The Conservation Policy Associate will manage the development of transformational policy solutions that address key challenges and benefit people and nature in pursuing a vision of thriving together in the face of a changing climate. A member of The Nature Conservancy’s Conservation team in Washington, the Conservation Policy Associate serves as a liaison with Government Relations staff and other TNC teams to develop policy proposals. The position is based in one of TNC’s Conservation teams and coordinates regularly with Government Relations staff and other TNC teams, and potentially external partners, such as agency, tribal and elected officials’ staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Conservation Policy Associate supports the drafting of policy solutions that advance The Nature Conservancy's mission and priorities in Western Washington state. This position will manage contracts and coordinate with collaboratives and action groups with a focus on understanding conservation partner needs related to policy and funding actions in order to help to draft proposals for expanding the use of Nature Based Solutions and tackling chronic challenges being experienced across the communities where TNC works – urban, coastal, and rural. Policy areas may include, but are not limited to, water quality and quantity, salmon policy, workforce development, urban tree canopy, or marine issues. The position will be expected to incorporate an equity lens in the development of potential policy solutions, including nature-based, community-centered approaches to conservation.

· Policy Project Coordination and Management (60%)

o Facilitate internal project teams to effectively integrate multiple perspectives, including working closely with TNC Washington Government Relations staff

o Draft policy and funding-related actions, and policy-related recommendations, including white papers, fact sheets, economic analysis, legislation review and rules-writing

o Understand and distribute information related to legislation connected to key priorities, such as the recent Federal Infrastructure and Jobs bill

· Partner and Community Relations (20%)

o Support partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, Tribes, and private sector partners.

o May coordinate community input and engagement on policy documents.

· Team Engagement, Cross-Team Collaboration and Admin (20%)

o Work as a member of project teams where policy may be one of a suite of potential solutions pursued.

o Set agendas, manage invitations, and run meetings or other events that support policy solution research, development, and review.