policy, and participates as a conservation team member.
- Maintains regular contact with state legislators, state agency administrators, and local and Tribal government officials, on climate action and energy policy, and other policy as needed to support the Conservancy’s goals.
- Develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to influence legislation and administrative actions.
- Maintains regular contact with the New Mexico Congressional delegation and serves as the point of contact for the Conservancy in New Mexico.
- Works within and manages project budgets, contributes to fundraising, proposal writing and grant reporting, negotiates and contracts with lobbyists and other vendors, and assists with budget development
- Ensures compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including federal and state lobbying laws and regulations.
- Coordinates with the Conservancy’s U.S. government relations team and participates in the U.S. Western government relations network.
- May serve as a team leader or team member to develop new strategy and/or work on other assigned projects.
- May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
- Experience in written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
- Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
- Experience working with government agencies, private sector and NGO partners.
- Fluency in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree or other advanced degree.
- Education in a natural or social science.
- Spanish-speaking and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
- Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in New Mexico and/or the Southwestern U.S.
- Familiarity with climate change and renewable energy policy.
- Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance.
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.