Director of External Affairs

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Colorado Director of External Affairs advances The Nature Conservancy’s mission by designing, influencing and implementing durable policy solutions that contribute to a world where nature and people thrive together. The Colorado Director leads the development and execution of strategies that engage government agencies, other decision-makers, conservation colleagues and a wide array of partners in securing policy outcomes that are critical to achieving TNC’s 2030 conservation and climate goals.

We’re Looking for You:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Colorado Director of External Affairs leads the collaborative development of high-level policy priorities and strategies for the Colorado Business Unit. They supervise a team composed of policy and public funding advisors and partner closely with the Colorado Conservation Management Team to plan and implement policy approaches that support desired outcomes related to: climate change, clean energy, forest health, wildfire resilience, land conservation, healthy rivers, and vibrant communities. They regularly engage with local, state, federal and Tribal decision-makers and take a broad, non-partisan approach to building and supporting effective coalitions among a wide array of interests. They deploy a robust understanding of the U.S. policy context in designing effective policy tactics and addressing challenges or barriers. The Colorado Director also actively engages with regional and national TNC teams to guide policy priorities and strategy to achieve high impact outcomes for biodiversity, climate and people.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Leads the development and implementation of a cohesive annual External Affairs strategy for TNC Colorado.
• Represents TNC’s conservation policy priorities in a variety of forums including legislative and regulatory / rule-making sessions.
• Builds and maintains relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, non-profit partners, private stakeholders and others.
• Monitors, analyzes and provides guidance regarding state and federal legislative or administrative actions affecting TNC’s conservation priorities.
• Fosters internal coordination around policy positions and messaging; relationships with elected officials and policymakers; and policy related outreach to funders, media and the public.
• Leads and develops a multi-disciplinary team, including responsibility for performance management, training, and career development.
• Manages the Colorado Board of Trustee’s Policy Committee, including annual approval of state legislative agenda.
• Participates as a member of the Colorado Leadership Team to develop, review and implement strategic and annual plans and business operations.
• Supports conservation policy and climate action and on behalf of TNC’s Western Division and North America Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) policy goals.
• Develops and manages the External Affairs budget and has authority to modify budget based on changing circumstances. Operates within budget guidelines to ensure sound financial performance.
• Leads efforts to secure public and private funds to meet program needs.
• Works independently through consultation and agreement with others.
• Ensures that program meets compliance with all lobbying, contractual and legal regulations and standards.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 7 years of related senior-level work experience, including current and evolving political, legislative and conservation trends on a federal and/or multi-state level.
• Demonstrated experience building strong relationships across a matrixed organization and with partners such as government agencies, Tribal Nations, elected officials, non-profit organizations, corporations, donors, and volunteers.
• Experience managing a multi-disciplinary team and overseeing program budgets.
• Experience working with current and evolving political, legislative, sustainability, and/or conservation trends on a federal state and/or multi-state level.
• Experience leading or supporting complex negotiations and presenting to government officials, corporate executives, board members, or similar audiences.
• Experience designing, implementing and directing multiple and multifaceted projects, setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.
• Experience communicating complex concepts to diverse internal and external audiences.
• Advanced understanding of and experience with Western U.S. policy priorities and climate policy.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, conservation, law, business, or a related field.
• 7 years of experience in leading overall strategy development and implementation related to Western U.S. public policy, conservation/environmental policy, regulatory advocacy, and public funding.
• Experience identifying and securing public funding to support conservation outcomes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. climate and energy policy issues, trends, and key stakeholders.
• Outstanding analytical and project management skills, including experience developing and implementing complex initiatives in dynamic or evolving environments.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiation and organizational skills.
• Independent and self-motivated with the ability to participate effectively in a remote team environment.
• Professional and/or lived experience with indigenous and Tribal communities

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.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $157,000 - $167,000 USD. 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. Location is flexible within Colorado's Front Range, with a minimum of two days per week in TNC's Boulder office, and frequent travel to Denver.

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 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.”

What We Bring:

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 View email address on click.appcast.io with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.