Cle Elum, Washington, USA

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Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive.

We’re rooted in our Mission and guided by our Values, which includes a Commitment to Diversity and Respect for People, Communities, and Cultures. We know we’ll only achieve our Mission by hiring and engaging a diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we work. Whether it’s career development, work/life balance, or a rewarding mission, there’s lots of reasons to love life #insideTNC. Our goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all of our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging, and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued.

The Eastern WA Community Relations Manager develops, manages and advances conservation programs, plans and methods for the Eastern Washington region. This position convenes partners, local governments and other leaders and supports the development of collaborative strategies for the Conservancy’s Dry Forest Health and Community Resilience program. This work will be executed in coordination with local, state and federal partners and programs. This position also engages with local partners in developing and executing integrated land protection and conservation projects.

The Eastern WA Community Relations Manager is a member of the Dry Forest Health and Community Resilience Team with primary responsibilities focused on working with local communities, partners and leaders to build trust and plan for, design, and implement projects that reflect a broad-suite of community needs, such as climate resilience, habitat conservation, forest health, recreation, economic development, and health and safety.

Relationship Building, Facilitation & Communications (30%)

This position will advance relationships with partners and collaborative groups to address critical threats to forest and aquatic systems, species, and foster learning among our internal and external conservation community. They will coordinate community support for projects that help our lands and communities adapt to a changing climate. They participate in and may facilitate collaborative workshops with diverse stakeholder groups including partners across government agencies, nonprofits, and community leaders with a desired outcome of identifying, developing, and implementing permanent land protection and restoration strategies. This position will manage community relations around TNC owned and managed land, land management activities and climate adaptation strategies to build ecosystem and community resilience.  Build strategic relationships focused on communities disproportionately impacted by climate-related natural resource events.

Project Management & Problem Solving (30%)

Develop and implement conservation strategies using a Highly Effective Teams model and build support for public and private funding for TNC conservation priorities, particularly those implementing or seeking to implement projects that will permanently protect TNC managed land, and increase forest and community resilience to the impacts of climate change. Assist with TNC owned and managed preserve areas frequented by the visiting public. Participate in collaborative working groups to help prioritize and coordinate priority cross-boundary restoration projects, and report on progress and track results. The portfolio of work may change over time, and yet all will be geared to address Eastern WA forests, water quality, livability and climate change impacts, with a focus on solutions that carefully balance conservation and community benefits.

Grants and Contracts Management (20%)

Manage government grants and associated contracts. They will be responsible for ensuring funding is responsibly used to meet the outcomes described in government grants. Establish and maintain relationships with funding agencies and follow TNC’s internal procedures for management of government grants.

Other functions (20%)

Support colleagues in bringing facilitation and subject matter expertise to workshops, trainings, and fundraising (donor meetings and field trips) as well as limited support to other chapter conservation priorities.

Level of Position:

The Eastern WA Community Relations Manager is a mid-level, conservation team position within the Washington Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. They have accountability for conservation results within their control.

Within the scope of the position, the Community Relations Manager will:

• Build relationships with regional partners to accomplish the Conservancy’s Dry Forest Health and Community Resilience program goals.
• Advance Conservancy priorities using a consistent messaging and communications strategy.
• Engage with teams in various project management roles including; coordinating or managing project teams, tracking and reporting results, and leading community development functions within teams.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget development and reporting
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Under minimal supervision, makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• In partnership with other staff, identify grant opportunities and seek funding to advance priorities for land transactions and forest resilience. May assist with field trips and preparing presentations to private philanthropic donors.
• With support from our Operations Team, oversee local office management.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.
• May need to travel within Washington State.

• BA/BS, law or business degree and 5 years’ experience in natural resource management, public policy, environmental law or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience dealing with upper management and political leaders persuasively.
• Experience working as part of a team and with external partners including, agencies, tribes, elected officials and community partners.
• Experience writing and securing grants.
• Experience communicating with the public and/or media both in writing and verbally.
• Experience using applications such as Microsoft Office Suite and Web browsers, etc.
• Experience working with local governments and local project partners.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to obtain one prior to beginning the position.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated, specifically with Latinx and Indigenous communities.
• Experience with principles of land acquisition and protection.
• Experience working with communities that have been impacted by climate-related natural resource emergencies.
• Experience facilitating collaborative decision making across a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Experience negotiating complex agreements.
• Ability to complete tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Ability to evaluate information and modify approach to planning processes to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Experience working with upper management and local leaders persuasively.
• Knowledge of land management conservation practice and conservation science.
• Ability to explain conservation practices to technical and non-technical audiences
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management, and natural resource preservation.

This position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with the Conservancy’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered “high risk drivers.” Please see further details in the Auto Safety Program document available at www.nature.org/careers.

Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee’s motor vehicle record.

Cle Elum location;  Starting Salary: $59,200 – $68,000 annually, dependent on qualifications and experience.

To apply to position number 49555, submit resume (required) and cover letter separately using the upload buttons. The Application deadline is April 21, 2021 at 8:59 pm PST. Apply Here: https://careers.nature.org

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and 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.