The State Government Relations Director plans, implements and coordinates strategies within The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Program to affect government policy and legislation. They oversee legislative and administrative initiatives and policies related to The Nature Conservancy’s mission and programs, including polices to address climate change, forest health, clean water, and healthy cities. They work to build and support effective coalitions among diverse interests, and problem-solve to tackle political challenges. Essential functions include:

Lobbying and Government Relations (60%)

• Cultivating relationships with state, federal, tribal, and/or local government decision-makers, with potential emphasis on either state or local and tribal relationship building/relationship management.
• Advancing conservation policy priorities through regular contact with federal, state, local, and tribal government officials.
• Lead state operating, capital and transportation budget advocacy and analysis in collaboration with key TNC staff, allies and stakeholders.

Collaborating with Program Teams (40%)

• Collaborate closely with conservation, science and other staff, including the Climate Director and Policy Director, to develop equitable policy initiatives and guide government relations strategies that advance our conservation goals with an initial emphasis on working with the Puget Sound team on issues related to clean water and healthy cities.
• Work with conservation staff to develop high level strategies to build influence and improve partnerships.
• Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase our impact and achieve specific policy goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Level of Position: The State Government Relations Director is a senior advisor position with broad strategic responsibility and external visibility.

• They may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development.

Within the scope of the position, they will:

• Advocate and lobby 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.
• Communicate with diverse types of people, including business executives, tribal leaders, rural community representatives, people of color, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.
• Research, analyze, evaluate and prepare recommendations on state and federal public policy issues, policy options and the potential impacts of proposed legislation, proposed rulemaking efforts, and changes in agency policies.
• Build and maintain productive relationships and open communications with key elected officials and agency officials at the state, local, and federal level, as well as with tribal governments and other non-governmental organization partners.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and working collaboratively within cross-functional teams.
• Assure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting and tracking state and federal lobbying activities.

Work Environment and Schedule

• Must be willing to travel within Washington State, including frequent travel between Seattle and Olympia; occasional travel to Washington DC and other U.S. locations.
• Work long and/or flexible hours as needed.