Associate Climate Director

OFFICE LOCATION

Seattle, Washington, USA

(flexible within the Puget Sound Region)

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 Washington State Associate Climate Director is a key member of the Washington Business Unit’s Climate team. This role supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by co-leading a key program area 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 co-lead and manage the implementation of a portfolio of climate projects, 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 a key member of the Washington business unit’s leadership on climate change and will be a leader in the integration of equity into TNC’s approach to climate action. This role engages with some internal TNC teams beyond Washington, supports strategy budget management and directly manages contracts and project budgets. Duties include climate project management including responsibility for project deliverables, tracking, supporting internal and external strategic communications development, and leading project teams.   

Beyond their internal work, the Associate Climate Director will work to implement climate policy in at least one of the following topics: equitable decision making in climate policy, air quality, climate resilient land use, and natural climate solutions. They will support The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals through outreach and engagement with partners, agencies, & frontline communities in support of equitable policy development, public engagement, and funding access.

Essential position functions include:

Climate Policy Program co-leadership (25%)

• Serve as subject matter expert on climate change, climate resilience, climate adaptation, natural climate solutions (NCS), climate mitigation, climate policy, and/or climate metrics.
• Co-lead a climate policy strategy team with the Policy Director.
• Co-lead in the exploration of reciprocal partnerships with and in communities, demonstrating authenticity, integrity, and cultural empathy in all interactions
• Serve as primary thought partner for Director of Climate Action & Resilience in coordinating and effectively delivering on our climate action goals.
• Serve as a key member of Climate Policy & Implementation team leadership.
• Manage and track climate project budgets and contracts.

Climate Project Implementation (50%)    

• Co-lead outreach and engagement with frontline communities in support of equitable policy development, public engagement, and funding access.
• Support project activities related to at least one of the following areas: air quality and pollution, equitable engagement and policy making, climate resilient land use, NCS.
• Develop strategic climate communications to inform and influence key audiences, collaborating with Director of Climate Action & Resilience, Marketing and Government Relations colleagues for effective deployment of communications materials.

Coordination across TNC business unit and Washington staff around climate work (25%)    

• Liaise with TNC Government Relations teams in Washington and across North America
• 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.

Location and Schedule:

    The preferred primary location for this position is Seattle, Washington, with other locations within reasonable travel distance to Seattle considered. Hybrid and/or flexible work arrangements are available.

    The position requires travel throughout Washington state and to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

We are looking for someone that can be a part of a core team working to shape the direction of TNC-WA in addressing and adapting to climate change, both internally and externally with partners. Are you passionate about contributing to teams focused on equitable climate action? Are you guided by science, a commitment to equity & indigenous peoples, and a value of collaboration with local and global communities? We’re looking for someone who values equitable climate action, environmental justice, collaborative decision-making, collective action, and making an impact.  A successful candidate is adaptive, innovative, compassionate, and strategic.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice in climate action: You have a passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice, and an understanding of how that shows up in the climate action ecosystem within Washington State. You are excited to build on a shared vision for climate action and allyship for The Nature Conservancy in Washington

Have a people-centered approach: When addressing complex problems, you start with the people first. You care about the well-being of staff and prioritize their needs and values. As you design solutions, you center the concerns of the individuals most impacted.

Skilled at project management: You get things done in collaboration with a team. You can maintain an organized system to implement, track, and evaluate strategies and projects. You can adapt the workflow as needed.

Be a systems-thinker: You can see how the larger pieces connect and move together to form a system.

Lean into learning: You are open to learning new things. You give and receive feedback with intention. You approach opportunities and challenges with curiosity and creativity.

Communicate authentically: You enjoy telling stories using quantitative and qualitative data. You can navigate discussions between staff, partners, and leadership about communicating our work, intentions, and impact authentically.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience in or equivalent combination.
• Experience managing and/or motivating teams to work productively and collaboratively toward shared goals.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• 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.
• Professional and/or lived experience working with or for BIPOC and frontline communities, or community-based organizations.
• 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 $85,000 – $100,000 for annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and between $77,000 – $95,000 annually for those in other Puget Sound region locations.

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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 54629, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on 2/28/2024. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact [email protected].

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 [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.