The Associate Director, Government Relations furthers the work of Nature United, TNC, and conservation partners through direct interaction with the federal government, Indigenous governments, multilateral agencies, and/or other external partners focusing on federal policy, programs, and funding initiatives that provide opportunities and/or impact toward natural climate solutions (NCS), sustainable management of lands and oceans, and Indigenous-led conservation.  They will identify conservation-related public policy and funding opportunities, evaluates the potential for strategic partnerships, and develops and implements strategies to influence priorities, public policy and public funding for conservation at the national and/or global level.  They will liaise with counterparts within Nature United, our global affiliate (TNC), and with external partners to provide and extract useful lessons and experience, to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches, and to position Canada as a global conservation and natural climate solutions leader.  

• Builds and sustains relationships with diverse groups including key legislators, government officials, Indigenous advocates and partners, NGO coalitions, and others who are critical to Nature United’s overall national public policy and funding strategies.
• Develops and implements multi-year federal public funding and policy strategies toward NCS, sustainable resource management, and Indigenous-led conservation goals. 
• Manages Nature United’s federal political workplan and engagement strategy.
• Works with Nature United’s Provincial Policy Advisor to leverage intergovernmental policy and funding opportunities. 
• Crafts compelling federally focused communications materials and effectively deploys messengers. 
• Monitors and understands external messaging and media, including social media.
• Effectively directs and/or participates in complex negotiations.
• Works in partnership with other organizations in a collaborative and consultative or advisory capacity.
• Prepares and presents project proposals and negotiates with federal, bilateral and multilateral agencies and/or the business and corporate sector, to achieve program goals.  
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements, including US and Canadian federal lobbying laws and regulations.
• Develops constructive and effective working relationships inside and outside Nature United.  
• 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.
• Communicates professionally with a wide variety of people from different cultures, with a focus on amplifying and uplifting Indigenous voices.
• May supervise administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development. 
• May represent Nature United at key national and international events and venues (UNFCCC COP 26, UNCBD COP 15).
• Availability to travel within Canada and internationally (as permissible).