What We Can Achieve Together:
The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire is seeking a motivated policy strategist and relationship builder who is eager to help develop and deliver high-impact conservation strategies that advance the Nature Conservancy’s mission in the Granite State and across the U.S.
The Policy Associate serves as a liaison and informational contact between the organization, elected officials, state agencies and partner organizations. They are responsible for leading strategic policy initiatives that advance TNC’s science-driven goals for land and natural resource protection, freshwater and coastal restoration, and climate resilience. They will excel at building and sustaining relationships with internal staff, volunteers as well as key partners to achieve conservation outcomes.
We’re Looking for You:
The Policy Associate reports to the Deputy State Director and works to develop and execute collaborative and integrated policy and government relations strategies across conservation initiatives.
Working with conservation practitioners across the organization, they will develop The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire’s policy platform. They will build and facilitate internal and external networks to advance The Nature Conservancy’s policy priorities in New Hampshire and with the New Hampshire Congressional delegation. They will be a registered lobbyist in New Hampshire, working to influence the outcome of priority initiatives with state legislators, agency leadership and with local officials. They assure compliance with federal and state lobbing laws and regulations, and may manage contracts, interns and volunteers towards focused outcomes.
The Policy Associate will have responsibility for developing works plans that align with organizational policy goals. They will evaluate outcomes and adjust priorities and strategies to ensure successful short-term, intermediate and long-lasting results. Working closely with the Deputy State Director on overall strategy and priority setting, they will be responsible for financial management of the policy program budget and communicating the policy portfolio to organization leadership and staff.
Communicate a clear and compelling vision for The Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire’s policy and government relations strategies with both internal and external audiences.
Ensure policy strategies in New Hampshire align with The Nature Conservancy’s Global, North American and regional priorities.
Represent The Nature Conservancy and build effective relationships with key internal and external audiences, including Trustees, partners, government officials, community and opinion leaders.
Ruthlessly prioritize and routinely assess risk, feasibility and impact of TNC’s policy program.
Manage relationships with contractors and consultants in advancing priority strategies.
Collaborate with internal conservation practitioners to identify and implement policy solutions that maximize impact.
Responsible for leading the development and management of annual program budget
Ensure program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Prepare program materials including issue briefs, legislative testimony, advocacy materials, presentations, memos, and other communications for both internal and external audiences.
Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fluency in English.
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, country, sub-national, or local.
Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
Experience building relationships with and influencing decisions of partners/government agencies and the corporate sector.
Ability to travel primarily within New Hampshire with a valid driver’s license, and be in person in Concord, NH routinely.
Desired Qualifications:
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in conservation policy.
Familiarity with public funding mechanisms and sources.
Experience managing and leveraging complex projects and programs for larger-scale impact.
Ability to understand, apply and leverage science for conservation policy impact.
Capable and comfortable making timely, strategic decisions with incomplete information.
Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions in New Hampshire and the Northeast.
Political savvy with the ability to assess core concerns and values that drive action; ability to prioritize, negotiate and compromise towards the best possible outcome.
Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
Experience negotiating complex agreements and contracts.
Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $76,000-$84,000 annually. 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.
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. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
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. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.
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.
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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.
