Policy Manager

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

This is a hybrid position that requires mutiple days a week of in-person work out of our Boston office, the statehouse, and at times other various locations. There is an element of remote working as well.

#LI-HYBRID

The mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we develop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world’s toughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Our work is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity and respect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission to career development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to love life #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One of TNC’s primary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employees around the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their unique contributions are valued. We know we’ll only achieve our mission by hiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which we work. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developed outside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment that considers life experience in addition to the professional requirements listed in our postings. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and you’ll stay for the people.”

The Policy Manager plans, implements and coordinates programs to influence the outcomes of federal and state public policy initiatives to further the Conservancy’s mission. They maintain regular contact with state and federal elected and administrative officials and external partners on matters pertaining to administrative, legislative, and/or other policy action related to the mission of The Nature Conservancy. They build and facilitate internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. The Policy Manager influences the outcome of policy initiatives at the national and state levels. They develop strategic partnerships with the Massachusetts Congressional delegation and state legislature, relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and other partners to advance the organization’s conservation agenda. They work with an interdisciplinary team to advise on complex and strategic issues. The Policy Manager liaises with TNC’s conservation staff, other external affairs staff, and TNC’s Operating Units to further conservation goals and strategy.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day.

We’re looking for someone with advocacy experience and exceptional communication and collaboration skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute directly to the ongoing mission of The Nature Conservancy. Specific responsibilities include:

• Advocates for policy priorities, including, as relevant, tracking opportunities; providing testimony or public comment; building coalitions, communicating with partners and policymakers, conducting wholesale campaign and retail advocacy activities, and mobilizing action. Regularly communicates with internal staff about opportunities and needs.
• Develops strategic partnerships with relevant groups to influence legislation, regulations, program development, planning or other actions relevant to the mission and policy priorities of The Nature Conservancy.
• Supports marketing and communications efforts on social and earned media; and engages with philanthropy by assisting with donor cultivation/stewardship to provide support for policy programming.
• Adaptively manages to changing circumstances, creatively pursues solutions, and evaluates complex political situations.
• Gains cooperation and support from individuals or groups (inside and outside the Conservancy) over whom there is no direct authority.
• Advances diversity, equity, inclusion and justice within TNC public policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Serves as a team leader for assigned projects and coordinates the work of others. May represent the Massachusetts Chapter on regional or division-scale teams.
• May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies, external legal requirements, including lobbying laws and regulations.

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience in policy advocacy/campaign work and/or within legislative or executive branches of government.
• Experience presenting to and/or communicating with NGO, government, or legislative staff and/or program leadership.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Experience preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
• Experience working with corporate or NGO partners, and government agencies and/or legislative bodies.
• Experience both working independently (with minimal oversight) in a decentralized organization, as well as coordinating work and projects across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
• Experience working successfully in a collaborative, team-oriented manner.
• Fluency in English.