Government Relations Policy Manager

### 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 Government Relations Policy Manager supports The Nature Conservancy’s policy goals. They advance policies with state and federal agencies and serve as a liaison and informational contact on issues in North Carolina between TNC and federal, state, and local governments, and non-profit organizations. The Government Relations Policy Manager reports to the Director of Government Relations. The position is based out of TNC’s Durham office with hybrid work options available. The position is full-time for a three-year term subject to renewal based on available funding. The salary range is $70,000-81,000 depending on experience.

The Government Relations Policy Manager develops, implements, and advances The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) policy priorities with a primary emphasis on nature-based climate solutions. They coordinate with TNC conservation staff and other subject matter experts and engage with government agency staff, non-profit organizations, government officials, and other key audiences.

The Government Relations Policy Manager works closely with The North Carolina chapter of TNC’s conservation staff to develop and implement policy priorities. They advance NC TNC policy priorities through interaction with state and federal agencies and businesses focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives. Their primary focus is on natural climate solutions that increase the resiliency of natural and human communities to climate-related impacts and that reduce net carbon emissions. They identify policy and funding opportunities and develop and implement strategies to influence public policy, public funding, and agency practice for policy solutions at the state level and with key federal officials. They work closely with NC TNC and liaise with counterparts within the broader organization to share lessons learned and to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches.

Working closely with TNC conservation staff in North Carolina, in other TNC chapters, and in TNC’s U.S. Government Relations program, the Government Relations Policy Manager:

– Applies knowledge of natural climate solutions, carbon offsets, freshwater science, and other practices to support Conservancy nature-based climate adaptation and mitigation strategies;
– Supports program objectives by working in a complex organizational environment and collaboratively within cross-functional, interdisciplinary teams;
– Identifies key stakeholders and constituencies and develops and implements strategies to engage these individuals and audiences in collaborative action on policy;
– Develops relationships and works effectively with government, community, and non-governmental organization partners;
– Acts independently within broad program goals to advance TNC strategies and NC chapter annual work plans;
– Coordinates work, both internally and externally to advance strategies that broaden support in North Carolina for action on TNC’s policy priorities;
– Conducts outreach and represents TNC to government officials, the business sector, non-profit community, media, funders, and other audiences;
– May manage projects involving research and analysis on a broad range of subjects related to policy (e.g., science and technology, economics, public opinion);
– Convenes and facilitates internal and external meetings to deepen understanding of climate change impacts, expand support for natural climate solutions, and advance climate, clean energy, and other policy priorities;
– 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;
– Monitors and tracks legislative, regulatory, scientific, and administrative developments and coordinates action on policy opportunities, as appropriate, in support of TNC’s policy priorities;
– Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements; and
– Represents and coordinates Chapter strategies with those of other TNC Business Units and the Worldwide Office.

### WHAT YOU’LL BRING

**MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS**

– Bachelor’s degree and three years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
– Fluency in English.
– Experience working with partners/government agencies and the corporate sector.
– Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
– Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.

**DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS**

– Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in North Carolina.
– Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
– Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
– Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating, and organizational skills to persuasively convey the need for action on TNC’s policy priorities to a diverse and wide range of audiences while also being mindful of existing trusted partnerships.
– Experience building networks and influencing outcomes without direct authority.
– Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive with minimal oversight.

### 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, and other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

### ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

### AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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 FAQ section on The Nature Conservancy’s recruitment page.

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 $70,000 – $81,000 for annual base salary. 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.

### APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 55431, submit your materials online by clicking Apply Now by 11:59 PM EST on 8/23/2024. Need help applying? Visit the recruitment page or contact [email protected].

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 cultures. 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.

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role, committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location-specific range upon request.