Washington State Government Relations Director

About the role

The Washington State Government Relations Director will guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State. They will advocate for priority policies and public funding, build bipartisan relationships, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to advance conservation priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lobby for priority policies and public funding for programs and projects that align with conservation priorities.
• Engage with key state government officials, including statewide elected officials, state legislators, legislative staff, Gubernatorial and agency staff, Tribal leaders, and lobbyists.
• Support the research, analysis, evaluation, and preparation of recommendations on state public policy issues, policy options, and the potential impacts of proposed legislation and rulemaking efforts.
• Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
• Collaborate with state Business Unit and divisional strategy teams to advance conservation priorities and the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
• Participate in state policy coalitions, such as 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, to support conservation outcomes.

Requirements

Essential Functions Include Lobbying and Government Relations (50%), Collaboration & Strategic Advising (30%), and Participation in Coalitions (20%).

Qualifications

• 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.

Skills

• Ability to act in accordance with the Washington’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples.
• 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.

Benefits

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.

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.