About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy, TNC, is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we are committed to a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 79 countries, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Women, minorities, people with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.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.

Your Position with TNC

The Nature Conservancy in Oregon works to create a world where people and nature thrive. We are launching a multi-faceted, multi-year effort to reduce carbon emissions in Oregon, elevate the role of Natural Climate Solutions, and integrate TNC’s expertise in landscape resilience and adaptation into a compelling strategic initiative that engages rural and tribal communities. The Climate Action Director will hone and implement a strategic program of work that builds on TNC’s growing role as a leader in tackling climate change. They will work with diverse partners including community-based organizations, landowners, agencies, tribes, and businesses to build support for the climate movement and to deploy expertise to shape climate policy at the local, state, and regional levels. They are a leading advocate for climate strategies within the Conservancy and with external partners and policy makers. They’ll demonstrate a commitment to equity and inclusion in their approach to this position. They are a leading advocate for sound science and smart climate strategies within the Conservancy and with external partners and policy makers.

Essential Functions

• Design and lead implementation of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for TNC in Oregon, including implementation of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) strategies in alignment with TNC’s North America and global priorities.
• Provide thought leadership and visibility for TNC’s strategies and actions with external audiences including implementation of education campaigns to elevate public consciousness about the benefits and imperative for climate action in Oregon.
• Provide policy design leadership; participate in regulatory/rule-making analysis, provide expertise and advocacy support to advance and climate-smart and carbon reduction strategies.
• Shape TNC’s climate strategy to live into our organizational values including diversity, equity, and inclusion, and so that we are engaging new partners such as rural interests who are not currently well-represented in the climate dialogue
• Engage across conservation, marketing, government relations, philanthropy, and science teams to ensure information flow, coordination and synergy between TNC’s climate work and the work of other core programs
• Support internal staff to advance climate resilience strategies within current conservation initiatives.
• Lead Oregon’s participation in TNC climate networks and related efforts.
• Defend carbon reduction policy and legislation in Oregon.
• Build partnerships/connections with communities of color, environmental justice, and other climate impacted communities to create durable and lasting solutions
• Build partnerships with tribal partners and governments.
• Nurture and strengthen business partnerships to chart Oregon’s course to a low-carbon economy.

Responsibilities and Scope

• Geographic scope is primarily Oregon, with collaboration with neighboring states and on some national opportunities. Requires cross-boundary work and relationships.  Frequently makes independently strategic decision based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
• Creates, builds, and maintains effective partnerships with agency partners, and tribal governments.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Writes requests for proposal (RFPs) for grant/contract funding for program.
• Negotiates complex agreements, in a political environment.
• Lead and manages grants, contracts, and requests for proposals.
• Frequent travel domestically and/or internationally, evening and weekend hours.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree and 7 years’ experience in climate and energy practice, transportation, conservation or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing complex or multiple projects, including managing finances and coordinating the work of other professionals and partners.
• Experience in partnership development with non-profit partners, community groups and/or government agencies.
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people and communities.

Desired Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience integrating equity and inclusion practices into outcomes.
• Multi-lingual and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with greenhouse gas reduction strategies (policies, practices, campaigns etc.)
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in relevant discipline(s) and regions.
• Communicating clearly via written, spoken, and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Politically savvy.