OFFICE LOCATION

This is a hybrid role that will be located in Washington State, (with a preference for the Puget Sound Region) WA, USA.

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube  or on Glassdoor.  

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

The Washington State Associate Climate Director is a key member of the Washington Business Unit’s Climate team. This position co-leads the Climate Policy and Implementation strategy within the matrixed Washington Climate team, working closely with Government Relations, Science, Conservation, and Marketing colleagues to strengthen and implement climate policy in Washington. They will also lead the Climate team’s mitigation-focused work, including overseeing and implementing a portfolio of climate mitigation projects and acting as a key liaison with internal Climate-focused teams. This role will report to and collaborate on a continuous basis with the Director of Climate Action & Resilience to advance TNC’s climate-specific conservation goals.

The Associate Climate Director is expected to engage with some internal TNC teams within and beyond Washington, as a climate mitigation advisor to conservation strategies, Western and Canada Division priorities and North American Region efforts as needed. They support strategy budget management and directly manage contracts and project budgets. Duties include: climate policy development, coalition and government agency engagement on climate policy, climate project management including responsibility for project deliverables, metrics tracking, supporting internal and external strategic communications development, and leading project teams.  

Beyond their internal work, the Associate Climate Director may work with external partners and coalitions to develop and implement climate policy including engagement on Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act (CCA) investments toward greenhouse gas emission and equity targets. Other climate policy areas of responsibility include carbon offsets, emissions-intensive, trade-exposed (EITE) allowances and treatment, and air-quality.

Essential position functions include:

• Climate Policy and Implementation team co-leadership and project management (25%)
  • Co-lead a climate policy strategy team with the WA Policy Director.
  • Collaborate with strategy leadership team and Director of Climate Action & Resilience to prioritize, resource and remove barriers to work in alignment with a Theory of Change, team capacity and wellness
  • Represent the strategy and team in communication with internal and external audiences
  • Manage and track strategy and project budgets and contracts
  • Establish and track appropriate strategy and project metrics

• Climate Mitigation leadership for WA Climate Program (50%)
  • Serve as climate mitigation advisor to other TNC colleagues working on policy and programmatic implementation within TNC, including WA strategy and functional teams and other TNC business units.
  • Assist the Director of Climate Action & Resilience in developing science-informed climate strategies and guidance to support teams’ efforts towards the Washington business unit’s climate goals
  • Identify critical external partner relationships and work to thoughtfully develop, manage, and maintain positive relationships with relevant government agencies and staff, community and conservation organizations, Tribal representatives, industry and other partners.
  • Support measurement and tracking of teams’ work towards meeting organization-wide   TNC 2030 Goal targets for WA.
  • Support project activities related to at least one of the following areas: air quality and pollution, climate policy (Climate Commitment Act and others), or Natural Climate Solutions. Aspects this work may be focused on:
    • Successful implementation of the Climate Commitment Act through effective rulemaking on carbon offsets policy, EITE policy, Air quality in overburdened communities policy.
    • Assess, recommend and initiate TNC WA work on climate investments and Climate Commitment Act (CCA) discussions toward greenhouse gas and equity targets
• Team Engagement, Cross-Team Collaboration and Admin (25%)
  • Build and facilitate internal networks and work as a member of project teams where policy may be one of a suite of potential solutions pursued.
  • Set agendas, manage invitations, and run meetings or other events that support policy solution research, development, and review.

Location and Schedule:

• The preferred primary location for this position is the Puget Sound region, with other Washington State locations within reasonable travel distance to Seattle considered. Hybrid and/or flexible work arrangements are available; however this is not a fully remote position.
• The position may require up to 25% travel throughout Washington state and to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you a passionate, motivated problem solver who is looking for a career helping people and nature address the global climate change crisis?

The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Business Unit holds the strategic vision of addressing the twin crises of climate change and loss of biodiversity by advancing positive and equitable change through care and stewardship of Washington’s land and water—through legislative and regulatory policy; advocating for equitable access to public funding; and by bringing together powerful and diverse partners, communities and decision-makers.

We are looking for someone who values equitable climate action, environmental justice, collaborative decision-making, collective action, and is motivated to design and build strategic policy solutions in collaboration with colleagues and partners.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience in or equivalent combination.
• Experience leading and/or motivating teams to work productively and collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Experience, coursework, or training in climate change impacts and drivers
• Experience tracking and reporting on group or project progress. 
• Experience working with NGO partners and/or government agencies.
• Fluency in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to equity and inclusion in both work and workplace, including acting in accordance with our Washington Equity Statement and Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs, and successfully work across those differences to meet work objectives.  
• Understanding and expertise around climate change, climate action, climate resilience, climate adaption, climate science, natural climate solutions (NCS), climate partnerships, climate mitigation, climate policy, and/or climate metrics.
• Experience, coursework, or training in local or state government policy.
• Professional and/or lived experience working with or for BIPOC and frontline communities, or community-based organizations.
• Knowledge and awareness of current Washington state climate-related policies.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues in Washington state and/or the Pacific Northwest region.
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results. 
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.

WHAT WE BRING

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

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

ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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 $87,600 - $100,000 for annual base salary for those based in Seattle, between $80,000 - $91,800 annually for those in other Puget Sound region locations, and between $73,000 - $83,400 annually for those based elsewhere in Washington State.

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.