Government Relations Policy Manager

The External Affairs Associate II (Government Relations Policy Manager) supports The Nature Conservancy's public policy goals as they connect to the land, water, people and communities in South Carolina and the Southern United States.

This position advances policy, funding and legislation with state and federal agencies and serves as a liaison and informational contact on issues in South Carolina between TNC and federal, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations and external partners with mutual conservation interests like the South Carolina Land Trust Network.

This position assists in the development and implementation of key communication materials, messages, field visits and event opportunities on behalf of The Nature Conservancy which are of critical importance to our trustees, colleagues, partners and government officials in South Carolina.

This position will work as part of a small team of Government Affairs personnel in the South Carolina Chapter, and more broadly in collaboration within The Nature Conservancy’s External Affairs and Policy network through the Southern U.S Division Government Relations Cabinet and the North American Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) Advisory team, to best deliver conservation policy results through outreach, education and advocacy work with the South Carolina General Assembly, South Carolina Governor’s office, state and federal agencies, and the South Carolina federal Congressional delegation serving the 2 Senate seats and 7 House Districts in South Carolina.

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Fluency in English.

• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.

• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels:  international, country, sub-national, or local.

• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.

• Experience working with partners/government agencies and the corporate sector.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in South Carolina
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating, and organizational skills
• Ability to persuasively convey the need for action on TNC’s policy priorities to a wide range of audiences and in balance with existing trusted partnerships
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results
• Adept at leveraging organizational capacity, increasing internal knowledge and understanding, and managing multiple topics and issues, including deliverables, at once
• Exhibits strong people skills and a teamwork ethic; works in tandem with internal and external colleagues and partners to identify and provide general analysis as to how/where TNC can best contribute to identified conservation goals and opportunities
• Comfortable driving external connections with partners current and new; ability to identify key stakeholders and interested parties and organize and facilitate informational sessions, collective

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 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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $63,500 – 67,000 annually. 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, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

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 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.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.