Government Relations Director

Role Overview

• Advocate for priority policies and public funding for programs and projects that are key to conservation priorities and advance the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
• Build and maintain productive bipartisan relationships and open communications with key state government officials, including statewide elected officials, state legislators, legislative staff, Gubernatorial and agency staff, Tribal leaders and lobbyists.
• In deep coordination with policy staff, support the research, analysis, evaluation and preparation of recommendations on state public policy issues, policy options and the potential impacts of proposed legislation, proposed rulemaking efforts, and changes in agency policies.
• Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
• Support state Business Unit and divisional strategy objectives by working in a complex, matrixed team environment within cross-functional teams.
• Collaborate closely with policy, conservation, forestry, prescribed fire, science, community relations and other staff, to advance conservation priorities and the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
• Participate in multiple state policy coalitions, including the Environmental Priorities Coalition, Washington Association of Land Trusts, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, Washington Prescribed Fire Council, and Blue-Green Alliance.
• Communicate with a wide range of people, including business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 5 years of government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Analytical and project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience working with teams across an organization to achieve policy objectives.
• Experience building partnerships and identifying key stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to starting the position.

Benefits

• Health care benefits
• Flexible spending accounts
• 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