Senior Policy Advisor, Climate

The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in 69 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/about-us to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

Climate change is one of the world’s most urgent challenges and an immediate risk to our communities, economies, and to our conservation mission. The Nature Conservancy’s climate work is a global effort to promote practical, innovative solutions that protect against climate impacts, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and secure a prosperous, clean energy future for everyone. The Nature Conservancy seeks a Senior Policy Advisory, Climate Policy in US Government Relations with a proven record of success in climate policy strategy development and implementation. S/he will play an integral part in shaping TNC’s US policy solutions to address this challenge. The Senior Policy Advisor, Climate will play a key role in the development and implementation of the Conservancy’s U.S. Climate Strategy, to build support for federal and state climate policy through policy analysis, strategic outreach, and advocacy with government agencies and key constituencies and stakeholders.

This position is a term limited position,ending on June 30, 2017. Extension of this position is contingent upon additional funding.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Senior Policy Advisor, Climate will develop policy concepts, policy strategies, and cultivate relationships to advance the Conservancy’s federal and state climate and clean energy policy goals. The position serves as an external Conservancy representative on U.S. climate policy and will conduct stakeholder outreach to build a political constituency supportive of climate action in the U.S. This position will persuasively convey the mission of TNC to diverse groups including key legislators, government officials and outside stakeholders who are critical to the Conservancy’s overall climate policy goals. The Senior Policy Advisor will also provide strategic policy support to a select set of Conservancy chapters as they develop and implement their climate strategies, and will serve as an expert and advisor on specific technical, policy and strategic outreach issues, particularly at the state level. This position reports to the Director of US Climate and Energy Policy will work within the U.S. Government Relations team, and with fellow Senior Policy Advisors. Additionally, this position will coordinate with and provide support to other External Affairs departments as assigned by supervisors.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Provide policy and strategic advice to the Conservancy state chapters and the 50-State implementation team.
• Provide analysis of pending legislative and administrative policy changes related to the energy sector at the state level, as requested by state programs and national climate staff.
• Provide analysis to include evaluation of policy options against criteria related to increased market opportunities for clean energy; transformation of the electricity sector in ways that will facilitate increased use of clean energy and
• piloting options that could be the basis for national policy related to climate and clean energy.
• Identify opportunities in states to promote new clean energy policies, either through legislative action or administrative action.
• Review requests for TNC "sign-on" in support of policy options, evaluating arguments presented and importance of policy outcomes.
• Assist with message development for public communications about policy options.
• Responsible for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Able to communicate professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures.
• Demonstrates strong communications and presentation skills. Able to prepare and present project proposals and negotiate with federal, bilateral and multilateral agencies and/or the business and corporate sector, to achieve program goals.
• Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and advisory capacity.
• Develops and implements multi-year fundraising strategies, and goals. Effectively directs and or participates in complex negotiations.
• Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside the Conservancy.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, or other relevant field and at least 6 years of government relations or related experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Demonstrated analytical and project management experience.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals in an unstructured environment.
• Federal agency or congressional staff experience or equivalent experience for positions with a global focus.
• Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
• Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Supervisory experience (if required).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a relevant field.
• Experience with state climate and clean energy policy analysis and/or advocacy.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals.
• 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.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 44459, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on September 2, 2016.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org. *LI-NC1

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 men and women of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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 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.*

Job Title: Senior Policy Advisor, Climate

Location: Virginia

Job ID: 44459

Regular/Temporary: Temporary

Full/Part Time: Full-Time