Nevada External Affairs Associate

The Nevada External Affairs Associate plays a key role in programs at the state and local level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission. The Associate will support the External Affairs Director and Nevada Business Unit Strategy Directors in building and maintaining relationships with Nevada’s sovereign Indigenous Nations and state, county, and municipal governments. This includes ongoing engagement and regular communication with Tribal Nations to build trust, support collaboration, and advance shared conservation and community priorities. They will interface with federal and state agencies, county and municipal governments, industry representatives, tribal nations, and communities across Nevada to inform and advocate for conservation, community and climate (the 3Cs) outcomes for energy, infrastructure, and critical mineral development.

The External Affairs Associate provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s policy and/or corporate practice priorities and tracks policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals. They build and facilitate internal networks, coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations. They also provide administrative, research, and written communications support related to legislative affairs, including preparing testimonies, correspondence, reports, and other legislative communications. They provide services that assist in influencing the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives in Nevada. They develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, Tribes, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda. A significant portion of this role involves cultivating and maintaining relationships with Tribal Nations through frequent communication, coordination, and engagement on conservation, energy, infrastructure, and community priorities. This position will work with the Marketing Manager to coordinate strategic communications at all levels with target audiences regarding TNC’s position on climate, energy and infrastructure-related matters. As needed, this position will engage and manage consultants with expertise needed to carry out responsibilities.

• BA/BS degree in climate or energy policy, renewable energy management, or other relevant field and 3 years’ experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with, presenting to, and communicating with a range of different audiences about topics related to energy, infrastructure, climate, and the environment.

• Experience gathering information from multiple sources and turning it into clear reports.

• Experience working with Tribal governments, Tribal entities, or Indigenous organizations.

• Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at state, local, and Tribal levels.

• Experience working in partnerships and coalitions.

• Fluency in English.

• Knowledge of and subject matter expertise related to energy, especially geothermal, solar and wind, and battery energy storage, including knowledge of federal, state, and local energy policies and regulatory frameworks related to energy transmission and renewable energy deployment in Nevada and the Western U.S.

• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.

• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives to address greenhouse gas emission reduction and renewable energy development.

• Experience building networks or organizational capacity, increasing knowledge sharing, and identifying key stakeholders.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills.

• Team player with strong listening, collaborative and diplomacy skills, and ability to influence without authority.

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 $71,200-$75,650. 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.