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Climate and Energy Policy Associate

Job Title: 
Climate and Energy Policy Associate
Company, Organization, or University: 
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Location: 
Dublin, Ohio
Description: 

A LITTLE ABOUT US

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. 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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC

The Climate and Energy Policy Associate plans, implements, and coordinates programs at the division level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further the Conservancy’s mission. Duties may include contact with local, federal, and state elected officials and administration agencies/officials, partner organizations, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions. S/he/they builds and facilitates internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. S/he/tey influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels. S/he/they develops strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, external partners, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Climate and Energy Policy Associate will lead efforts in Ohio in support of TNC’s natural climate solutions (e.g. forest and agricultural carbon storage), renewable energy siting, and clean and green policy priorities. The individual will work closely with TNC staff and external consultants to identify opportunities and develop strategies to reach identified audiences in support of advancing TNC’s mission by leveraging our science, on-the-ground projects and relationships through policy to make a meaningful contribution to reducing the impacts of climate change. Responsibilities include providing research and policy analysis and tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s climate and clean energy goals; prioritizing opportunities to ensure equitable conservation and social justice gains; building and facilitating internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. The individual is expected to build external influencing networks and strategic partnerships with local and state government, the private sector, non-governmental agencies, academia and professional and trade associations to help form a broader, diverse coalition that supports and advances climate and energy policy. Development, management, and delivery of public or private climate and energy educational programs, briefings, and events.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Working closely with the Director of Government Relations, the Climate and Energy Policy Associate:

Serves as team leader and oversees projects to develop policies and execute strategies to broaden local, state, and federal support in Ohio for action on TNC’s climate and energy priorities.
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
Presenting our climate work to potential donors and supporters.
Ensures that our approaches are developed and viewed through a lens of equity and social justice.
Increase awareness of and develop strategic partnerships to promote both Ohio-specific and TNC national climate and clean energy priorities to wide variety of audiences, including elected officials, internal staff, partner organizations, state and federal agencies and others.
Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible, bipartisan partner on energy and climate solutions.
Manage legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns.
Conducts research and represents TNC to a variety of constituencies and stakeholders (public, private, government, non-government agencies, academia); and engages these groups in developing and implementing strategies that advance climate and clean energy policies.
Travels to both Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.
May manage projects and teams involving research and analysis on a broad range of topics related to climate and energy policy, such as public opinion surveys, scientific studies, and economic analysis.
Monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative action on policy climate and energy policy opportunities as appropriate.
Shares information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.
Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately and assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Works within the scope of program’s strategic goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy or related field and 4 years related experience.
Fluency in English.
Experience researching, compiling, and analyzing information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: international, federal, state, county, or municipal.
Experience working with, presenting to, and communicating with different audiences and constituencies including government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
Experience working with partners/government agencies, government officials, business, academia, professional and trade associations, media, and the corporate sector.
Experience in developing and maintaining partnerships, coalitions, collaborations.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience, coursework, or other training in climate, clean energy, business, or sustainability.
Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
Strong time management and prioritization skills.
Experience in working in state and federal regulatory environment.
Proven organizational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple assignments simultaneously.
Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
Collaborative; team member.
Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.

SALARY INFORMATION

The compensation range begins at $64,300 and is commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline: 
Wednesday, July 28, 2021
Application Instructions: 
HOW TO APPLY Please visit www.nature.org/careers to apply. Submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. Applications will be reviewed in the order they’re received . The deadline to apply is 11:59 PM EST on July 28, 2021. The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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.
Contact: 
Erin O'Rourke
Phone: 
614-717-2770
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