Washington State Government Relations Dir

What We Can Achieve Together: The Washington State Government Relations Director will help guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State. They will guide state legislative agenda development and implementation, engage with the state executive branch, and lobby for state policy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve conservation goals. The WA State Government Relations Director will work with other members of the Policy & Government Relations team as well as Business Unit and divisional strategy teams to strengthen strategic external relationships that will enable the Washington Business Unit to have the greatest possible impact to protect the environment and improve the well-being of communities in our region. We're Looking for You: The WA State Government Relations Director plans, implements and coordinates strategies within The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Business Unit to affect state policy and budgets. They oversee legislative and administrative initiatives and policies related to The Nature Conservancy’s mission and programs, including polices to address climate change, clean energy, forest health, wildfire resilience, and healthy communities. They work with a bipartisan approach to build and support effective coalitions among diverse interests, and problem-solve to tackle political challenges. Essential functions include: Lobbying and Government Relations (50%) 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. Collaboration & Strategic Advising (30%) 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. Engage in Coalitions (20%) 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. RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE Level of Position: The WA State Government Relations Director is a senior advisor position with broad strategic responsibility and external visibility. Within the scope of this position, they will: Assure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting and tracking state and federal lobbying activities. Manage contract lobbyist(s) and may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development. Apply a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies. Act independently within broad program goals. Participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements. Work Environment and Schedule The location for this position is flexible within the Puget Sound region (Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle preferred), with a requirement to be onsite in Olympia 5 days per week during legislative session (January – March/April) and available for in person meetings at The Nature Conservancy’s Seattle office on a regular basis outside of legislative session (occasionally weekly, more often 1-2 times per month). Must be willing to travel (including overnight) throughout Washington State, including frequent travel to Olympia; occasional travel to other U.S. locations. Work long and/or flexible hours as needed. What You'll Bring: 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. Desired Qualifications: Ability to act in accordance with the Washington’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives. Experience lobbying elected officials and implementing legislative campaigns. Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated. Excellent communication skills including public testimony, presentation, conversation and written. 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, partners, volunteers, and all levels of staff. Familiarity with political conditions, environmental/conservation issues and trends in Washington State. Experience presenting to and/or negotiating with government representatives and/or community leaders. Supervisory experience. Master’s or law degree appreciated. This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job. 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 Auto Safety information 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 $97,000 – $124,000. 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. 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 ✉ Sign in to view email with Request for Accommodation in the subject line. The Nature Conservancy is a global environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive. Founded in the U.S. through grassroots action in 1951, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than a million members and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and over 400 scientists, we impact conservation in 79 countries and territories: 37 by direct conservation impact and 42 through partners. To conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Our vision is a world where the diversity of life thrives, and people act to conserve nature for its own sake and its ability to fulfill our needs and enrich our lives.