WA State Tribal Government Relations Director
What We Can Achieve Together:
At The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Washington State, we have a “ Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples .” Our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations in Washington State in alignment with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities.
The WA State Tribal Government Relations Director will help guide TNC’s Washington State strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State as a trusted and value-added partner working in support of Indigenous conservation and restoration priorities and Indigenous-led conservation across Washington State. This position will direct tribal government relations efforts for TNC Washington leading engagement with Tribal government representatives and senior Tribal staff in Washington state with the understanding that traditional Tribal use and territories do not adhere to state, provincial or national boundaries.
The WA State Tribal Government Relations Director may negotiate complex and innovative agreements and/or partnerships with Tribal governments. This position reports to TNC WA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations and works collaboratively with TNC’s local and global strategy and Indigenous Led Conservation teams, Science, Conservation staff and other External Affairs departments to further conservation goals, policies, and strategies.
Essential Functions Include:
Government Relations, Lobbying and Fundraising
The position will serve to have a pulse on the Indian country’s needs and interests and serve to share and convey Indian Country’s needs to TNC to find pathways to collaborate on mutually shared priorities and advance shared conservation priorities. They will have direct access and communication channels to TNC’s WA State Chapter Director in order to facilitate engagement and decision-making in regard to respectful and trusting relationships in Indian Country.
As part of the TNC WA Policy and Government Relations team this role will have consistent collaboration with TNC members of the team in engaging local, state, and federal government officials.
Working with TNC’s public funding team, philanthropy team, and other staff when needed to secure funding and investment in service to Indigenous-led conservation.
Collaborating with Program Teams
This position will be a member of the “Supporting Indigenous Rights and Connections to Lands and Waters” strategy team, and dependent on the candidate’s interest and discussions with chapter leadership, may serve as Co-Lead for that strategy.
Provide guidance and leadership in collaborating with Tribal Nations on land return, land access and engaging in opportunities to increase Tribal capacity to use, access and manage lands and waters of cultural significance.
Collaborate closely with conservation and science staff to develop equitable policy initiatives and guide government relations strategies that advance conservation goals.
Work with the Community and Tribal Relations team, to develop and implement high level efforts to deepen relationships, improve partnerships, and coordinate external relationships across internal teams, particularly with Tribal governments and their representatives.
Develop multi-faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
Collaborating with TNC Cross-boundary programs
Collaborate cross-boundary with regional business units and cross-boundary programs, including TNC chapters in Idaho and Oregon, and TNC Western Division priorities the Columbia Basin Salmon Program, and the Emerald Edge Program . Cross-boundary collaboration with Nature United (TNC in Canada) may also be needed.
Cooperative and ongoing relationship with the North America Indigenous Right Relations team, with a focus on advancing policy that respects sovereign visions, interests, protected treaty and reserved rights, and need for healing .
Location and Schedule:
The primary work location for this position is flexible within Washington State (home office or existing TNC office location), with the requirement to be onsite in Seattle and Olympia at least a few times a month with more frequency on an as need basis, especially during Washington’s legislative session (January – March/April).
The position requires travel throughout Washington state and occasionally to other U.S. locations and working long or flexible hours as needed. Occasional trips to Canada and other international travel may also be required.
We’re Looking for You:
Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation policy and advocacy? Are you looking for a career that helps people and nature to thrive together? We’re looking for a skilled relationship-builder and excellent communicator who is grounded in cultural knowledge and capability gained through lived experience and motivated by working collaboratively with others to find mutually beneficial solutions to challenges facing both people and the planet. You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations and Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting TNC’s Indigenous Peoples’ Voice, Choice and Action and Advance Indigenous Peoples’ Authority and Improve Natural Resource Policies. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
What You’ll Bring:
Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, advocacy, natural resources or tribal cultural experience OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples.
Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals with Indigenous communities and outside organizations.
Experience working with diverse teams across an organization to achieve equitable policy objectives.
Experience building coalitions to advance mutually shared priorities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous entities.
Fluency in English.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience working within Tribal government to understand the unique challenges Tribal nations face, and the range of Tribal government structures and priorities.
Experience working with elected officials.
Cultural knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities, preferably from the Pacific Northwest.
Skilled in communication, including presentation, conversation and written.
Understanding of Free, Prior, Informed Consent and how to apply in advocacy of policy.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $110,000- $127,700 annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and between $100,000 - $120,000 annual base salary for those in other Washington State locations. 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.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
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.
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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.