Director of External Affairs

The Colorado Director of External Affairs advances The Nature Conservancys mission by designing influencing and implementing durable policy solutions that contribute to a world where nature and people thrive together. The Colorado Director leads the development and execution of strategies that engage government agencies other decision-makers conservation colleagues and a wide array of partners in securing policy outcomes that are critical to achieving TNCs 2030 conservation and climate goals.

The Colorado Director of External Affairs leads the collaborative development of high-level policy priorities and strategies for the Colorado Business Unit. They supervise a team composed of policy and public funding advisors and partner closely with the Colorado Conservation Management Team to plan and implement policy approaches that support desired outcomes related to: climate change clean energy forest health wildfire resilience land conservation healthy rivers and vibrant communities. They regularly engage with local state federal and Tribal decision-makers and take a broad non-partisan approach to building and supporting effective coalitions among a wide array of interests. They deploy a robust understanding of the U.S. policy context in designing effective policy tactics and addressing challenges or barriers. The Colorado Director also actively engages with regional and national TNC teams to guide policy priorities and strategy to achieve high impact outcomes for biodiversity climate and people.

• Bachelors degree and 7 years of related senior-level work experience including current and evolving political legislative and conservation trends on a federal and/or multi-state level.

• Demonstrated experience building strong relationships across a matrixed organization and with partners such as government agencies Tribal Nations elected officials non-profit organizations corporations donors and volunteers.

• Experience managing a multi-disciplinary team and overseeing program budgets.

• Experience working with current and evolving political legislative sustainability and/or conservation trends on a federal state and/or multi-state level.

• Experience leading or supporting complex negotiations and presenting to government officials corporate executives board members or similar audiences.

• Experience designing implementing and directing multiple and multifaceted projects setting deadlines and ensuring program accountability.

• Experience communicating complex concepts to diverse internal and external audiences.

• Advanced understanding of and experience with Western U.S. policy priorities and climate policy.

• Masters degree in public policy environmental studies conservation law business or a related field.

• 7 years of experience in leading overall strategy development and implementation related to Western U.S. public policy conservation/environmental policy regulatory advocacy and public funding.

• Experience identifying and securing public funding to support conservation outcomes.

• Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. climate and energy policy issues trends and key stakeholders.

• Outstanding analytical and project management skills including experience developing and implementing complex initiatives in dynamic or evolving environments.

• Outstanding written and oral communication negotiation and organizational skills.

• Independent and self-motivated with the ability to participate effectively in a remote team environment.
  Professional and/or lived experience with indigenous and Tribal communities

This position requires a valid drivers license and compliance with TNCs 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 the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement which may include a review of the prospective employees motor vehicle record.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $157000 - $167000 USD. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidates actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors including for example the candidates 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. Location is flexible within Colorados Front Range with a minimum of two days per week in TNCs Boulder office and frequent travel to Denver.

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

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 and Perks here.

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

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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 Conservancys 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 with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.