WY Director of External Affairs

## Description

### 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. 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.

### 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.

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.

### What We Bring:

* **Impact:** Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Thanks to more than 1 million members and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation around the world!
* **Benefits:** 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, and disability coverage.
* **Flexibility:** We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

### Equal Opportunity Employer:

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.

Apply here