External Affairs Director, Hawaiʻi

OFFICE LOCATION

Oahu, Hawaii

The preferred location is Oahu, other locations within the state of Hawaiʻi may be considered. 

WHO WE ARE

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Grounded in science, we develop innovative 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; respect for people, communities, and cultures; and a collaborative, bipartisan approach. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

Established in 1980, TNC’s Hawai‘i and Palmyra program has helped protect more than 200 thousand acres of natural lands in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Atoll. We currently manage over 40 thousand acres in 14 preserves and other sites, and through partnerships we impact the management of over 2 million acres of watersheds and habitat. In Hawai‘i, we work with government agencies, private landowners, businesses, community partners and local stakeholders to protect and restore native watershed forests, coral reefs, and nearshore fisheries for both their ecological value and the many benefits they provide to people. At Palmyra Atoll, a National Wildlife Refuge 1,000 miles south of Hawai‘i, we catalyze research in this living laboratory to better understand and address global questions around sustainable fisheries and resilience to climate change.

This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization!

WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHER

In July 2023, the Hawai‘i and Palmyra business unit launched its FY24-FY28 strategic plan which recognizes that caring for our island home—Island Earth—is a kākou (we) effort: it’s about all of us. Our plan champions an integrated approach grounded in our team’s core values and acknowledges that how we work together is as important as what we do to make an impact. We are hiring a Director of External Affairs (DEA) to work with chapter leadership to develop, lead and implement strategies to achieve the Conservancy’s goals through interaction with governments, multilateral agencies, and/or the corporate sector.

The DEA furthers the work of The Nature Conservancy in Hawaiʻi and Palmyra and its conservation partners through direct interaction with federal, state and county government agencies, multilateral agencies, and businesses focusing on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that provide conservation opportunities and/or impact our conservation programs. The DEA identifies conservation policy and funding opportunities, evaluates the potential for strategic partnerships, and develops and implements strategies to influence public policy, public funding and corporate practice for conservation at a large scale, national and regional level.  The DEA liaisons with counterparts within the organization to provide and extract useful lessons and experience and to coordinate on joint policy/practice approaches. The DEA will work closely with the Hawaiʻi and Palmyra Business Unit’s (BU) executive, conservation, science, and communication teams to ensure alignment of the policy work; and nationally and globally supporting U.S. Government Relations and Pacific region government relations to advance TNC’s public policy and funding priorities.

The DEA is a key partner in supporting the business unit’s strategic leadership and will be central to translating our visionary plan into tangible actions and sustainable success.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

One of the most impactful ways to protect the lands and waters on which all life depends is through transformative environment- and community-focused policies and significant government funding. TNC has a strong history of working in partnership with government agencies and decision makers to establish far-reaching conservation policies and program support. We’re looking for a passionate and experienced government relations professional to join our team. If you’re someone who cares about nature and community, thrives working with other dedicated professionals, and loves a challenge, then we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, conservation, business or related field and 6 years of senior management level experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• Federal, state, and local legislative, lobbying and advocacy experience, preferably for natural resource, biodiversity or climate conservation.
• Experience working with Hawaiʻi’s local, state, and congressional delegations and state and federal government agencies operating in Hawaiʻi.
• Experience researching and analyzing local, state and/or federal laws, policies, and programs, preferably pertaining to conservation and the environment in Hawaiʻi and the Pacific.
• Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
• Project management experience including coordinating the work of other professionals inside and outside an organization.
• Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
• Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Supervisory experience.

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 on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $100,500 – $122,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA and state is Hawai’i. 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.

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.

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 with diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures. 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 orientations, gender identities, military or veteran status or other status protected by law. The Nature Conservancy is also a “big tent” organization. We believe that all people benefit from conservation and that the cause should be inclusive of everyone regardless of their political persuasion. We work hard to make conservation a non-partisan issue through partnerships with stakeholders, elected officials, and industries that span the political spectrum.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy’s background screening process.