Climate and Energy Strategy Lead

OFFICE LOCATION

Des Moines, Iowa, USA

The position may be remote based in any of the 10 states of the Great Plains Division (AR, IA, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, OK, SD, and TX). Estimate 25% travel.

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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 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 to hear stories from staff or visit .

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 Climate and Energy Strategy Lead (Lead) provides vision, motivation, inspiration, and strategic leadership for TNC’s Clean Energy Transition initiative which is designed to transform the approach, scale, and strategy to ensure the rapid, sustainable, and equitable deployment of renewable energy. This includes promoting appropriate siting of energy assets that are low impact for habitat and species. We will do this by harnessing the knowledge, capacity, and relationships across the Great Plains Division Business Units and in collaboration with energy leads in the North America Region, External Affairs, Corporate Engagement and Global teams. This position will focus on collective actions that maximize, in concert with a diverse range of partners, our positive impact for people and nature.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Great Plains Climate and Energy Strategy Lead will be responsible for the execution of the Great Plains Division clean energy transition strategy which centers on enabling a significant renewable energy deployment while ensuring that new renewable energy development is sited in low-impact areas. The Lead provides direction, oversight and accountability for this regional effort and integrates all aspects of implementation – including complex governance and collaboration, initiative design and tracking, policy and relationship development, outreach and communications, and fundraising.

Rapid learning and adaptation are foundational to the success of this program. The Lead must embrace an interdisciplinary and systems wide approach that unleashes the full potential of renewable energy, climate science, policy, and communications staff working in multiple Great Plains states and at the regional and national levels. The Lead will bring together this substantial workforce by fostering a shared vision and collaborative team structure across business units, and with diverse internal and external partners, in service of these goals.

The Lead serves as an experienced advisor, senior thought leader and skilled advocate, establishing the Conservancy as a major conservation partner in the transition to clean, green, and equitable renewable energy and helps to increase the resilience of nature and people as we adapt to climate change. The position plays a leading role in developing complex and innovative solutions; cultivating strategic relationships with public agencies and key decision-makers including non-governmental organizations and energy trade associations; collaboratively developing and advocating for policy positions; informing and delivering strategic communications; and supporting public and private fundraising, including donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship. The Lead will be a spokesperson and key point of contact both internally and externally on clean energy priorities; providing research and policy analysis to state government relations/external affairs staff; tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s climate and clean energy goals.

The Lead reports to the TNC Kansas Business Unit Director.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

- Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, business or related field and 6 years of experience in government relations, corporate sector, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
- Fluency in English
- Public agency, or local, state, or federal legislative policy experience.
- Research and policy analysis experience, especially related to energy or climate or similar policies.
- Direct experience working with partners and government agencies.
- Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Demonstrated relationship building skills.
- Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.

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 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 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 $92,100 - 136,800 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.