Energy Policy Advisor, Arizona

WHO WE ARE

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Energy Policy Advisor is a member of the Arizona Climate Program working to put Arizona on a path to economy-wide net-zero carbon emissions. The position will develop and implement policy approaches to achieve the Conservancy’s climate and clean energy goals through interaction with Arizona governments, agencies, clean energy advocates, and utility sector partners. This position is based out of our Phoenix, AZ office.

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. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

In conjunction with the Climate Program Director, the Energy Policy Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team and serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic clean energy and climate policy issues. This position is responsible for forming, maintaining, and developing partnerships with governmental agencies, electric utilities, clean energy advocates, consumer advocates, and renewable energy industry representatives to inform and advance clean energy and climate policy.

A. Support Statewide Energy Policy (70%)

1. Engage in the Arizona Corporation Commission electric utility planning, rate setting, and regulatory proceedings to inform and shape energy policy in support of program climate goals.
2. Lead efforts to develop and advocate for policies, mechanisms, and organizational positions to accelerate Arizona’s transition to a clean energy economy and address climate change.
3. Coordinate with an interdisciplinary team to develop communications and outreach strategies and messaging that accurately and persuasively convey TNC’s positions to stakeholders and decision-makers.
4. Work with a diverse group of stakeholders including electric utilities, clean energy advocates, consumer advocates, and renewable energy industry leaders to advance shared policy agendas.
5. Review, analyze, and evaluate the potential impact of proposed climate and energy policy and administrative processes that support or hinder climate program goals.
6. Keep abreast of emerging state and federal climate and clean energy topics to lead equitable and inclusive climate and clean energy policy development.
7. Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate issues.
8. Lead the development of policy statements and technical reports for TNC or in collaboration with one or more stakeholders.

B. Convene on Emerging Climate and Clean Energy Policy Issues (20%)

1. Identify and develop an annual convening on emerging energy technology, industry, or topics critical to advancing climate and clean energy goals.
2. Work with the Climate Program, consultants, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to curate the conversation to achieve strategic outcomes that inform and/or advance public understanding and climate or clean energy policies.
3. Document learning and stakeholder agreements with meeting reports, white papers, slide decks, and other forms as appropriate.

C. Other (10%)

1. Participate in Arizona Climate Program, business unit, and regional TNC meetings, trainings, etc., as required.
2. Adhere to TNC’s and Arizona’s established SOPs and business processes.
3. Initiate, negotiate, and formalize contracts for services and other formal agreements to support climate program strategies.
4. Complete administrative tasks in a timely and accurate manner – including time reports, expense reports, and performance self-evaluations.
5. Occasional travel, including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings and occasionally in the U.S. for trainings.
6. Occasionally work long hours, weekends, and holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Execute all duties within the Conservancy’s policies, standard operating procedures, and business practices.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and collaborating within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Develop relationships and work effectively with corporate, government, community, and nonprofit partners.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high-profile, or sensitive agreements.
• Make strategic decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.
• May supervise administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and development.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in energy or climate policy, economics, sustainability, utility management, political science, or other relevant field and 5 years of experience, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience with:
  • Analytical and project management.
  • Developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
  • Negotiating.
  • Working with computers and related software, such as Windows, Microsoft Office, Box, Teams, web browsers, and internet research.
  • Written and oral communications and presentations to a wide range of audiences.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of current trends in energy policy, utility planning, and climate issues.
• Knowledge of Arizona’s politics and policy landscape.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness before state public utility commissions.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multidisciplinary groups.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree and supervisory experience appreciated.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Experience working in a metrics-driven culture.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for this position is generally between $87,700-$106,380 for annual base salary. Actual pay will depend on factors including location, qualifications, and experience.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 56392, submit your current resume and a cover letter summarizing your directly related experience online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on Monday, April 4, 2025.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. For more details on accommodations for individuals with disabilities, please contact [email protected].