OFFICE LOCATION
Dallas, Texas, USA
The position may be remote based in any of the 10 states of the Great Plains Division (AR, IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, OK, SD, and TX). Estimate 25% travel.
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WHO WE ARE
The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world's toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One of TNC's primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you'll stay for the people."
WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER
The Climate and Energy Strategy Lead (Lead) provides vision, motivation, inspiration, and strategic leadership for TNC's Clean Energy Transition initiative which is designed to transform the approach, scale, and strategy to ensure the rapid, sustainable, and equitable deployment of renewable energy. This includes promoting appropriate siting of energy assets that are low impact for habitat and species. We will do this by harnessing the knowledge, capacity, and relationships across the Great Plains Division Business Units and in collaboration with energy leads in the North America Region, External Affairs, Corporate Engagement and Global teams. This position will focus on collective actions that maximize, in concert with a diverse range of partners, our positive impact for people and nature.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
The Great Plains Climate and Energy Strategy Lead will be responsible for the execution of the Great Plains Division clean energy transition strategy which centers on enabling a significant renewable energy deployment while ensuring that new renewable energy development is sited in low-impact areas. The Lead provides direction, oversight and accountability for this regional effort and integrates all aspects of implementation - including complex governance and collaboration, initiative design and tracking, policy and relationship development, outreach and communications, and fundraising.
Rapid learning and adaptation are foundational to the success of this program. The Lead must embrace an interdisciplinary and systems wide approach that unleashes the full potential of renewable energy, climate science, policy, and communications staff working in multiple Great Plains states and at the regional and national levels. The Lead will bring together this substantial workforce by fostering a shared vision and collaborative team structure across business units, and with diverse internal and external partners, in service of these goals.
The Lead serves as an experienced advisor, senior thought leader and skilled advocate, establishing the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in the transition to clean, green, and equitable renewable energy and helps to increase the resilience of nature and people as we adapt to climate change. The position plays a leading role in developing complex and innovative solutions; cultivating strategic relationships with public agencies and key decision-makers including non-governmental organizations and energy trade associations; collaboratively developing and advocating for policy positions; informing and delivering strategic communications; and supporting public and private fundraising, including donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship. The Lead will be a spokesperson and key point of contact both internally and externally on clean energy priorities; providing research and policy analysis to state government relations/external affairs staff; tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC's climate and clean energy goals.
The Lead reports to the TNC Kansas Business Unit Director.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Bachelor's degree in political science, environmental policy, business or related field and 6 years of experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Fluency in English
- Public agency, or local, state, or federal legislative policy experience.
- Research and policy analysis experience, especially related to energy or climate or similar policies.
- Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
- Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Demonstrated relationship building skills.
- Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.