External Affairs and GR Lead

OFFICE LOCATION

Charleston, West Virginia, USA

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

External Affairs and GR Lead supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by leading the West Virginia Business Unit and works closely with the Central Appalachians Program, and various Appalachian and North America Government relations project teams by designing and delivering external affairs, government and corporate relations strategies and goals, as well as, TNC’s Nature and Economy strategies, and project objectives within West Virginia and the Central Appalachian Program. This position will serve as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and local, state, and federal government agencies and elected officials, multilateral institutions/ agencies, business, community organizations, NGOs and/or private groups.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

External Affairs and GR Lead will bring their experience in government relations and external affairs network development to work on behalf of the West Virginia Business unit of The Nature Conservancy to achieve legislative, policy, and program goals. They will work towards achieving conservation, community, and economic development goals that support a strong Nature and Economy approach focused on strategic and high leverage outcomes for conserving and protecting the resilient and diverse lands and waters of West Virginia and the Central Appalachians. While also promoting and developing the models to develop economic diversification that is inclusive, equitable, and has individual and community outcomes for the well-being of West Virginians. This position furthers the work of The Nature Conservancy and its conservation partners through direct interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or businesses focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation and economic development opportunities and/or impact our conservation and economic development programs. Duties include daily contact to develop the strategic partnerships and potential funding pathways with local, state, federal, multilateral/agencies officials, and/or NGO and industry and corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions or internationally negotiated agreements to achieve the organization’s conservation and human equity and well-being agenda. They also work within The Nature Conservancy, especially with the Nature and Economy Director, Central Appalachian and Appalachians programs and North American Policy and Government Relations program to build and facilitates internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Work collaboratively with staff in the West Virginia Business Unit of The Nature Conservancy, regional government relations staff in the Conservancy, and the Conservancy’s North American Policy and Government Relations team to leverage state and federal level policy and investments in coalfields and rural economic development.
• Engage internal and external partners and stakeholders in a collaborative and consultative or advisory capacity to build the network of local, state, regional, and federal partners, and funders to initiate, undertake, and leverage development of these programs and projects.
• 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 state and federal 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• 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.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven multi-cultural experience, with experience in West Virginia or other Appalachian states highly preferred.
• Master’s degree appreciated
• Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance
• Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in West Virginia and the Appalachian region.
• 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.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 49536, submit resume (required) and cover letter (required) separately using the upload buttons. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received and the position will remain open until filled.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide 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 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.