The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy

Director of External Affairs

Boulder, Colorado · Director · Contract

Sponsorship not specified$157k-$167kDetected 56 days ago
Project ManagementNegotiationPerformance ManagementLeadershipCommunicationPublic Speaking

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Cap-exempt (no lottery)100
Sponsors year-round90
Entry-level history60
PERM / green-card track50
Fits your clock70

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States it is exempt from the H-1B cap

In 1 Department of Labor filing, this employer states it is a nonprofit or governmental research organization — one of the statutory grounds for exemption from the H-1B cap. Cap-exempt employers can file year-round without entering the lottery.Employer's own attestation on a Department of Labor wage determination, not a USCIS determination — exemption is decided per petition.

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About the role

  • They deploy a robust understanding of the U.S. policy context in designing effective policy tactics and addressing challenges or barriers.
  • The Colorado Director also actively engages with regional and national TNC teams to guide policy priorities and strategy to achieve high impact outcomes for biodiversity, climate and people.
  • Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Responsibilities

  • Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, non-profit partners, private stakeholders and others.
  • Leads and develops a multi-disciplinary team, including responsibility for performance management, training, and career development.
  • Supports conservation policy and climate action and on behalf of TNC's Western Division and North America Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) policy goals.
  • Develops and manages the External Affairs budget and has authority to modify budget based on changing circumstances. Operates within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
  • Leads efforts to secure public and private funds to meet program needs.
  • Demonstrated experience building strong relationships across a matrixed organization and with partners such as government agencies, Tribal Nations, elected officials, non-profit organizations, corporations, donors, and volunteers.
  • The Colorado Director of External Affairs leads the collaborative development of high-level policy priorities and strategies for the Colorado Business Unit.
  • They regularly engage with local, state, federal and Tribal decision-makers and take a broad, non-partisan approach to building and supporting effective coalitions among a wide array of interests.

Requirements

  • Master's degree in public policy, environmental studies, conservation, law, business, or a related field.
  • 7 years of experience in leading overall strategy development and implementation related to Western U.S. public policy, conservation/environmental policy, regulatory advocacy, and public funding.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. climate and energy policy issues, trends, and key stakeholders.
  • Professional and/or lived experience with indigenous and Tribal communities
  • Bachelor's degree and 7 years of related senior-level work experience, including current and evolving political, legislative and conservation trends on a federal and/or multi-state level.
  • Advanced understanding of and experience with Western U.S. policy priorities and climate policy.
  • Experience identifying and securing public funding to support conservation outcomes.
  • Outstanding analytical and project management skills, including experience developing and implementing complex initiatives in dynamic or evolving environments.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiation and organizational skills.
  • Independent and self-motivated with the ability to participate effectively in a remote team environment.

Compensation

  • The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $157,000 - $167,000 USD.
  • 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.
  • Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges.
  • Leads the development and implementation of a cohesive annual External Affairs strategy for TNC Colorado.
  • Manages the Colorado Board of Trustee's Policy Committee, including annual approval of state legislative agenda.
  • Participates as a member of the Colorado Leadership Team to develop, review and implement strategic and annual plans and business operations.

Benefits

  • Location is flexible within Colorado's Front Range, with a minimum of two days per week in TNC's Boulder office, and frequent travel to Denver.

Company info

  • The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
  • One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."
  • What We Bring:
  • Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!
  • The Nature Conservancy's mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends.
  • 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 include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.
  • Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's many reasons to love life inside TNC.
  • Want a better insight to TNC?
  • Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
  • One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.
  • In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience.
  • Please apply - we'd love to hear from you.
  • To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

This listing is sourced directly from The Nature Conservancy's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.