Washington State Government Relations Dir

Position Overview

The Washington State Government Relations Director will guide The Nature Conservancy’s Washington Business Unit in building influence, leveraging momentum, and shaping environmental progress across Washington State. The role focuses on state legislative agenda development, engagement with the executive branch, and lobbying for policy or budget appropriations that support conservation goals.

• Lobbying and Government Relations (50%)
  • Advocate for priority policies and public funding that advance The Nature Conservancy and its partners.
  • Build and maintain productive bipartisan relationships with state officials, legislators, agency staff, Tribal leaders, and lobbyists.
  • Support research, analysis, evaluation, and recommendation preparation on state public policy issues, legislative and regulatory proposals, and agency changes.
  • Develop multi‑faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
• Collaboration & Strategic Advising (30%)
  • Support business unit and divisional strategy objectives within a complex, matrixed team environment.
  • Collaborate closely with policy, conservation, forestry, prescribed fire, science, community relations, and other staff to advance conservation priorities.
• Engage in Coalitions (20%)
  • Participate in state policy coalitions such as the Environmental Priorities Coalition, Washington Association of Land Trusts, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, Washington Prescribed Fire Council, and Blue‑Green Alliance.
  • Communicate with business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials to support conservation outcomes.

• Ensure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including reporting, tracking, and maintaining lobbying activity records.
• Manage contract lobbyists and supervise one or more administrative or professional staff, interns, or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training, and development.
• Apply diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies and act independently within broad program goals.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high‑profile, or sensitive agreements.

The position is flexible within the Puget Sound region (Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle preferred) with onsite presence in Olympia five days per week during the legislative session (January – March/April) and regular meetings at the Seattle office outside of session. The role requires frequent travel throughout Washington State and occasional travel to other U.S. locations, as well as willingness to work long and/or flexible hours as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 years of experience in government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Analytical and project management experience in unstructured environments.
• Successful track record of building partnerships and identifying key stakeholders.
• Proven negotiation skills and a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

• Experience with Washington’s commitment to Indigenous Peoples and working respectfully across diverse identities and beliefs.
• Experience lobbying elected officials and implementing legislative campaigns.
• Multilingual skills and cross‑cultural experience welcomed.
• Excellent communication skills, including public testimony, presentations, and writing.
• Team player with experience in multidisciplinary groups and interpersonal influence.
• Familiarity with political conditions and environmental/conservation issues in Washington State.
• Supervisory experience and, ideally, a Master’s or law degree.

• Compliance with The Nature Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program and completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement.
• Eligibility for background screening and the necessary government credentials.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within $97,000 – $124,000 for U.S. employees,…