Description
What We Can Achieve Together:
The Freshwater Policy Advisor develops, leads, and implements U.S. federal freshwater policy strategies to achieve TNC’s goals through interaction with governments, non-governmental organizations, community organizations, and/or the corporate sector. Reporting to the US Federal Water Policy Team Lead on the North America Policy and Government Relations (NAPGR) team, the Freshwater Policy Advisor develops, coordinates, and implements strategies to further the work of TNC and its conservation partners through direct interaction with U.S. federal agencies, lawmakers, and other stakeholders to advance federal freshwater policy goals. They serve as an external representative on US freshwater policy and conduct relevant outreach and fosters relationships to support TNC’s goals and priorities. They will collaborate with TNC’s policy, conservation, and science staff and the NAPGR team to identify policy opportunities, evaluate the potential for strategic partnerships, and develop and implement strategies to influence public policy.
Please note: The anticipated start date for this position is mid-February 2026.
We’re Looking for You:
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. 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 this role, you’ll support the engagement of TNC’s staff in planning and management decisions made by relevant federal agencies to advance water quantity and quality management, water resources infrastructure, the use of natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions in water management and freshwater systems restoration. You’ll develop and advance a policy and funding agenda for TNC with respect to the authorities, programs and management decisions of Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation, Environmental Protection Agency, and other federal water programs and cultivate a broad set of relationships with relevant agency leadership and staff. You’ll work with Congressional members and staff to advocate for TNC freshwater policy agenda on Capitol Hill on issues related to area of expertise. You’ll work and lead coalitions made up of NGO, academic and private sector members to advance policy priorities. You’ll work with staff within TNC to develop and execute the water policy priorities. You’ll strive to advance equitable policies that support the priorities of Tribes and Indigenous and underserved communities.
The Freshwater Policy Advisor will be able to work hybrid in the Washington, DC metro area.
What You’ll Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in political science, environmental policy, management or other relevant field and 5 years of government relations, government agency, or corporate sector experience, or equivalent combination education/experience.
- Fluency in English.
- Direct experience working with partners and government agencies on policy.
- Analytical and project management experience.
- Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and implementing complex projects in an unstructured environment.
- Proven experience in strategy development and implementation.
- Demonstrated relationship building skills.
- Experience negotiating complex high profile or sensitive agreements.
- Proven written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Desired Qualifications
- Master’s degree appreciated.
- Federal agency or congressional staff experience or equivalent experience.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with federal agency leadership and members of Congress and their staff.
- 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.
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing freshwater policy strategy.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $105,000 – $120,000. 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.
Who We Are:
The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.
One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”
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 and Perks here.
We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.
Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may 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, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization 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.
