Director of Energy and Climate Solutions

Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA

Wyoming; Cheyenne (preferred), Laramie or Casper.

WY201

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Wyoming has a proud and rich energy heritage. The state’s abundant natural resources and expertise in energy innovation and exports has made the state a leader in powering the nation with our abundant oil, gas, coal and minerals. However, the current climate crisis, and the shift in global energy markets for low to no carbon products, has placed the state at the crossroads. In response to these realities, state leaders are looking at ways to decarbonize Wyoming’s energy sources while ensuring equitable economic opportunities for current and future generations of Wyomingites. To support our state in these vulnerable times, The Nature Conservancy of Wyoming applies a science-based, non-confrontational and solutions-oriented approach to meet this economic, environmental and societal moment of change.

The Director of Energy and Climate Solutions will develop and implement a strategic portfolio of work that builds on TNC’s growing role and interest in supporting Wyoming’s net zero emissions goal. They will lead the development and implementation of strategies designed to meet the Chapter’s greenhouse gas reduction goals. This entails working with diverse partners who represent local, state, and national governments, the energy industry and business community at large, legislators, tribal representatives, agriculture and outdoor recreation and other businesses. They will work collaboratively with a matrixed team of conservation practitioners and scientists to establish a robust program to reduce Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions produced in and outside Wyoming. The Director will also promote the role of natural climate solutions as well as proper energy project siting to support TNC’s resilience and connected landscapes and water security goals. To that end, this individual will recruit, supervise and support the Brightfields Energy Siting Initiative (BESI) Manager. They will also work collaboratively with a matrixed team of conservation practitioners and scientists to influence equitable, enforceable, and verifiable climate action across the state. Finally, the Director will serve as the Chapter’s point of contact and contributor to projects developed by TNC’ North American Policy and Government Relation’s 50 State Climate Action Strategy as well as the North American external affairs program.

The Director of Energy and Climate Solutions will lead the Wyoming Business Unit’s (BU) work to support the state’s energy transition and efforts to decarbonize its energy sector. They are a lead advocate for action on strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within TNC and with external partners and policy makers.

This includes:

• leading the development and strategic implementation of the BU’s climate goal through changes in the state’s energy agenda that includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, supporting natural climate solutions and renewable energy siting;
• participating in legislative and regulatory/rule-making analyses and forums;
• strengthening TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate solutions;
• building partnerships with diverse public and private stakeholders as well as disproportionately impacted communities;
• strengthening business partnerships to support Wyoming’s transition to a low-carbon economy;
• serving as an energy and climate solutions policy advisor to the BU’s staff and leadership; and
• developing private and public funding proposals to support program operations.
  

• Applies expertise and utilizes strategic communications to develop and advocate for policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivize energy project siting.
• Incorporates cross-disciplinary knowledge to support program objectives, including science, policy, and conservation practice.
• Supports program objectives by working in a complex, matrixed organizational environment and works collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Develops relationships and works effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
• Acts independently within broad program goals.
• Develops and implements both public and private fundraising strategies and goals, including leading and assisting in the management of donor relationships and in the development of fundraising proposals
• Ensures Wyoming’s climate action plans are coordinated with global, North America, and other applicable TNC programs to ensure maximum consistency, value, and leverage occurs.
• Directly supervises the Brightfields Energy Siting Manager and relevant contractors.
• Uses analyses of public policy, markets, and other social systems to identify interventions that can lead to systemic policy change.
• Makes independent strategic decisions frequently based on analysis, experience, and context, often with broad organizational impact.
• Establishes and maintains optimal performance standards within budget.
• Frequently makes independent strategic decisions based on analysis, ambiguous information and context.
• Negotiates complex agreements, often in a political environment.
• Manages financial, legal, and reputational risks to the organization.
• May travel frequently within the state and nationally during 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 energy and climate conservation practices or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in fundraising from both public and private sources.
• Experience designing, implementing, and directing complex or multiple projects of strategic importance, including managing finances, supervising multidisciplinary professionals, and coordinating the work of partners while meeting deadlines.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with diverse non-profit partners, community groups, resource users, and/or government agencies.
• Experience with and embracing of the value of diverse colleagues and partners and a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in the workplace and in application of the work of The Nature Conservancy.
• Experience networking with high-level conservation contacts.
• Demonstrated negotiation success.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree and 7-10 years’ experience in conservation practice or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Technical expertise in associated issues and sectors, e.g., renewable energy, decarbonization, land use planning and permitting.
• Demonstrated experience influencing, developing and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Understanding of public policy landscape of conservation in Wyoming and the Intermountain U.S. West.
• Proficiency in policy and regulation pertaining to areas of strategic focus, so as to identify ways of incentivizing more climate and conservation-compatible practices.
• Politically savvy, understanding the range of implications involved in decisions and the importance of messaging in an appropriate way to leaders of all levels.
• Experience developing and executing strategies for a large NGO.
• Experience developing practical applications of scientific concepts and technology innovations for conservation purposes.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in fundraising from public and private sources.
• Excellent written, verbal and public presentation communication skills.
  

To apply for job ID 50956, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on March 31, 2022. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

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.

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