Washington State Federal Government Relations Director

Position Overview

The WA Federal Government Relations Director will help guide The Nature Conservancy’s strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State and across the United States. They will guide planning, outreach and communications at all levels of the federal government for policy advocacy or budget appropriations necessary to achieve conservation goals. The position works with other members of the Policy & Government Relations team as well as Business Unit, divisional and national TNC teams to strengthen strategic external relationships that enable the Washington Business Unit to protect the environment and improve community well‑being.

• Lobbying and Government Relations (50%) – Advocate for priority policies and public funding for programs and projects that are key to conservation priorities and advance the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners. Build and maintain bipartisan productive relationships and open communications with key federal government officials, including members of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate, congressional and agency staff, Tribal leaders, lobbyists, and non‑governmental organization partners.
  
  Research, analyze, evaluate and prepare recommendations on federal public policy issues, policy options and the potential impacts of proposed legislation, proposed rule making efforts, and changes in agency policies. Develop multi‑faceted legislative campaigns to increase our impact and achieve specific policy goals.
• Collaboration & Strategic Advising (50%) – Collaborate with policy, conservation, forestry, prescribed fire, science, community relations and other staff to advance conservation priorities and the work of The Nature Conservancy and its partners. Liaise with The Nature Conservancy’s North America Policy and Government Relations team and federal policy colleagues from other states to align and coordinate federal policy and budget advocacy.

The WA Federal Government Relations Advisor is a senior advisor position with broad strategic responsibility and external visibility. Within the scope of this position, they will:

• Manage contractors, including contract lobbyist(s), and may supervise one or more administrative and/or professional staff, interns or volunteers, with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Communicate with a wide range of people, including business executives, Tribal leaders, community representatives, and elected officials in support of conservation outcomes.
• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and working collaboratively within cross‑functional teams.
• Assure compliance with all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations, including responsibility for maintaining, reporting and tracking state and federal lobbying activities.
• Apply a diversified knowledge of practices to support Conservancy strategies.
• Act independently within broad program goals.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high‑profile or sensitive agreements.

The location for this position is flexible within Washington State (Seattle‑Bellevue‑Tacoma Metro area preferred) and requires being available for in‑person meetings at The Nature Conservancy’s Seattle office on a regular basis (occasionally weekly, more often 1‑2 times per month). Must be willing to travel up to 25% (including overnight) throughout Washington State and to other U.S. locations. The position requires 2‑4 trips to WashingtonD.C. annually.

Work long and/or flexible hours as needed.

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and 5 years of government relations, policy, lobbying, or advocacy experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Analytical and project management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience working with teams across an organization to achieve policy…