Columbia, South Carolina, USA

Negotiable with preference in the Columbia, SC or Greenville, SC area.

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."

Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We're looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. The Nature Conservancy's approach to Public Policy is built on the following set of principles:

• We promote efficient resource management
• We craft initiatives that are ambitious but practical, with long-term benefits
• We pursue policies that leverage of the power and value of nature
• We advance conservation while respecting human needs at the same time
• We consider the use of market mechanisms to achieve resource management goals
• We emphasize cooperation across agency, political and organizational boundaries
• We recognize and respect public sector fiscal constraints

The External Affairs Associate II (Government Relations Policy Manager) supports The Nature Conservancy's public policy goals as they connect to the land, water, people and communities in South Carolina and the Southern United States.

This position advances policy, funding and legislation with state and federal agencies and serves as a liaison and informational contact on issues in South Carolina between TNC and federal, state, and local governments, non-profit organizations and external partners with mutual conservation interests like the South Carolina Land Trust Network.

This position assists in the development and implementation of key communication materials, messages, field visits and event opportunities on behalf of The Nature Conservancy which are of critical importance to our trustees, colleagues, partners and government officials in South Carolina.

This position will work as part of a small team of Government Affairs personnel in the South Carolina Chapter, and more broadly in collaboration within The Nature Conservancy's External Affairs and Policy network through the Southern U.S Division Government Relations Cabinet and the North American Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) Advisory team, to best deliver conservation policy results through outreach, education and advocacy work with the South Carolina General Assembly, South Carolina Governor's office, state and federal agencies, and the South Carolina federal Congressional delegation serving the 2 Senate seats and 7 House Districts in South Carolina.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Fluency in English
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure
• Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at the national, state or local level
• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership
• Experience working with partners, government agencies and the corporate and/or non-profit sector

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Familiarity with social, economic, and political conditions and issues in South Carolina
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating, and organizational skills
• Ability to persuasively convey the need for action on TNC's policy priorities to a wide range of audiences and in balance with existing trusted partnerships
• Experience coordinating projects in a decentralized organization, working across teams, operating units, and functions to achieve optimal results
• Adept at leveraging organizational capacity, increasing internal knowledge and understanding, and managing multiple topics and issues, including deliverables, at once
• Exhibits strong people skills and a teamwork ethic; works in tandem with internal and external colleagues and partners to identify and provide general analysis as to how/where TNC can best contribute to identified conservation goals and opportunities
• Comfortable driving external connections with partners current and new; ability to identify key stakeholders and interested parties and organize and facilitate informational sessions, collective campaign and campaign-style work to marshal coordination from various messages and messengers
• Experience building networks and influencing outcomes without direct authority
• Proactive initiative-taker; thrives with minimal oversight; comfortable working independently

Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has been doing work you can believe in protecting the lands and waters that all life depends on. Through grassroots action, TNC has grown to become 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, we impact conservation throughout the world!

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including: health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellbeing benefits. Learn more about our benefits at in the Culture Tab on nature.org/careers.

We're proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellbeing, and flexibility needs of the people we employ!

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $65,000 for annual base salary. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate's actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, including, for example, the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Please note countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, and not tied to USA pay or ranges. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

To apply for job ID 56540 submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2025. 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.