The Project Manager, External Affairs supports The Nature Conservancy's conservation goals by leading project teams, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and regional, state and local agencies and governments, multilateral institutions/agencies, business and partner organizations.
The Project Manager plans, implements, and coordinates programs and projects at the regional, state, and local level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further the Conservancy's mission. The position requires an experienced person with political acumen in developing public/private sector partnerships, securing public funding and resources, and duties include daily contact with agencies, elected officials, community leaders, Tribal Leaders, C-suite leadership, and business associations to establish and maintain long-term collaboration. The position also involves policy and economic analysis to understand the political and economic implications for industries of strategies and convening constructive dialogues that can lead to innovative solutions, as well as project management to advance strategies from conception to application. Project management would involve building and facilitating internal and external networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. This position would be asked to manage several emerging initiatives that require extensive external engagement, maturing the initiatives into full-blown resourced projects that contribute to organizational conservation strategies and goals. The Project Manager works in collaboration and advances strategic relationships across the organization, including the Midwest Division, Worldwide Office, other Conservancy programs, and conservation staff to achieve Conservancy goals.
Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or Detroit metro areas preferred.
RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE
- May supervise staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
- Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, securing public funding, and meeting fundraising targets.
- Maintains regular contact with local, state, and regional officials and agencies, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions and conservation agreements.
- Develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to advance shared conservation interests across legislative, corporate, agency, and community goals.
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinate the work of others.
- Ensures that any activities comply with country lobbying laws and regulations.
- May need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups (inside and outside the Conservancy) over whom there is no direct authority to accomplish objectives.
WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We're looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
- Bachelor's degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
- Fluency in English.
- Experience developing, supporting leadership, and giving presentations to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and internal and external leadership.
- Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
- Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master's degree appreciated.
- Experience appreciated in project management in the private sector; specifically energy and agriculture; and in working with rural and urban underserved communities and indigenous nations and tribes.
- Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance of employees.
- Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in the country (national and/or sub-national) and/or region.
- Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience in fundraising, both public and private.
- Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
- A documented record of innovation and a solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.
