NV Energy and Climate Strategy Director

OFFICE LOCATION

Reno, Nevada USA

or Las Vegas, Nevada USA

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

Nevada sits at the crossroads of energy markets in the western United States and holds globally significant stores of minerals and metals needed for low-carbon technology. Consequently, Nevada will play an outsized role – and shoulder an outsized conservation challenge – in how the world rises to this transformative societal moment. The Climate and Energy Strategy Director will serve as the lead staff person for the Nevada Business Unit (BU) regarding overarching climate policy and expanding TNC’s role in the clean, green, and equitable transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources across Nevada. A primary objective of this position will be to accelerate conservation-aligned renewable energy deployment to meet TNC’s dual goals for greenhouse gas mitigation and biodiversity conservation. To this end, they will strive to steer renewable energy development and critical minerals and metals mining to areas of least conflict through the promotion of “Smart-from-the-Start” planning principles. We aim to demonstrate the multiple benefits of incorporating these principles (e.g., maximizing conservation and climate benefits; minimizing environmental harms; and making the process of developing “green” infrastructure less expensive, less contentious, and more streamlined), while building the constituency for conservation compatible approaches with communities, industry, utilities, and local, state, and federal government agencies.

While working to advance these measures in Nevada, the Climate and Energy Strategy Director will have an eye on the bigger picture, envisioning and sharing how TNC’s work here can help inform high impact strategies and projects that will make the most significant contribution to TNC’s goals across the West, the nation, and the globe. They will be part of an active climate and renewable energy network and community of practice among TNC staff across TNC’s Western U.S. and Canada Division and serve as the Nevada BU’s climate lad, interfacing with TNC’s North America Climate Team. These connections to the larger TNC organization allow TNC colleagues to share knowledge, leverage learning and develop best practices as needed, and to increase collaboration between BUs and internal teams.

The Climate and Energy Strategy Director will expand internal knowledge of ways to support indigenous and Tribal communities in their transition to renewable energy and address the impacts to Native lands from mining. They will provide subject matter expertise related to climate policy and renewable energy topics for the Nevada BU and partners and assist with drafting public comments, factsheets, and communications with industry and partners. This position will work with External Affairs to coordinate strategic communications at all levels with target audiences regarding TNC’s conservation priorities and climate and renewable energy-related matters, including habitat friendly renewable energy deployment, natural climate solutions, decarbonization, etc. As needed, this position will engage and manage consultants with expertise needed to carry out responsibilities..

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges, and our team in Nevada is dedicated to a future in which people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is a passionate, motivated problem-solver to help TNC’s Nevada Business Unit engage on climate policy and develop renewable energy solutions to address the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. This is an exceptional career opportunity for a highly motivated, capable individual interested in joining the world’s leading conservation organization.

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• BA/BS degree in climate or energy policy, renewable energy management, or land use planning, other relevant field and 7 years’ experience in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with, presenting to, and communicating with a wide range of audiences, including elected officials, government agency staff, tribal members, executive-level individuals within the energy sector, professional and trade associations, clean energy advocates, and other environmental organizations, and the media.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience with collaborative strategy development and implementation as well as developing and maintaining partnerships and coalitions.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of and subject matter expertise related to renewable energy, especially wind, solar, and geothermal; and federal, state, and local policies and regulatory frameworks related to energy transmission, energy storage, critical minerals, and renewable energy deployment.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives to address greenhouse gas emission reduction, renewable energy development, and mining.
• Knowledge of Tribal issues related to Tribal communities’ transistion to remewable energy and climate impacts on Tribal communities.
• An understanding of energy and climate equity.
• Experience building networks or organization capacity, increasing knowledge sharing, and identifying key stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with strong listening, collaborative and diplomacy skills, and ability to influence without authority.
• Fluency in English.

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.

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 $ 93,000 – $ 97,600 for annual base salary. 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.

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.

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.