The Nature Conservancy
WA State Tribal Government Relations Director
The Nature Conservancy, Olympia, Washington, United States
WA State Tribal Government Relations Director
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WA State Tribal Government Relations Director
role at
The Nature Conservancy . At The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Washington State, we have a "Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples." Our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations in Washington State in partnership with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co‑create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities.
The WA State Tribal Government Relations Director will guide TNC’s Washington State strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress, working as a trusted, value‑added partner in support of Indigenous conservation and restoration priorities across Washington State. This position directs tribal government relations efforts, leading engagement with Tribal government representatives and senior Tribal staff, and may negotiate complex and innovative agreements and/or partnerships with Tribal governments.
Reports to TNC WA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations and works collaboratively with TNC’s local and global strategy, Indigenous‑Led Conservation teams, Science, Conservation staff, and other External Affairs departments to advance conservation goals, policies, and strategies.
Essential Functions
Maintain awareness of Indian country needs and priorities, conveying them to TNC to advance shared conservation priorities, with direct communication channels to TNC’s WA State Chapter Director.
Collaborate with TNC WA’s policy and government relations team to engage local, state, and federal officials.
Work with TNC’s public funding, philanthropy, and other staff to secure funding and investment in Indigenous‑Led conservation.
Collaborating with Program Teams
Member of the "Supporting Indigenous Rights and Connections to Lands and Waters" strategy team; may serve as Co‑Lead for that strategy.
Provide guidance and leadership in collaborating with Tribal Nations on land return, land access, and capacity building for culturally significant lands and waters.
Collaborate closely with conservation and science staff to develop equitable policy initiatives and guide government relations strategies that advance conservation goals.
Work with the Community and Tribal Relations team to develop and implement high‑level efforts to deepen relationships, improve partnerships, and coordinate external relationships across internal teams, particularly with Tribal governments and their representatives.
Develop multi‑faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
Collaborating with TNC Cross‑boundary Programs
Collaborate cross‑boundary with regional business units and cross‑boundary programs, including TNC chapters in Idaho and Oregon, and TNC Western Division priorities the Columbia Basin Salmon Program and the Emerald Edge Program; cross‑boundary collaboration with Nature United (TNC in Canada) may also be needed.
Cooperative and ongoing relationship with the North America Indigenous Right Relations team, focusing on advancing policy that respects sovereign visions, interests, protected treaty and reserved rights, and healing.
Location and Schedule
Primary work location flexible within Washington State (home office or existing TNC office location), with onsite requirement in Seattle and Olympia a few times a month, especially during legislative session (January – March/April).
Position requires travel throughout Washington state and occasionally to other U.S. locations; occasional trips to Canada and other international travel may also be required.
We’re Looking For You Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation policy and advocacy? You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations, Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting TNC’s Indigenous Peoples’ Voice, Choice and Action and Advance Indigenous Peoples’ Authority and Improve Natural Resource Policies.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, advocacy, natural resources or tribal cultural experience OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples.
Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals with Indigenous communities and outside organizations.
Experience working with diverse teams across an organization to achieve equitable policy objectives.
Experience building coalitions to advance mutually shared priorities between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous entities.
Fluency in English.
Desired Qualifications
Experience working within Tribal government to understand the unique challenges Tribal nations face, and the range of Tribal government structures and priorities.
Experience working with elected officials.
Cultural knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities, preferably from the Pacific Northwest.
Skilled in communication, including presentation, conversation and written.
Understanding of Free, Prior, Informed Consent and how to apply in advocacy of policy.
Salary Information The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $110,000‑$127,700 annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and $100,000‑$120,000 annual base salary for those in other Washington State locations. This range applies only to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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.
We are 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
WA State Tribal Government Relations Director
role at
The Nature Conservancy . At The Nature Conservancy (TNC) in Washington State, we have a "Statement of Commitment to Indigenous Peoples." Our goal is to ethically and effectively support and partner with Indigenous Nations, communities, and organizations in Washington State in partnership with TNC’s North America Indigenous Right Relations team to co‑create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities.
