OFFICE LOCATION

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Flexible arrangements are possible for candidates who live within Illinois.

#Li-hybrid

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 Climate and Energy Associate will join The Nature Conservancy's efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition in Illinois. Through outreach and partnership development, the Associate will build support for renewable energy deployment that optimizes results for climate, nature, and people. The Associate will serve as a clean energy policy specialist, providing policy analysis and identifying opportunities to leverage and influence policy in support of a sustainable and equitable renewable energy buildout. The Associate will develop partnerships with state and local agencies, clean energy advocates, and the private sector to create momentum for a sustainable and equitable renewable energy buildout in Illinois and beyond.

WE'RE LOOKING FOR YOU

The Climate and Energy Associate plays a key role in programs at the state and regional level to affect public and/or corporate policy to further The Nature Conservancy's mission as related to climate change. They liaise and act as an informational contact between TNC and state and local governmental agencies, corporations, relevant non-profit coalitions, and trade groups. The Climate and Energy Associate provides research and policy analysis in support of TNC policy and/or corporate practice priorities and tracks policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals. They conduct outreach to corporations, state agencies and local governmental entities, build and facilitate strategic partnerships, and work closely with colleagues to implement TNC's Midwest Division strategy related to renewable energy deployment. They provide services that assist in influencing the outcome of state and local policy as well as corporate initiatives. The individual will build awareness of TNC's smart siting tools and programs, including Site Renewables Right, Power of Place, and Mining the Sun, and seek opportunities to pilot renewables projects on degraded lands in Illinois. They will track relevant state-level policy and conduct research and policy analysis to inform TNC's climate advocacy and outreach, with a focus on renewable energy and emerging energy technologies. The Associate will take on a new role on TNC's Illinois Climate Team, with room for creativity and strategic thinking, working in close coordination with climate and government relations colleagues in Illinois and the broader Midwest region. As part of TNC's Illinois Climate Team, the Associate will also provide support to advance TNC's broader climate mitigation and adaptation work in Illinois, potentially including but not limited to clean transportation and nature-based solutions. The Associate will coordinate meetings, agendas, and presentations and contribute to reviewing and writing communication materials.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Bachelor's degree and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expertise in the renewable energy sector and knowledge of climate change issues impacting Illinois.
• Experience identifying, building relationships, and working with partners/government agencies and / or the corporate sector to advance shared objectives. Though not required, experience working with the corporate sector preferred.
• Ability to consistently integrate justice and equity concepts into projects, planning, and policy analysis.
• Experience conducting outreach and facilitating dynamic meetings and informational sessions.
• Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
• Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
• Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive report.
• Excellent writing skills and ability to communicate science and complex issues to a broad audience.
• Fluency in English.
  

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.

AUTO SAFETY POLICY

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC'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." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/careers/recruitment/ under the FAQ section.

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.

SALARY INFORMATION

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 -$75,000 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.

APPLY NOW

To apply for job ID 54815, submit your materials online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. Need help applying? Visit our recruitment page or contact applyhelp@tnc.org.

Our recruiting process is a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role.

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.