Pacific Northwest Tribal Government Relations Director

OFFICE LOCATION
Washington, 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
At The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Washington State, we have a “Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples.” Our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations in Washington State in alignment with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities.

The Pacific Northwest Tribal Government Relations Director will help guide TNC’s Washington State strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State as a trusted and value-added partner working in support of Indigenous conservation and restoration priorities and Indigenous-led conservation across the Northwest. As such, they will offer guidance and direction to TNC chapters in Oregon and Idaho through work on cross-state strategies, and collaborate with the Emerald Edge Program in British Columbia and Alaska.

This position will be TNC Washington’s lead for the global priority of “Collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to support their voices, choices, and actions by honoring and lifting up their rights and leadership to improve natural resource policies.” Under this effort, they will lead government relations efforts for TNC Washington with Tribal government representatives and senior Tribal staff, and will engage all local, state and federal governments for policy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve joint Conservation goals and implement strategies. They will work collaboratively with TNC colleagues locally, regionally and across the global organization to strengthen external relationships. Their work will strive to enable TNC Washington to have the greatest possible impact to protect the environment and improve well-being of communities in our region, with particular attention and emphasis on Washington Tribal Communities with the understanding that traditional Tribal use and territories do not adhere to state, provincial or national boundaries. They will work with consideration for how actions and communication in one area will impact others in Indian Country, as well as ensuring and promoting the principle of “do no harm.”

Essential Functions Include:

Lobbying, Fundraising and Government Relations

• Cultivating lines of communication with Tribal, state, federal, and/or local government decision-makers with an emphasis on relationship building and relationship management.
• Advancing conservation policy, collaborating with Indigenous Peoples to support their voices, choices, and actions by honoring and lifting up their rights and leadership to improve natural resource policies through regular contact with Tribal, local, state, and federal government officials.
• Work with TNC’s public funding team, philanthropy team, and other staff when needed to secure funding and investment in service to Indigenous-led conservation.
• The position will serve to have a pulse on the Indian country’s needs and interests and serve to share and convey Indian Country’s needs to TNC in order to find pathways to collaborate on mutually shared priorities.

Collaborating with Program Teams

• This position will be a member of the “Supporting Indigenous Rights and Connections to Lands and Waters” strategy team, and dependent on the candidate’s interest and discussions with chapter leadership, may serve as Co-Lead for that strategy.
• Provide guidance and leadership in collaborating with Tribal Nations on land return, land access and engaging in opportunities to increase Tribal capacity to use, access and manage lands and waters of cultural significance.
• Collaborate closely with conservation, science and policy and government relations staff, to develop equitable policy initiatives and guide government relations strategies that advance conservation goals across all strategies, with particular emphasis on those with strong alignment with overall scope of this position.
• Work with conservation staff to develop and implement high level strategies to deepen relationships and improve partnerships, particularly with Tribal governments and their representatives.
• Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.

Collaborating with TNC Cross-boundary programs

• Collaborate cross-boundary with regional business units and cross-boundary programs, including TNC chapters in Idaho and Oregon, and the Emerald Edge Program.  This position will also supervise a staff person focused on Tribal engagement across the Columbia Basin on Salmon issues.
• Cooperative and ongoing relationship with the North America Indigenous Right Relations team, with a focus on advancing policy that respects sovereign visions, interests, protected treaty and reserved rights, and need for healing.

The Pacific Northwest Tribal Government Relations Director will supervise a staff person leading tribal engagement in the Columbia Basin (to be hired in Fall 2024) and manage the work of other professionals and partners. They may negotiate complex and innovative agreements and/or partnerships. This position reports to the TNC WA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations and works collaboratively with TNC’s local and global strategy and Indigenous Led Conservation teams, Science, Conservation staff and other External Affairs departments to further conservation goals, policies, and strategies.

Location and Schedule:

The primary work location for this position is flexible within Washington State (home office or existing TNC office location), with the requirement to be onsite in Seattle and Olympia at least few times a month with more frequency on an as need basis, especially during Washington’s legislative session (January – March/April).
The position requires travel throughout Washington state and occasionally to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed.

WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation policy and advocacy? Are you looking for a career that helps people and nature to thrive together? We’re looking for a skilled relationship-builder and excellent communicator who is grounded in cultural knowledge and capability gained through lived experience and motivated by working collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to challenges facing both people and the planet. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting TNC’s Indigenous Peoples’ Voice, Choice and Action and Advance Indigenous Peoples’ Authority and Improve Natural Resource Policies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, advocacy, natural resources or tribal cultural experience OR equivalent combination education/experience.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals with Indigenous communities and outside organizations.
• Experience working with diverse teams across an organization to achieve policy objectives.
• Experience building coalitions to advance mutually shared priorities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities.
• Fluency in English.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to act in accordance with the Washington equity statement and Washington statement of commitment to Indigenous Peoples; be respectful of differences of identity and/or beliefs.
• Experience working with elected officials and implementing legislative campaigns or policy goals.
• Cultural knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities, preferably from the Pacific Northwest.
• Experience developing coalitions of Indigenous and non-Indigenous partners around a specific topic
• Skilled in communication, including presentation, conversation and written.
• Experience working within Tribal government to understand the unique challenges Tribal nations face, and the diversity of Tribal government structures and priorities.
• Experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion and its application to policy design, implementation and outcomes.
• Understanding of Free, Prior, Informed Consent and how to apply in advocacy of policy.

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 $102,000- $117,000 for annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and between $92,000 – $113,000 annually for those in other Washington State 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.

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.