The WA State Tribal Government Relations Director will guide TNC’s Washington State strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress, working as a trusted, value‑added partner in support of Indigenous conservation and restoration priorities across Washington State. This position directs tribal government relations efforts, leading engagement with Tribal government representatives and senior Tribal staff, and may negotiate complex and innovative agreements and/or partnerships with Tribal governments.
Reports to TNC WA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations and works collaboratively with TNC’s local and global strategy, Indigenous‑Led Conservation teams, Science, Conservation staff, and other External Affairs departments to advance conservation goals, policies, and strategies.
Essential Functions
Maintain awareness of Indian country needs and priorities, conveying them to TNC to advance shared conservation priorities, with direct communication channels to TNC’s WA State Chapter Director.
Collaborate with TNC WA’s policy and government relations team to engage local, state, and federal officials.
Work with TNC’s public funding, philanthropy, and other staff to secure funding and investment in Indigenous‑Led conservation.
Collaborating with Program Teams
Member of the "Supporting Indigenous Rights and Connections to Lands and Waters" strategy team; may serve as Co‑Lead for that strategy.
Provide guidance and leadership in collaborating with Tribal Nations on land return, land access, and capacity building for culturally significant lands and waters.
Collaborate closely with conservation and science staff to develop equitable policy initiatives and guide government relations strategies that advance conservation goals.
Work with the Community and Tribal Relations team to develop and implement high‑level efforts to deepen relationships, improve partnerships, and coordinate external relationships across internal teams, particularly with Tribal governments and their representatives.
Develop multi‑faceted legislative campaigns to increase impact and achieve specific policy goals.
Collaborating with TNC Cross‑boundary Programs
Collaborate cross‑boundary with regional business units and cross‑boundary programs, including TNC chapters in Idaho and Oregon, and TNC Western Division priorities the Columbia Basin Salmon Program and the Emerald Edge Program; cross‑boundary collaboration with Nature United (TNC in Canada) may also be needed.
Cooperative and ongoing relationship with the North America Indigenous Right Relations team, focusing on advancing policy that respects sovereign visions, interests, protected treaty and reserved rights, and healing.
Location and Schedule
Primary work location flexible within Washington State (home office or existing TNC office location), with onsite requirement in Seattle and Olympia a few times a month, especially during legislative session (January – March/April).
Position requires travel throughout Washington state and occasionally to other U.S. locations; occasional trips to Canada and other international travel may also be required.
We’re Looking For You Are you passionate about elevating the voices, choices, and actions of Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities and organizations in conservation policy and advocacy? You will work with innovative and passionate colleagues, Tribal nations, Indigenous communities, and a wide range of partners to advance conservation and public policy solutions supporting TNC’s Indigenous Peoples’ Voice, Choice and Action and Advance Indigenous Peoples’ Authority and Improve Natural Resource Policies.
What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, advocacy, natural resources or tribal cultural experience OR equivalent combination of education/experience.
Experience working with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples.
Experience developing, directing, and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals with Indigenous communities and outside organizations.
Experience working with diverse teams across an organization to achieve equitable policy objectives.
Experience building coalitions to advance mutually shared priorities between Indigenous and non‑Indigenous entities.
Fluency in English.
Desired Qualifications
Experience working within Tribal government to understand the unique challenges Tribal nations face, and the range of Tribal government structures and priorities.
Experience working with elected officials.
Cultural knowledge and experience with Indigenous communities, preferably from the Pacific Northwest.
Skilled in communication, including presentation, conversation and written.
Understanding of Free, Prior, Informed Consent and how to apply in advocacy of policy.
Salary Information The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $110,000‑$127,700 annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and $100,000‑$120,000 annual base salary for those in other Washington State locations. This range applies only to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs and culture. 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.
We are 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr