Who We Are
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.”
What We Can Achieve Together
The Energy Policy Advisor is a member of the Arizona Climate Program working to put Arizona on a path to economy-wide net-zero carbon emissions. The position will develop and implement policy approaches to achieve the Conservancy’s climate and clean energy goals through interaction with Arizona governments, agencies, clean energy advocates and utility sector partners.
Position is based in our Phoenix, AZ office.
Working in conjunction with the Climate Program Director, the Energy Policy Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team and serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic climate and clean energy policy issues. This position is responsible for forming, maintaining, and developing partnerships with governmental agencies, electric utilities, clean energy advocates, consumer advocates, and renewable energy industry representatives to inform and advance climate and clean energy policy.
WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU
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 strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!
Essential Functions Of This Position
Support Statewide Energy Policy (65%)
- Lead efforts to develop and advocate for policies, mechanisms, and organizational positions to accelerate Arizona’s transition to a clean energy economy and address climate change.
- Engage in the Arizona Corporation Commission electric utility planning, rate setting, and regulatory proceedings to inform and shape energy policy in support of program climate goals.
- Coordinate with an interdisciplinary team to develop communications and outreach strategies and messaging that accurately and persuasively convey TNC’s positions to stakeholders and decision makers.
- Work with a diverse group of stakeholders including electric utilities, clean energy advocates, consumer advocates, and renewable energy industry leaders to advance shared policy agendas.
- In coordination with climate program staff, review, analyze, and evaluate the potential impact of proposed climate and energy policy and administrative processes that support or hinder climate program goals.
- Keep abreast of emerging state and federal climate and clean energy topics to lead equitable and inclusive climate and clean energy policy development.
- Strengthening TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate issues.
- Lead the development of policy statements and technical reports for TNC or in collaboration with one or more stakeholders.
Convene on Emerging Climate and Clean Energy Policy Issues (25%)
- Identify and develop an annual convening on emerging energy technology, industry, or topics critical to advancing climate and clean energy goals.
- Work with the Climate Program, consultants, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to curate the conversation to achieve strategic outcomes that inform and/or advance public understanding and climate or clean energy policies.
- Document learning and stakeholder agreements with meeting reports, white papers, slide decks, and other forms as appropriate.
Other (10%)
- Participate in Arizona Climate Program, business unit, and regional TNC meetings, trainings, etc. as required.
- Adhere to TNC’s and Arizona’s established SOPs and business processes.
- Initiate, negotiate and formalize, with support from Arizona Operations staff, contracts for services and other formal agreements to support climate program strategies.
- Complete administrative tasks, including time reports, expense reports, and performance self-evaluations accurately and in a timely manner.
- Occasional travel including overnight throughout Arizona for meetings and occasionally in U.S. for trainings, etc.
- Occasionally work long hours, weekends, and holidays.
- Other duties as required.
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental or energy policy, economics, sustainability, utility management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
- Fluency in English.
- Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
- Experience using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
Desired Qualifications
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Master’s degree appreciated
- Knowledge of Arizona’s politics and policy landscape.
- Supervisory experience.
- Proven communication and presentation skills.
- Proven negotiation skills.
- Proven organizational skills.
- Working knowledge of current trends in relevant discipline.
- Experience testifying as an expert witness before state public utility commissions or presenting before official bodies or in a public forum.
- Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
- Experience working in a metrics-driven culture.
What We Bring
Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world! TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our Culture Tab on nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ. This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.
Our Competencies
ADDITIONAL JOB INFORMATION
The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions. Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.
Additional Job Information
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. APPLY NOWTo apply for job ID 53555, submit your cover letter and current resume online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page 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.
Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.An attractive salary and benefits package is part of TNC’s value proposition to our employees. TNC strives to provide competitive pay and bases salaries on the geographic location of the role committing to being equitable across groups and providing hiring salary ranges when possible. Since we support flexible and remote work for our employees, many positions have a flexible location within countries where we’re registered as a Non-government Organization and established as an employer. This may mean we’re unable to provide a hiring salary range in the posting for some of our positions. However, candidates invited to be part of our interview process will be provided their location specific range upon request.