Nevada External Affairs Associate

Role Overview

The Nevada External Affairs Associate supports the External Affairs Director and Nevada Business Unit Strategy Directors in building and maintaining relationships with Nevada’s sovereign Indigenous Nations, state, county, and municipal governments. The role involves engaging with tribal nations, federal and state agencies, industry representatives, and communities across Nevada to advocate for conservation, climate, and infrastructure outcomes.

• Provide research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s policy and corporate practice priorities.
• Track policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals.
• Build and facilitate internal networks, coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations.
• Prepare legislative affairs materials including testimonies, correspondence, reports, and other legislative communications.
• Assist in influencing the outcome of policy and corporate initiatives in Nevada.
• Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, tribes, conservation organizations, and industry to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with Tribal Nations through frequent communication and coordination on conservation, energy, infrastructure, and community priorities.
• Coordinate strategic communications with the Marketing Manager regarding climate, energy, and infrastructure matters.
• Engage and manage consultants with relevant expertise as needed.

• BA/BS degree in climate or energy policy, renewable energy management, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of experience in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience presenting to a range of audiences on energy, infrastructure, climate, and environmental topics.
• Experience gathering information from multiple sources and converting it into clear reports.
• Experience working with Tribal governments, entities, or Indigenous organizations.
• Experience with legislative, planning, policy, or corporate initiatives at state, local, and tribal levels.
• Experience working in partnerships and coalitions.
• Fluency in English.

• Subject matter expertise related to energy (geothermal, solar, wind, battery storage) and familiarity with Nevada and Western U.S. energy policies.
• Multi‑cultural or cross‑cultural experience.
• Experience addressing greenhouse gas emissions and renewable energy development.
• Experience building networks or organizational capacity and identifying key stakeholders.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Team player with strong listening, collaboration, diplomacy, and influence skills.

A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program are required. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned or leased vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.”

The starting pay range for candidates selected for this position is generally within $71,200–$75,650 for California residents. Actual pay may vary based on location, qualifications, skills, and experience.

TNC offers a competitive benefits package that includes 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, an employee assistance program, and other work‑wellness benefits.

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 cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority. 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.