Washington State Tribal Government Relations Director

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 alignment 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 help guide TNC’s Washington State strategies to build influence, leverage and momentum for environmental progress in Washington State as a trusted and value-added partner working in support of Indigenous conservation and restoration priorities and Indigenous-led conservation across Washington State. This position will direct tribal government relations efforts for TNC Washington leading engagement with Tribal government representatives and senior Tribal staff in Washington state with the understanding that traditional Tribal use and territories do not adhere to state, provincial or national boundaries.

The WA State Tribal Government Relations Director may negotiate complex and innovative agreements and/or partnerships with Tribal governments. This position reports to TNC WA’s Director of Policy and Government Relations and works collaboratively with TNC’s local and global strategy and Indigenous Led Conservation teams, Science, Conservation staff and other External Affairs departments to further conservation goals, policies, and strategies.

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.

Essential Functions Include:

Government Relations, Lobbying and Fundraising

The position will serve to have a pulse on the Indian country’s needs and interests and serve to share and convey Indian Country’s needs to TNC to find pathways to collaborate on mutually shared priorities and advance shared conservation priorities. They will have direct access and communication channels to TNC’s WA State Chapter Director in order to facilitate engagement and decision-making in regard to respectful and trusting relationships in Indian Country.

As part of the TNC WA Policy and Government Relations team this role will have consistent collaboration with TNC members of the team in engaging local, state, and federal government officials.

Working with TNC’s public funding team, philanthropy team, and other staff when needed to secure funding and investment in service to Indigenous-led conservation.

Collaborating with Program Teams

This position will be a member of the “Supporting Indigenous Rights and Connections to Lands and Waters” strategy team, and dependent on the candidate’s interest and discussions with chapter leadership, may serve as Co-Lead for that strategy.

Provide guidance and leadership in collaborating with Tribal Nations on land return, land access and engaging in opportunities to increase Tribal capacity to use, access and manage lands and waters of cultural significance.

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, with a focus on advancing policy that respects sovereign visions, interests, protected treaty and reserved rights, and need for healing.

$110,000- $127,700 annual base salary for those based in Seattle, and between $100,000 - $120,000 annual base salary for those in other Washington State locations.