Rhode Island Climate Program Manager

Hybrid role based in Providence, Rhode Island, USA

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.”

The Rhode Island Climate Program Manager will bring policy knowledge and capacity to help advance clean energy and climate policy development, engage with relevant state and regional stakeholders and coordinate strategies and tactics that will touch down in multiple locations.

The Climate and Energy Program Manager will work closely with TNC staff in the Northeast states to identify strategies and develop advocacy campaigns to advance and lead efforts in support of Rhode Island’s climate and energy policy priorities. They will provide research and policy analysis as well as track policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s climate and clean energy goals. They will also build networks and strategic partnerships with local and state government, the private sector, non-governmental agencies, academia and professional and trade associations to help form a broad, diverse coalition that supports and advances the relevant work.

The Climate Program Manager will oversee work to promote green infrastructure. This will include the Municipal Resilience Program, as well as partnering to coordinate the Green Infrastructure Coalition, which works on nature-based solutions for runoff pollution, and the Providence Stormwater Innovation Center on strategies to improve urban water quality and wildlife habitat. This can also include providing supervision to staff, including seasonal staff and interns.
Working under the supervision of the Rhode Island Director of Climate and Government Relations, this individual will assist in the development and execution of strategies to broaden support in Rhode Island for action on TNC’s climate and energy priorities including climate mitigation and resilience, working in close partnership with the Northeast division staff of TNC to advance large-scale collaboration multi-state and US-wide climate and energy initiatives. The RI Climate Program Manager may represent TNC to a variety of constituencies and stakeholders (public, private, government, non-government agencies, academia); and partners with these groups in developing and implementing strategies that advance climate and clean energy policies. They promote strategies to help increase renewable energy deployment that provides the most emissions reduction benefits for the least impacts to ecological integrity; prepare written materials on behalf of the Conservancy such as letters to public officials, written testimony, position statements and fact sheets; and apply a diversified knowledge of advocacy strategy and practices to support Conservancy priorities.

We seek applications from equity-minded candidates who will thrive in an environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

All TNC staff based in the U.S. or a U.S. Territory are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of receiving one of the vaccines approved in the U.S. (Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) shall be condition of employment and must be provided prior to starting work. TNC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated due to a valid medical or religious reason will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 4 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Supervisory experience
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability
• Analytical and project management experience
• Experience managing multiple projects and strategic program goals
• Strong communication and presentation skills with experience in working with government staff and/or program leadership
• Experience working with municipal and/or state-level government leaders
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups
• Skilled in influence without authority, facilitation, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with relevant partners
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure
• Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives
• Experience working with partners, government agencies, and/or the corporate sector
• Familiarity with climate , green infrastructure, and energy policy issues

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong advocacy and organizing skills, political savvy, and experience working with multiple constituencies
• Experience presenting to and communicating with management-level individuals in complex policy situations within the corporate and government sector
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated
• Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders
• Experience negotiating agreements and contracts
• Basic knowledge of fundraising principles
• Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight

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 Culture Tab 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.

The hiring range for this position is $80,000 – 85,000 annually.

To apply for job ID 53398, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's 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 applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.

Where legally permissible, TNC requires all new employees to be fully vaccinated and willing to keep up to date with vaccines that protect against COVID-19. By accepting an offer of employment, you agree to comply with this requirement, unless you are entitled to a legally mandated exemption.

An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible.

Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.