Washington State Government Relations Dir

The Nature Conservancy•Washington, DC

1d•$97,000 - $124,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Washington State Government Relations Director will help guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State. They will guide state legislative agenda development and implementation, engage with the state executive branch, and lobby for state policy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve conservation goals. The WA State Government Relations Director will work with other members of the Policy & Government Relations team as well as Business Unit and divisional strategy 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. The WA State Government Relations Director plans, implements and coordinates strategies within The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Business Unit to affect state policy and budgets. They oversee legislative and administrative initiatives and policies related to The Nature Conservancy’s mission and programs, including polices to address climate change, clean energy, forest health, wildfire resilience, and healthy communities. They work with a bipartisan approach to build and support effective coalitions among diverse interests, and problem-solve to tackle political challenges.

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 partnerships and identifying key stakeholders.
Proven negotiation skills.
Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to starting the position.
Ability to act in accordance with the Washington’s 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.
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.
Experience presenting to and/or negotiating with government representatives and/or community leaders.
Supervisory experience.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
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.

Nice To Haves

Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
Familiarity with political conditions, environmental/conservation issues and trends in Washington State.
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 productive bipartisan relationships and open communications with key state government officials, including statewide elected officials, state legislators, legislative staff, Gubernatorial and agency staff, Tribal leaders and lobbyists.
In deep coordination with policy staff, support the research, analysis, evaluation and preparation of recommendations on state 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 impact and achieve specific policy goals.
Support state Business Unit and divisional strategy objectives by working in a complex, matrixed team environment within cross-functional teams.
Collaborate closely 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.
Participate in multiple state policy coalitions, including the Environmental Priorities Coalition, Washington Association of Land Trusts, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, Washington Prescribed Fire Council, and Blue-Green Alliance.
Communicate with a wide range of people, including business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.
Assure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting and tracking state and federal lobbying activities.
Manage 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.
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.