The External Affairs Advisor is an outward-facing representative of the Conservancy’s priorities, projects, and accomplishments. In coordination with TNC’s Executive Director in Pennsylvania/Delaware, chapter staff, TNC’s Delaware trustees and volunteers, they plan, implement, and coordinate efforts to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission in the state and the region and in support of TNC’s local, national and global goals. The Advisor builds close working relationships and serves as the principal contact to Delaware’s General Assembly members, Congressional delegation, Governor, Administration, and State Agency leadership. They monitor state legislative and administrative initiatives and policies and strategically advance those relevant to the Chapter’s conservation strategies. 

Duties also include developing strategies for corporate and community engagement, non-profit organizations, donors, media, state agency partners, and other key audiences on matters of TNC’s climate and energy policy priorities.  They work with PA/DE staff to support national and global goals. They participate in fundraising activities to increase financial support for TNC climate and energy projects and priorities and support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and collaborating with a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
 

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

Working closely with TNC leadership in Pennsylvania/Delaware, other TNC chapters, and in TNC’s U.S. Government Relations program, the External Affairs Advisor:

• Coordinates with Pennsylvania/Delaware Executive/ Director, conservation, and other interdisciplinary teams to identify and advance policy strategies to advance TNC’s global, national, and regional policy priorities.
• Maintains a deep and broad understanding of and ability to communicate the Conservancy’s programs and priorities in Delaware, the Mid-Atlantic/Central Appalachian region, and globally.
• Manages government relations contracts and serves as the state lead on ballot initiatives and/or legislative campaigns.
• Assures compliance with TNC’s values, code of conduct, policies, procedures, and state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting, and tracking all chapter state and federal lobbying activities.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments and coordinates action on policy and funding opportunities, as appropriate, supporting climate action and TNC’s climate and energy priorities.
• Conducts policy and legal research on a broad range of climate policy subjects (e.g., science and technology, economics, public opinion), organizes and advocates for federal and state programs, policies, and funding that support our work.
• Builds and maintains strategic and productive relationships and partnerships with state and municipal leaders, communities directly impacted by climate change, and other partners, such as the business sector, non-profit community, media, and funders.
• Convenes and facilitates external meetings to deepen understanding of climate change impacts, expand support for climate change initiatives, and advance climate and energy policy priorities.
• In conjunction with Marketing staff, coordinates use of media (e.g., earned, paid, social) supporting climate action and TNC’s climate and energy policy priorities.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors and outside consultants, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects, coordinates the work of other staff and volunteers, and engages and inspires TNC leaders, trustees, and donors.
• May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.