Climate Program Project and Partnership Manager, AZ - The Nature Conservancy

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

#LI-POST

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.”

Based in our Phoenix, Ariaona office, the Climate Program Project and Partnership Manager works with the Arizona Business Unit and division and regional teams to develop and leverage strong partner relationships with institutions, local governments, clean energy advocates, community groups, indigenous organizations, other non-government organizations, etc.

The Climate Program Project and Partnership Manager works closely with colleagues, technical specialists, partners, and other Conservancy professionals to identify and advance meaningful partnerships and projects that achieves objectives established in the Climate Program Business Plan. Working with the Climate Program Director, they will develop climate mitigation projects and strategies that grow, maintain, and develop sustaining partnerships with institutions, local governments, clean energy advocates, community groups, indigenous organizations, and other non-governmental organizations. They help to raise funds for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects by writing proposals and cultivating donors as needed. Essential functions include:

Project Management (approx. 50%)

• Identify, develop and implement a portfolio of replicable projects and strategies that fulfill the objectives of the Climate Program’s business plan and The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 climate mitigation goals.
• Develop relationships and works effectively with local governments, community and non-governmental organization partners, and others to support broad strategies in cities and towns to do climate mitigation and action planning.
• Identify partnerships and investments that give indigenous and rural underserved communities agency to engage in climate mitigation planning and strategy.
• Coordinate and manage multiple projects with several stakeholders, develop and manage project work plans, budgets, metrics, and manage project timelines.
• Document project accomplishments and learning with reports, white papers, slide decks, and other materials as appropriate.

Building and Sustaining Relationships (approx. 25%)

• Develop, steward and advance key partnerships to fulfill the objectives of the Climate Program’s business plan and The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 climate mitigation goals.
• Develop relationships and work effectively with local government, community and non-governmental organization partners to execute successful projects that reduce carbon emissions and give communities agency to take action on climate mitigation strategies.
• Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate issues.
• Support program outreach, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supports the climate team to lean into emerging climate mitigation issues in Arizona.

Strategy Development and Implementation (approx. 15%)

• In collaboration with the Climate Program Director, develop multi-year project plans, metrics, and budgets to advance the objectives of the Climate Program.
• Manage project budgets, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with program budget development.
• Works collaboratively within cross-functional interdisciplinary teams.
• Support fundraising efforts for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects by providing input into proposal writing, as needed.

 Other (approx. 10%)

• Participate in Arizona Climate Program, business unit, and regional TNC meetings, trainings, etc. as required.
• Adhere to TNC’s and Arizona’s established operational procedures and business processes.
• Complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner (includes those related to the portfolio of projects, time reports, expense reports, and performance self-evaluations).
• Occasionally travel including overnight/weekends throughout Arizona for meetings and occasionally in U.S. for trainings, etc.
• Occasionally work long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• May direct or supervise other staff or volunteers.     
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Overall responsibility for financial management of projects, including setting goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective action.
• Makes strategic decisions within scope based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• Demonstrates sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Other duties as required.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? 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. Come join TNC and apply today!

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ experience in a functional field, which may include, community development, sustainability, urban planning, economics, public health, or other related fields - or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
• Experience negotiating with project partners such as, stakeholders, government agencies, and other non-governmental organizations.
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams or in a cross-functional environment.
• Occasionally lift, carry, and move 25 pounds.
• Youth certified (internal training completed within initial 30 days; annually thereafter).

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of current trends in relevant discipline; specifically in sustainability, climate mitigation, and climate equity issues.
• Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.

• Understanding of and relevant experience in the culture and politics of the southwest.
• Experience using project management techniques and software.
• Experience working in a metrics-driven culture.
• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment. 
• Supervisory experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.

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. The Arizona Chapter also participates in TNC's Nature Fridays program where, every other week, employees that participate can compress their normally scheduled 35-hour workweek into 4 days and have Friday off!  

The Nature Conservancy offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including; health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan including employer match, accrued paid time off (including annual, personal, and sick leave), life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work wellness benefits. Benefits may be subject to generally applicable eligibility, waiting period, contribution, and other requirements and conditions.  Learn more about our benefits at nature.org/careers. We’re proud to offer a work-environment that is supportive of the health, wellness, and flexibility needs of the people we employ.

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.

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $70,900-$78,637 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 in addition to internal equity.  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.

Job Family: External Affairs

Internal Job Code: 700010

Salary Grade: 7

To apply for job ID 54881, submit your current resume and a cover letter by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/. 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.