WY Director of External Affairs

The Nature Conservancy • Wyoming, MI

6d

About The Position

The WY Director of External Affairs leads the Business Unit’s (BU) external affairs functions, implements BU policy strategies, and provides guidance to program directors and staff on TNC’s conservation policy priorities. The WY Director of External Affairs works with government and business entities to further the BU’s mission in support of conservation policy and climate action and on behalf of TNC’s North America Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) policy goals. They monitor legislative, administrative, and corporate initiatives and policies that can impact the Wyoming BU’s conservation programs. Duties include regular contact with local, county, state, federal, and country-level officials, agencies and corporate representatives. They represent and promote The Nature Conservancy’s policy positions before special interest groups, government and business officials. The Director also works closely with Development, Marketing and Operations directors in building support and capacity for the Conservancy. They will serve as the staff liaison for the External Affairs Trustee Committee. Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver. Our team in Wyoming is dedicated to developing credible, science-based, and compelling solutions that deliver transformative and sustainable solutions to our conservation and climate challenges … join us!

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 6 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups, and / or government agencies.
• Experience lobbying local, state and federal legislators.
• Fluency in English.
• Analytical and project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Proven communication and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree and 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience appreciated.
• Proven experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of methods and standards of biodiversity information systems and initiatives or related field.
• Politically savvy.
• Proficiency in policy and regulations pertaining to areas of strategic focus to identify ways of incentivizing conservation practices.
• Experience developing and executing strategies for a large, matrixed non-profit.
• 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, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.

Responsibilities

• Represent TNC’s conservation policy priorities, including participating in legislative and regulatory/rule-making processes and forums.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal legislation affecting TNC’s conservation priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, business associations, and non-profit partners.
• Participate in legislative and regulatory/rule-making analyses and forums, strengthening TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on conservation issues.
• Build partnerships with diverse public and private stakeholders, as well as disproportionately impacted communities.
• Foster internal coordination across departments to unify messaging and policy positions; design and execute outreach strategies targeting policymakers, funders, media, and the public.
• Support the development of private and public funding proposals to support the BU’s programs.
• Participate as a member of the business unit’s Senior Leadership Team.
• May supervise a team of administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.

Benefits

• TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director