Project Manager, External Affairs

Overview

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 includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube or on Glassdoor.

Our 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. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. In addition to the requirements in our postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and a culture of inclusion! Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote myriad TNC staff members, “you’ll join for our mission, and you’ll stay for our people.”

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Project Manager, External Affairs supports The Nature Conservancy’s conservation goals by leading project teams, designing and delivering project objectives, and serving as liaison and informational contact between The Nature Conservancy and regional, state and local agencies and governments, multilateral institutions/agencies, business and partner organizations.

The Project Manager plans, implements, and coordinates programs and projects at the regional, state, and local level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further the Conservancy’s mission. The position requires an experienced person with political acumen in developing public/private sector partnerships, securing public funding and resources, and duties include daily contact with agencies, elected officials, community leaders, Tribal Leaders, C-suite leadership, and business associations to establish and maintain long-term collaboration. The position also involves policy and economic analysis to understand the political and economic implications for industries of strategies and convening constructive dialogues that can lead to innovative solutions, as well as project management to advance strategies from conception to application. Project management would involve building and facilitating internal and external networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. This position would be asked to manage several emerging initiatives that require extensive external engagement, maturing the initiatives into full-blown resourced projects that contribute to organizational conservation strategies and goals. The Project Manager works in collaboration and advances strategic relationships across the organization, including the Midwest Division, Worldwide Office, other Conservancy programs, and conservation staff to achieve Conservancy goals.

Lansing, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, or Detroit metro areas preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• May supervise staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating, and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, securing public funding, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Maintains regular contact with local, state, and regional officials and agencies, and/or corporate representatives on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or corporate actions and conservation agreements.
• Develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to advance shared conservation interests across legislative, corporate, agency, and community goals.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinate the work of others.
• Ensures that any activities comply with country lobbying laws and regulations.
• May need to gain cooperation from individuals or groups (inside and outside the Conservancy) over whom there is no direct authority to accomplish objectives.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience developing, supporting leadership, and giving presentations to and/or communicating with business, government or legislative staff and internal and external leadership.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree appreciated.
• Experience appreciated in project management in the private sector; specifically energy and agriculture; and in working with rural and urban underserved communities and indigenous nations and tribes.
• Supervisory experience, including ability to set objectives and manage performance of employees.
• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in the country (national and/or sub-national) and/or region.
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
• Experience in fundraising, both public and private.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
• A documented record of innovation and a solutions-oriented approach to problem solving.

What We Bring:

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

Auto Safety Policy:

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s 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 https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $77,000 – $81,500 for annual base salary. 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.