External Affairs Advisor

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Policy Advisor, Natural Climate Solutions plays a key role in the development and implementation of policy strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s natural climate solutions goals. The Policy Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team and interacts with governments, nongovernmental organizations, and/or the corporate sector to define and promote policies that protect, restore and improve natural and working lands to reduce emissions and increase carbon sequestration.

The Policy Advisor, Natural Climate Solutions must reside in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

We’re Looking for You:

The Nature Conservancy’s Natural Climate Solutions strategy for North America is at a pivotal moment. Emerging science, evolving markets, and shifting political dynamics are creating new opportunities and challenges to advance forest restoration and climate-smart forest management. We are rebuilding our policy strategy and seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial leader who thrives at the intersection of science and policy. The Policy Advisor for Natural Climate Solutions will translate research findings into a practical policy agenda and work across a matrixed team of interdisciplinary experts and a varied network of government, nonprofit, and industry partners to advance that agenda. This role is responsible for developing an evidence-based, politically feasible strategy, building coalitions, shaping policy solutions, and driving adoption of priority policies at the federal and state levels. This is an exciting opportunity to work with leading experts on natural climate solutions and help define the future policy efforts of our team!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, climate, natural resource management or environmental policy or related field and 5 years of experience in policy analysis and government relations, or equivalent combination of education/experience. 

• Knowledge of public and private programs and incentives, including carbon markets, related to carbon sequestration, forestry, and land use management.

• Direct experience working with partners, government agencies and/or coalitions related to forestry or natural climate solutions.

• Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment. 

• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.

• Demonstrated relationship building skills.

• Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements. 

• Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills. 

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $108,000 - $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.

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.