Nonprofit Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC

INTRODUCTION

The WA Federal Government Relations Director will help guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State and across the United States. They will guide planning, outreach and communications at all levels of the federal government for policy advocacy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve conservation goals. The WA Federal Government Relations Director will work with other members of the Policy & Government Relations team as well as Business Unit, divisional and national TNC teams to strengthen strategic external relationships that will enable the Washington Business Unit to have the greatest possible impact to protect the environment and improve the well-being of communities in our region.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The WA Federal Government Relations Director plans, implements and coordinates strategies within The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Business Unit to affect federal government policy and budget appropriations. They oversee legislative and administrative initiatives and policies related to The Nature Conservancy’s mission and programs, including policies to address climate change, clean energy, forest health, wildfire resilience, and healthy communities. They work with a broad, bipartisan approach to build and support effective coalitions among a wide array of interests, and problem-solve to tackle political challenges. Essential functions include:

Lobbying and Government Relations (50%)

• Advocate 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.
• Build and maintain bipartisan productive relationships and open communications with key federal government officials, including members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, congressional and agency staff, Tribal leaders, lobbyists, and non-governmental organization partners.
• Research, analyze, evaluate and prepare recommendations on federal public policy issues, policy options and the potential impacts of proposed legislation, proposed rulemaking efforts, and changes in agency policies.
• Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase our impact and achieve specific policy goals.

Collaboration & Strategic Advising (50%)

• Collaborate with policy, conservation, forestry, prescribed fire, science, community relations and other staff, to advance conservation priorities and the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
• Liaise with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Policy and Government Relations team and federal policy colleagues from other states to align and coordinate federal policy and budget advocacy.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

Level of Position: The WA Federal Government Relations Advisor is a senior advisor position with broad strategic responsibility and external visibility. Within the scope of this position, they will:

• Manage contractors, including contract lobbyist(s), and may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Communicate with a wide range of people, including business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.
• 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.
• Apply a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies.
• Act independently within broad program goals.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.

Work Environment and Schedule

• The location for this position is flexible within Washington State (Seattle-Bellevue-Tacoma Metro area preferred) and requires being available for in person meetings at The Nature Conservancy’s Seattle office on a regular basis (occasionally weekly, more often 1-2 times per month).
• Must be willing to travel up to 25% (including overnight) throughout Washington State and to other U.S. locations. The position requires 2-4 trips to Washington D.C. annually.
• Work long and/or flexible hours as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field and 5 years of government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience working with teams across an organization to achieve policy objectives.
• Experience building coalitions and identifying key stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation skills.
• Valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to starting the position.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to act in accordance with the Washington commitment to Indigenous Peoples; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.
• Experience lobbying elected officials and implementing legislative campaigns.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Excellent communication skills including public testimony, presentation, conversation and written.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, partners, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Familiarity with political conditions and environmental/conservation issues and trends in Washington State and the US Federal Government.
• Experience presenting to and/or negotiating with government representatives and/or community leaders.
• Supervisory experience.
• Master’s or law degree appreciated.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. 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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $107,000 – $124,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. 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. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

WHO WE ARE

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!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.