Climate and Renewable Energy Policy Associate

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What We Can Achieve Together

Utah Business Unit – 50% and Western U.S. Climate and Renewable Energy Program – 50%

The Climate and Renewable Energy Policy Associate will advance TNC Utah’s and the division program’s climate and renewable energy work through collaboration, effective communication, and building key relationships. S/he is expected to build external influencing networks and partnerships designed to broaden support in Utah and across the West for climate policy and renewable energy transition. The Associate will work closely with TNC staff, government entities, collaborators, and the corporate community to identify opportunities and develop strategies and alliances to build the enabling conditions that will eventually lead to meaningful greenhouse gas emission reductions. S/he will participate in working groups, partner convenings, and research projects internally and externally on topics like transmission, critical minerals development, and project siting. The Associate is responsible for setting goals, identifying metrics, and tracking progress towards TNC Utah’s and the division program’s Climate and Renewable Energy strategic plans. S/he will be responsible for communicating the collective vision and impact of our climate adaptation and mitigation efforts that span across functional areas and geographies. In collaboration with TNC philanthropy teams and TNC leadership, the Associate will participate in fundraising activities to increase financial support for TNC. The Associate will analyze TNC’s past and ongoing climate mitigation policy activities across 11 Western states, including Utah, to determine collective progress toward emission reduction outcomes. S/he will coordinate with other TNC policy and government relations staff to continuously evaluate emerging state and federal policy relative to TNC’s goals, Utah and division climate and energy program strategies, and external relationships.

We’re Looking For You

The Nature Conservancy in Utah seeks a Climate and Renewable Energy Policy Associate to join our External Affairs team and enhance our efforts in Utah and the western United States to build support with policymakers, influential constituencies, and communities that ultimately leads to advancing climate policy and the transition to clean, renewable energy sources. Your time will be split 50/50 between the Utah External Affairs team and the Western U.S. Climate and Renewable Energy (CARE) program and will work with staff from the Utah and Western Division external affairs, communications, science, development and conservation program teams to execute climate and renewable energy strategies that align with TNC-wide goals. For Utah, you will provide strategy design and tracking, develop and advocate for policy and funding on the state and federal level, foster external relationships, facilitate internal and external outreach and communications, and engage in fundraising. You will support the Western U.S. CARE program by tracking and providing strategic support for state energy and climate legislation, state and federal regulations guiding renewable energy and transmission planning processes and deployment, participating in multi-state working groups and coalitions, and helping identify high-impact and mission-focused climate and energy policy solutions.

This is a hybrid role. You will be based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What You’ll Bring

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
  • Fluency in English.
  • Experience presenting to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
  • Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
  • Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: local, state, national or international.
  • Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.

Desired Qualifications

  • Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
  • Master’s degree appreciated.
  • Familiarity with social, economic and political conditions and issues surrounding climate and clean energy in the United States, Western U.S., and Utah.
  • Familiarity with: energy development, generation and storage; energy transmission; critical minerals; and project siting.
  • Experience building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
  • Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
  • Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
  • Consistently demonstrate professional, positive, and approachable attitude/demeanor and discretion.

Salary Information

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $71,200 - 75,650. 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.

Who We Are

The Nature Conservancy’s 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 world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

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 and Perks here.

We’re 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.

Employees must submit their application by logging into Workday and applying via the Jobs Hub.

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 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.