WY Director of External Affairs

What We Can Achieve Together:

The WY Director of External Affairs leads the Business Unit’s external affairs functions, implements BU policy strategies, and provides guidance to program directors and staff on The Nature Conservancy’s conservation policy priorities.

The director works with government and business entities to further the BU’s mission in support of conservation policy and climate action on behalf of TNC’s North America Policy and Government Relations goals.

They monitor legislative, administrative, and corporate initiatives and policies that can impact the Wyoming BU’s conservation programs. Duties include regular contact with local, county, state, federal, and country‑level officials, agencies and corporate representatives; representing and promoting the Conservancy’s policy positions before special interest groups, government and business officials; and working closely with Development, Marketing and Operations directors to build support and capacity for the Conservancy.

They will also serve as the staff liaison for the External Affairs Trustee Committee.

• Represent TNC’s conservation policy priorities, including participating in legislative and regulatory/rule‑making processes and forums.
• Monitor and analyze state and federal legislation affecting TNC’s conservation priorities.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, business associations, and non‑profit partners.
• Participate in legislative and regulatory/rule‑making analyses and forums, strengthening TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on conservation issues.
• Build partnerships with diverse public and private stakeholders, as well as disproportionately impacted communities.
• Foster internal coordination across departments to unify messaging and policy positions; design and execute outreach strategies targeting policymakers, funders, media, and the public.
• Support the development of private and public funding proposals to support the BU’s programs.
• Participate as a member of the business unit’s Senior Leadership Team.
• May supervise a team of administrative and/or professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training and development.
• Frequent travel across the state and nationally, including evening and weekend hours; may work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain, and under physically demanding circumstances.

We are searching for a passionate, motivated problem‑solver with exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management, or a related field combined with 6 years of government relations or corporate sector experience.
• Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives, and managing performance.
• Experience in partnership development with non‑profit partners, community groups, and/or government agencies.
• Experience lobbying local, state, and federal legislators.
• Fluency in English.
• Analytical and project management experience; demonstrated success in developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Proven communication and presentation skills.
• Proven negotiation skills.

• Fundraising experience, including identifying donor prospects and donor cultivation.
• Multilingual skills and cross‑cultural experience.
• Advanced degree (master’s) and 7–10 years of experience in conservation practice or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience influencing, developing, and implementing conservation policy and plans.
• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.
• Knowledge of biodiversity information systems and related initiatives.
• Political savvy.
• Proficiency in policy and regulations relevant to strategic focus areas for incentivizing conservation practices.
• Experience developing…