Senior Policy Advisor, Forests

📋 Description

• • Lead and implement The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) federal forest and fire policy strategies, aligning with TNC’s 2030 goals to address biodiversity and climate crises.
• • Primarily engage with U.S. federal agencies and partners to develop, modify, and advance forest and fire policy within the United States.
• • Serve as a key liaison and policy contact for senior officials at the USDA Forest Service, engaging with the National Forest System, Research, and State, Private, and Tribal Forestry programs.
• • Drive the development and presentation of clear, consistent messaging on forest restoration and fire priorities, collaborating with various business units across TNC.
• • Foster a deep appreciation and respect for diverse perspectives, actively seeking to learn from others and build strong relationships.
• • Act as a conduit between TNC’s programs and state chapters, connecting them with key leaders in federal agencies.
• • Contribute to TNC’s mission by shaping government policies that enable transformative conservation outcomes, addressing climate change, enhancing land and water protection, and promoting sustainable food and water resources.
• • Design, organize, and direct complex projects related to forest and fire policy, leveraging exceptional communication and collaboration skills.
• • Develop, analyze, and implement forest and fire policy at the federal level in the United States, ensuring alignment with TNC’s conservation objectives.
• • Work with governments, multilateral agencies, and businesses on policy, practice, and funding initiatives that create conservation opportunities and impact forest conservation and restoration.
• • Build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, corporate leaders, partners, donors, volunteers, and TNC staff at all levels.
• • Utilize strong interpersonal skills, diplomacy, and tact to navigate complex negotiations and build consensus among diverse groups.
• • Conceive and implement strategic initiatives that advance TNC’s forest and fire policy agenda.
• • Prepare and deliver compelling written and verbal communications and presentations to articulate policy positions and project outcomes.
• • Negotiate complex, high-profile, and sensitive agreements, ensuring favorable outcomes for conservation efforts.
• • Collaborate effectively within multi-disciplinary teams, drawing on expertise from various departments and external partners.
• • Stay abreast of current trends, research, and legislative developments in forest and fire policy, climate change, and biodiversity conservation.
• • Contribute to the development of TNC’s long-term policy vision and strategic planning for forest and fire management.
• • Represent TNC in relevant forums, conferences, and working groups, advocating for TNC’s policy positions.
• • Ensure that policy strategies are grounded in scientific evidence and best practices for conservation and restoration.
• • Manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively to ensure successful project completion.
• • Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff or project team members as needed.
• • Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practice exchange between different TNC programs and chapters.
• • Adapt policy approaches to evolving political landscapes and emerging conservation challenges.
• • Measure and report on the impact of policy initiatives, demonstrating progress towards TNC’s conservation goals.
• • Cultivate an inclusive work environment where all colleagues feel valued and respected, contributing to a sense of belonging.
• • Actively seek opportunities to learn from and incorporate diverse perspectives into policy development and implementation.
• • Ensure that policy recommendations and actions consider the well-being of both people and nature, promoting sustainable and equitable conservation outcomes.
• • Contribute to a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the policy and government relations team.
• • Uphold TNC’s values and mission in all aspects of work, demonstrating a commitment to protecting the lands and waters on which all life depends.