WY Director of External Affairs at The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming

What We Can Achieve Together:

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• 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.
• Frequent travel across the state and nationally, evening and weekend hours. May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

The preferred location for this position is Cheyenne, WY, though other locations within the state may be considered.

We’re Looking for You:

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!

What You’ll Bring:

• 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.

Desired Qualifications:

• 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.

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 under the FAQ section. 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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $85,200 - $90,525. 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.