Government Relations Associate

As our Government Relations Associate, you will play a key role on the Policy and Government Relations team for the MNDK Chapter of TNC (supporting Minnesota-North Dakota-South Dakota.) In coordination with the Director of Policy and Government Relations for MN-ND-SD, you will help drive forward our policy work at the Minnesota State Capitol and work broadly in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priorities and goals across MN, ND, and SD.

You will also advance the Conservancy’s policy and public funding goals and provides research, policy analysis and strategy development for policies related to the Conservancy’s land, water, climate, and agriculture objectives. This includes tracking hearings, policies and decisions directly related to these policy areas, while also providing additional internal and external coordination, research, meeting and communications coordination as needed. You will provide research and policy analysis in support of legislative, corporate and/or policy priorities; and collaborate with team members to prepare lobbying materials, memos, and other communications for elected and other public officials, internal staff and the Chapter Board of Trustees. You will develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.

Other responsibilities include but are not limited to supervising interns or temporary staff, financial management (developing and working within a budget, processing check requests, and completing travel expense reports,) supporting Policy and Government Relations team projects, administrative functions or similar duties, ensuring program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 2 years related work experience or equivalent combination.

• Fluency in English.

• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive report.

• Experience preparing written materials such as, but not limited to memos, research documents, policy summaries, official correspondence.

• Experience presenting to and communicating with internal and external audiences.

• Experience interacting with senior leadership in a professional manner.

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience with strategy development for legislative, planning, and policy initiatives at the state and local level. 

• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.

• Experience working with partners including government agencies and the corporate sector.

• Experience coordinating complex projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.  

• Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.  

• Experience, coursework, or other training in public policy, government relations environment, conservation, energy, agriculture, or climate-related policies. 

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $65,000 - $70,000. 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.

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.”

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. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of 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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.