Rhode Island Director of Climate and Government Relations

Overview

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 Rhode Island Director of Climate and Government Relations oversees all aspects of climate equity and government relations work for Rhode Island. They provide supervision and team management for equitable conservation programs to address climate change and environmental threats and promote social equity, including technical and program support. They serve as the principle contact to government agencies and community partners. The Director of Climate and Government Relations establishes the Conservancy as a major conservation partner with local organizations and municipalities, defining climate and nature-based infrastructure priorities. They lead and manage a team (five direct reports) which supports and improves conservation efforts, building strategic, scientific, and technical capacity in the field. The Director of Climate and Government Relations develops a growth environment fostering staff engagement, accountability, and retention. They create, strengthen, and lead a culture of trust, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

The Director of Climate and Government Relations develops annual and ongoing legislative strategy and administers the execution and implementation of strategies through key partnerships. They collaborate with public and private organizations to identify and resolve technical issues and to widely communicate solutions and best practices, develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs, and engage local community support for local conservation efforts.

The Director of Climate and Government Relations negotiates complex and innovative solutions with government agencies and partners to conserve and protect natural communities and develop and implement conservation strategies. They direct and support the Rhode Island Municipal Resilience Program focusing on implementation of workshop results. They participate in the Energy Efficiency Resource Management Council and the Future of Gas docket, lobbying at the Rhode Island State House, and congressional delegation.

Regular travel domestically, evening hours are required.  This is a hybrid position with an average of two days a week in the Providence office.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

We seek applications from equity-minded candidates who will thrive in an environment that is committed to advancing the principles of climate resilience, social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex 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 corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience
• Analytical and project management experience. Experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment
• Strong and demonstrated commitment to an anti-racist, diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible environment
• Supervisory experience
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals
• Experience with communication and presentations
• Experience with negotiation skills

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

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

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Rhode Island Chapter is comprised of 31 employees who are committed to teamwork; cross-collaboration; professional development; a fun and inclusive office culture; and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice learning and practices. In addition to the minimum requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Passion, innovation, and diversity are all key components to advancing our Mission and we encourage you to apply.

We are in the process of transitioning to a new ERP system, and our careers page will not be available after May 30th for roughly 1 month. Henceforth, this role will be pulled from our careers page on that date, and we highly encourage folks to apply prior to that. Otherwise, we will not be able to accept applications.