Washington State Federal Government Relations Director

The Nature Conservancy•Washington, DC

1d•$107,000 - $124,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The WA Federal Government Relations Director will help guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State and across the United States. They will guide planning, outreach and communications at all levels of the federal government for policy advocacy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve conservation goals. The WA Federal Government Relations Director will work with other members of the Policy & Government Relations team as well as Business Unit, divisional and national TNC teams to strengthen strategic external relationships that will enable the Washington Business Unit to have the greatest possible impact to protect the environment and improve the well-being of communities in our region.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 5 years of government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
Analytical and project management experience.
Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
Experience working with teams across an organization to achieve policy objectives.
Experience building coalitions and identifying key stakeholders.
Proven negotiation skills.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to starting the position.

Nice To Haves

Ability to act in accordance with the Washington commitment to Indigenous Peoples; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.
Experience lobbying elected officials and implementing legislative campaigns.
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Excellent communication skills including public testimony, presentation, conversation and written.
Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, partners, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
Familiarity with political conditions and environmental/conservation issues and trends in Washington State and the US Federal Government.
Experience presenting to and/or negotiating with government representatives and/or community leaders.
Supervisory experience.
Master’s or law degree appreciated.

Responsibilities

Advocate for priority policies and public funding for programs and projects that are key to conservation priorities and advance the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
Build and maintain bipartisan productive relationships and open communications with key federal government officials, including members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, congressional and agency staff, Tribal leaders, lobbyists, and non-governmental organization partners.
Research, analyze, evaluate and prepare recommendations on federal public policy issues, policy options and the potential impacts of proposed legislation, proposed rulemaking efforts, and changes in agency policies.
Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase our impact and achieve specific policy goals.
Collaborate with policy, conservation, forestry, prescribed fire, science, community relations and other staff, to advance conservation priorities and the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
Liaise with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Policy and Government Relations team and federal policy colleagues from other states to align and coordinate federal policy and budget advocacy.
Manage contractors, including contract lobbyist(s), and may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
Communicate with a wide range of people, including business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.
Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and working collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
Assure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting and tracking state and federal lobbying activities.
Apply a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies.
Act independently within broad program goals.
Participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.