Energy Policy Advisor, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona, USA

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.”

The Energy Policy Advisor is a member of the Arizona Climate Program working to put Arizona on a path to economy-wide net-zero carbon emissions. The position will develop and implement policy approaches to achieve the Conservancy’s climate and clean energy goals through interaction with Arizona governments, agencies, clean energy advocates and utility sector partners. This position is based out of our Phoenix, AZ office.

Are you looking for work you can believe in? At TNC we strive to embody a philosophy of Work that You Can Believe in where you can feel like you are making a difference every day. We’re looking for someone with strong experience in leading a diverse, multi-disciplinary team.

Along with experience working on issues related to electric utility planning and energy policy, the ideal candidate should have exceptional communication and collaboration skills and experience designing, organizing, and directing complex projects. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the ongoing mission of conservation by directing and shaping the work of our team!

In conjunction with the Climate Program Director, the Energy Policy Advisor works with an interdisciplinary team and serves as a subject matter expert and advisor on complex and strategic clean energy and climate policy issues. This position is responsible for forming, maintaining, and developing partnerships with governmental agencies, electric utilities, clean energy advocates, consumer advocates, and renewable energy industry representatives to inform and advance clean energy and climate policy. Essential functions:

Support Statewide Energy Policy (65%)

Convene on Emerging Climate and Clean Energy Policy Issues (25%)

Other (10%)

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Support program objectives by working in a complex matrix organization environment and work collaboratively within a cross-functional interdisciplinary team.
• Develop relationships and work effectively with corporate, government, community, and non-governmental organization partners.
• Participate in negotiations for complex, high profile or sensitive agreements.
• Make strategic decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment.
• Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• May supervise administrative and professional staff with responsibility for performance management, training, and development. May also supervise volunteers.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in energy or climate policy, economics, sustainability, utility management, political science, or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
• Fluency in English.
• Analytical and project management experience. Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
• Experience developing, directing and managing multiple projects and implementing strategic program goals.
• Communications and presentation experience - including written and oral communication to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience negotiating.
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license.
• 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 energy policy, utility planning, and climate issues.
• Knowledge of Arizona’s politics and policy landscape.
• Experience testifying as an expert witness before state public utility commissions or presenting before official bodies or in a public forum.
• Excellent team player with experience working in multi-disciplinary groups, using influence and interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships with governments, corporations, partners, donors, volunteers, and all levels of staff.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
• Master’s degree appreciated.
• Supervisory experience appreciated.
• Organizational skills.
  

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.

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 $81,900 - $99,360 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, experience; and 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.

To apply for job ID 54201, submit your current resume and a cover letter online by using the Apply Now button at https://careers.nature.org/ by 11:59 PM EST on December 4, 2023. 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.