External Affairs Associate

What We Can Achieve Together:
The External Affairs Associate supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by leading project teams, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and country, sub-national, and local agencies, multilateral institutions/ agencies, business and/or private groups.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
The External Affairs Associate works with government and business entities to further the Conservancy’s mission for the Arizona chapter and in support of the seven-state, two-country Colorado River program and the Conservancy’s North American Government Relations program.
1.    Lobbying and Government Relations (approximately 50%)
 a)    Cultivating relationships with federal, state, tribal, and/or local government decision-makers, with emphasis on state, local and tribal relationship building/relationship management.
 b)    Advancing conservation policy priorities through regular contact with TNC contract lobbyists and with federal, state, local, and tribal government officials.
 c)    Track, analyze and prepare recommendations on state and federal legislation in partnership with chapter External Affairs Director.   

2.    Collaborating with Program Teams (approximately 20%)
 a)    Works closely with land and water conservation programs to advise and support land and water conservation strategies and also works with Development and Marketing building support and capacity for the Conservancy.
 b)    Work with conservation staff to develop high level strategies to build influence and improve partnerships.
 c)    Work with External Affairs Director and contract lobbyists to develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase our impact and achieve specific policy goals.

3.    Stakeholder Engagement & Coalition Participation (approximately 20%)
 a)    Represent chapter at a range of policy and coalition tables to develop policy and maintain working relationships with a broad range of community, government and industry stakeholders.
 b)    Form multi-organization working groups to develop policy as needed.

4.    Other (approximately 10%)
 a.    Administration: Completes in a timely and accurate manner items such as timecards, expense reports and performance reviews.  
 b.    Participates in department, AZ Business Unit, Division, Regional and TNC-wide meetings.
 c.    Other duties as required.

RESPONSIBILIES & SCOPE
 •    May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
 •    Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects,  negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
 •    Maintains regular contact with local, sub-national, country and multilateral officials, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions and internationally negotiated agreements.
 •    Develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to influence legislation and/or, international negotiations and agreements.
 •    Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
 •    Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinate the work of others.
 •    Ensures that the program complies with country lobbying laws and regulations.
 •    May need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups (inside and outside the Conservancy) over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish program goals.
 •    Occasional travel within Arizona (including overnight at least once annually) and occasional overnight travel to other U.S. locations for training, workshops, conferences, etc.
 •    Occasionally work overtime, evenings, or weekends.
 •    Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

What You’ll Bring:
 •    Bachelor’s degree (preferably in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field) and 4 years of related experience (such as government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy experience), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 •    Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
 •    Experience in designing, implementing and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
 •    Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
 •    Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.  
 •    Experience working and communicating effectively with a wide range of people.
 •    Experience with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, Power Point).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
 •    Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
 •    Master’s degree appreciated.
 •    Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in Arizona.
 •    Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.  
 •    Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
 •    Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance.

What We Bring:
Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, well-being, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!


Next Steps:
To apply for job ID 53293, submit your current resume and cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientations, gender identities, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.