The Climate and Energy Policy Associate will lead efforts in Ohio in support of TNC’s natural climate solutions (e.g. forest and agricultural carbon storage), renewable energy siting, and clean and green policy priorities.  The individual will work closely with TNC staff and external consultants to identify opportunities and develop strategies to reach identified audiences in support of advancing TNC’s mission by leveraging our science, on-the-ground projects and relationships through policy to make a meaningful contribution to reducing the impacts of climate change. Responsibilities include providing research and policy analysis and tracking policies and decisions that directly affect TNC’s climate and clean energy goals; prioritizing opportunities to ensure equitable conservation and social justice gains; building and facilitating internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and presentations. The individual is expected to build external influencing networks and strategic partnerships with local and state government, the private sector, non-governmental agencies, academia and professional and trade associations to help form a broader, diverse coalition that supports and advances climate and energy policy. Development, management, and delivery of public or private climate and energy educational programs, briefings, and events.

Working closely with the Director of Government Relations, the Climate and Energy Policy Associate:

• Serves as team leader and oversees projects to develop policies and execute strategies to broaden local, state, and federal support in Ohio for action on TNC’s climate and energy priorities.
• Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development, and meeting fundraising targets.
• Presenting our climate work to potential donors and supporters.
• Ensures that our approaches are developed and viewed through a lens of equity and social justice.
• Increase awareness of and develop strategic partnerships to promote both Ohio-specific and TNC national climate and clean energy priorities to wide variety of audiences, including elected officials, internal staff, partner organizations, state and federal agencies and others.
• Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible, bipartisan partner on energy and climate solutions.
• Manage legislative engagement, including state or federal contract lobbying efforts, local, state and federal elected official outreach and communications campaigns.
• Conducts research and represents TNC to a variety of constituencies and stakeholders (public, private, government, non-government agencies, academia); and engages these groups in developing and implementing strategies that advance climate and clean energy policies.
• Travels to both Ohio Statehouse and Washington DC for advocacy on TNC priorities.
• May manage projects and teams involving research and analysis on a broad range of topics related to climate and energy policy, such as public opinion surveys, scientific studies, and economic analysis.
• Monitors legislative, regulatory, and administrative action on policy climate and energy policy opportunities as appropriate.
• Shares information and coordinates strategy with TNC in other states, regional, and Worldwide Office programs.
• Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately and assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Works within the scope of program’s strategic goals.