Nevada External Affairs Associate

The Nature Conservancy•Minneapolis, MN

7d•$71,200 - $75,650

About The Position

The Nevada External Affairs Associate plays a key role in programs at the state and local level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. The Associate will support the External Affairs Director and Nevada Business Unit Strategy Directors in building and maintaining relationships with Nevada’s sovereign Indigenous Nations and state, county, and municipal governments. This includes ongoing engagement and regular communication with Tribal Nations to build trust, support collaboration, and advance shared conservation and community priorities. They will interface with federal and state agencies, county and municipal governments, industry representatives, tribal nations, and communities across Nevada to inform and advocate for conservation, community and climate (the 3Cs) outcomes for energy, infrastructure, and critical mineral development.

Requirements

BA/BS degree in climate or energy policy, renewable energy management, or other relevant field and 3 years’ experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience working with, presenting to, and communicating with a range of different audiences about topics related to energy, infrastructure, climate, and the environment.
Experience gathering information from multiple sources and turning it into clear reports.
Experience working with Tribal governments, Tribal entities, or Indigenous organizations.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at state, local, and Tribal levels.
Experience working in partnerships and coalitions.
Fluency in English.
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program.
Must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Must complete a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and subject matter expertise related to energy, especially geothermal, solar and wind, and battery energy storage, including knowledge of federal, state, and local energy policies and regulatory frameworks related to energy transmission and renewable energy deployment in Nevada and the Western U.S.
Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives to address greenhouse gas emission reduction and renewable energy development.
Experience building networks or organizational capacity, increasing knowledge sharing, and identifying key stakeholders.
Strong verbal and written communications skills.
Team player with strong listening, collaborative and diplomacy skills, and ability to influence without authority.

Responsibilities

Provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s policy and/or corporate practice priorities and tracks policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals.
Builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations.
Provides administrative, research, and written communications support related to legislative affairs, including preparing testimonies, correspondence, reports, and other legislative communications.
Provides services that assist in influencing the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives in Nevada.
Develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, Tribes, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
Cultivates and maintains relationships with Tribal Nations through frequent communication, coordination, and engagement on conservation, energy, infrastructure, and community priorities.
Works with the Marketing Manager to coordinate strategic communications at all levels with target audiences regarding TNC’s position on climate, energy and infrastructure-related matters.
Engages and manages consultants with expertise needed to carry out responsibilities.