OFFICE LOCATION
Los Angeles, California, USA.
This position may be based out of a home or TNC office in the following metro areas: Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Francisco. This position may require travel up to 2 times per month within the state.
WHO WE ARE
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, nonpartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.
The California Chapter is TNC’s largest state program and one of the largest, most dynamic conservation organizations in the country. With approximately 275 employees, from financial analysts and fundraisers to ecologists and economists, we are currently invested in 14 strategies to address the biggest challenges facing California and the world, including numerous community-based projects designed to increase the pace, scale, and effectiveness of conservation. Over the past six decades, we have protected 1.4 million acres, 5,000 miles of streams, and 3.8 million acres of ocean habitat in California and off the coast.
The California Chapter believes that we are most effective when we are embedded in our state’s communities, politics, media, and environmental issues. For this reason, and to reduce our carbon footprint when meeting in person, all staff live in California, including those in a home office.
Finally, we are passionate about holding the middle ground in American politics and civic life and doing our part to make conservation a shared national value. The hallmark of The Nature Conservancy is its “big tent” approach, engaging people across the political and ideological spectrum to find solutions that last. We are not activists. We do not litigate. We do not take public stands on matters unrelated to our purpose. We welcome everyone. Everyone in our organization should therefore be adept at working with people who may not share their personal values or opinions. We ask all employees to embrace the critical strategic position of our brand and organization as centrist and non-partisan. It is the foundation of our success.
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Associate Director plays a key role in the development and implementation of strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with local governments and communities. The Associate Director works with an interdisciplinary team to serve as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic issues. They liaise with TNC’s strategy teams, Science and Conservation staff, and with other TNC’s Operating Units to further conservation goals, policies, and strategy. Duties of the Local External Affairs team include:
• Frequent contact with local government officials and community partners on matters pertaining to TNC’s conservation projects and programs.
• Building and facilitating internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations.
• Influencing the outcome of policy and ballot initiatives at the local levels.
• Developing strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, non-government organizations (NGOs), and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to make a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience managing relationships with local government officials and building community partnerships.
The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and implementing projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations (or equivalent combination education/experience).
• Fluency in English.
• Experience working with local governments.
• Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree appreciated.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals.
• 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.
WHAT WE BRING
Each person who works at TNC contributes to our goal of protecting nature for future generations. Another one of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe feel that their unique contributions are valued. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “You’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.” To learn more, head to YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
We’re proud to support the health and wellbeing of the people we employ. We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, and other benefits that support work-life balance.
If you’re interested in working with us, please apply—we’d love to hear from you.
SALARY INFORMATION
The starting pay for this position is within the range of $93,600 – $137,750 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state of employment is California. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including the candidate's location, qualifications, skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment. More specific location ranges are:
Los Angeles county and San Francisco Bay Area: $102,200 - $137,750
Sacramento and Orange county: $93,600 - $126,250
APPLY NOW
To apply for job ID 55762, submit your materials (resume and cover letter) online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 8:59 PM PST on Thurs, November 14, 2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.
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.
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 with 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
