External Affairs Associate

The Nature Conservancy

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

The External Affairs Associate serves as a representative to inform Conservancy partners and elected and appointed officials of Conservancy policy positions. They help to develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, lawmakers, conservation organizations, and industry to advance The Nature Conservancy’s conservation agenda. The individual will work closely with TNC staff and external consultants to identify opportunities and develop strategies to reach identified audiences in support of advancing TNC’s mission by leveraging our science, on-the-ground projects and relationships through policy to make a meaningful contribution to TNC’s conservation and climate goals. They may organize grass roots efforts to mobilize constituents on legislative priorities. The External Affairs Associate also builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations, and conducts other activities in support of the Ohio Policy and Government Relations program. This includes additional responsibilities related to federal and state legislative issues based on team needs. Regular and consistent travel to Columbus office is required. The External Affairs Associate supports the Nature Conservancy's conservation and advocacy goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and external partners/stakeholders. They will support the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team in amplifying conservation and climate policies that support TNC’s national and state chapter advocacy platform and will be primarily responsible for serving as a contact and resource for Ohio’s Congressional delegation and other federal contacts. The External Affairs Associate coordinates and implements internal initiatives such as organizational knowledge management, administrative procedures, internal networks and project coordination. The External Affairs Associate serves as a main point of contact for Ohio conservation policy issues with Ohio’s legislature and state agencies; therefore, the ideal candidate will be located in the Columbus metro region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
Experience writing and editing persuasive and informational material.
Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.
Experience building and maintaining professional relationships and working with partners and government agencies.
Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.
Understanding of State of Ohio and federal legislative processes.
Awareness of conservation and climate issues impacting the State of Ohio and the United States.
Knowledge of State of Ohio and federal lobbying laws and regulations, and the ability to monitor changes in county and local lobbying requirements.
Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, federal, state, county, or municipal.
Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Self-starting, independent worker who can collaborate effectively in a team, and thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers."
Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

Responsibilities

Advocating for statewide conservation and climate issues through engagement with stakeholders including conservation organizations, community-based organizations, and elected officials.
Supporting state conservation and climate advocacy goals by actively participating in coalitions and work groups.
Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and policymakers who are involved in efforts to tackle climate change, protect lands, waters, and wildlife.
Managing legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns.
Collaborating with national, regional, and Ohio Chapter colleagues on shared projects, identifying cross cutting connections with legislative priorities.
Under direction of supervisor, drafting testimony, action alerts, letters, and other materials as needed to support the advocacy goals of the Ohio Chapter.
Presenting policy priorities to potential donors, supporters, and stakeholders.
Providing research and policy analysis and assists with outreach in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities at the state and federal level.
Sharing information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.
Preparing program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
Providing administrative, research, organizing and general office support to the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team.
Working independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.
Making independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.
Traveling to the Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.
Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, and completing expense reports.