External Affairs Associate at The Nature Conservancy in Remote

What We Can Achieve Together:

The External Affairs Associate serves as a representative to inform Conservancy partners and elected and appointed officials of Conservancy policy positions. They help to develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, lawmakers, conservation organizations, and industry to advance The Nature Conservancy’s conservation agenda. The individual will work closely with TNC staff and external consultants to identify opportunities and develop strategies to reach identified audiences in support of advancing TNC’s mission by leveraging our science, on-the-ground projects and relationships through policy to make a meaningful contribution to TNC’s conservation and climate goals. They may organize grass roots efforts to mobilize constituents on legislative priorities. The External Affairs Associate also builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinates meetings, agendas, and presentations, and conducts other activities in support of the Ohio Policy and Government Relations program. This includes additional responsibilities related to federal and state legislative issues based on team needs. Regular and consistent travel to Columbus office is required.

We’re Looking for You:

The External Affairs Associate supports the Nature Conservancy's conservation and advocacy goals by serving as a liaison and informational contact between the organization and external partners/stakeholders. They will support the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team in amplifying conservation and climate policies that support TNC’s national and state chapter advocacy platform and will be primarily responsible for serving as a contact and resource for Ohio’s Congressional delegation and other federal contacts. The External Affairs Associate coordinates and implements internal initiatives such as organizational knowledge management, administrative procedures, internal networks and project coordination. The External Affairs Associate serves as a main point of contact for Ohio conservation policy issues with Ohio’s legislature and state agencies; therefore, the ideal candidate will be located in the Columbus metro region. Come join TNC and apply today!

Responsibilities include:

• Advocating for statewide conservation and climate issues through engagement with stakeholders including conservation organizations, community-based organizations, and elected officials.

• Supporting state conservation and climate advocacy goals by actively participating in coalitions and work groups.

• Building and maintaining relationships with key partners and policymakers who are involved in efforts to tackle climate change, protect lands, waters, and wildlife.

• Managing legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns. Collaborating with national, regional, and Ohio Chapter colleagues on shared projects, identifying cross cutting connections with legislative priorities.

• Under direction of supervisor, drafting testimony, action alerts, letters, and other materials as needed to support the advocacy goals of the Ohio Chapter.

• Presenting policy priorities to potential donors, supporters, and stakeholders.

• Providing research and policy analysis and assists with outreach in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities at the state and federal level.

• Sharing information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.

• Preparing program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.

• Providing administrative, research, organizing and general office support to the Ohio Policy and Government Relations team.

• Working independently, working with supervisor on complex matters as needed.

• Making independent decisions within the scope of work assignments.

• Traveling to the Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.

• Financial responsibility which may include developing and working within a budget, and completing expense reports.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.

• Experience writing and editing persuasive and informational material.

• Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.

• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships and working with partners and government agencies.

• Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

Desired Qualifications:

• Understanding of State of Ohio and federal legislative processes.

• Awareness of conservation and climate issues impacting the State of Ohio and the United States.

• Knowledge of State of Ohio and federal lobbying laws and regulations, and the ability to monitor changes in county and local lobbying requirements.

• Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results. 

• Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.

• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels:  international, federal, state, county, or municipal.

• Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations, business, or sustainability.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

• Self-starting, independent worker who can collaborate effectively in a team, and thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.

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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 – $63,500. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube   to hear stories from staff or visit  Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into 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 and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

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

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

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.