"OFFICE LOCATIONLocation: AZ, CA, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, OR, UT, WA, WYExpected to travel up to 25% of role.#LI-POSTWHO WE AREThe mission of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is to conserve the lands andwaters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, wedevelop innovative, on-the-ground solutions to the world'stoughest environmental challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Ourwork is guided by our values, which include a commitment to diversity andrespect for people, communities, and cultures. From a rewarding mission tocareer development and flexible schedules, there are many reasons to lovelife #insideTNC. Want to know more? Check out our TNC Talent playlist onYouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.One of TNC'sprimary goals is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that employeesaround the globe have a sense of belonging and feel that their uniquecontributions are valued. We know we'll only achieve our mission byhiring and engaging a diverse staff that reflects the communities in which wework. Recognizing that people bring talent and skills that have been developedoutside the scope of a job, we take a holistic approach to recruitment thatconsiders life experience in addition to the professional requirements listedin our postings. Please apply - we'd love to hear from you. Toquote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and you&WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE TOGETHERThe Nature Conservancy's (TNC) new Western Dry Forest and FireProgram (WDFFP) is seeking an experienced government relationsprofessional to steer the design and implementation of strategic policyinitiatives. This person will help to transform the approach, scale, andeffect and will guide the design and implementation of strategic policyinitiatives that help to transform the management of dry, frequent-fireforests across the Western United States. This role will assist in furtheringTNC's 2030 goals, including increasing the health and resilienceof 50 million acres of dry, historically frequent fire or mixed-fire forestsacross the western U.S. and Canada.The Senior Policy Advisor will be a part ofthe WDFFP core staff team and will work in close partnership with TNCcolleagues across the West and at the national level to harness the collectiveknowledge, capacity and relationships needed to maximize our positiveimpacts for people and nature. We expect the candidate to embrace the conceptof a new role and program and to help shape the evolutionary scope,breadth, and delivery of the position. This position will strengthen ourcollective public policy engagements with an emphasis on increasing theresilience of forest lands to the impacts of drought, wildfire, andclimate change through work with state and federal elected officials, statenature resource agencies, and federal agencies including the U.S. ForestService, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, theUSDA National Resource Conservation Service, and the Bureau of IndianAffairs. This position will engage with a wide range of external partners anddecision-makers at multiple levels. Emphasis will be placed on engagement withTribal Nations and Indigenous communities to develop and promote policyapproaches that reinforce tribal fire sovereignty, cultural forestmanagement practices and related priorities. The position will elevateDiversity, Equity and Inclusion in all aspects of our policy work.Thisposition will report to the Western Dry Forest and Fire Program Director.TheSenior Policy Advisor: Serves as an expert government relationsstrategist, relationship manager, and resource for the WDFFP. Identifiesand pursues collective policy action at the federal and state or multi-statelevels. Works under the guidance of the WDFFP Director and in partnershipwith TNC's state-based and North America government relationsstaff. Works in coordination with T C's North America IndigenousRights Relations Program, Tribal Nations and other Indigenous communitiesand organizations in the West to identify and facilitate west wide alignmenton mutual priorities. Works with the US Forest Service (Washington Office,Regional and Individual Forest levels), Department of the Interior Officeof Wildland Fire and with other public agencies as appropriate (e.g.,FEMA, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, state Natural Resourceagencies) to promote WDFFP goals. Works with strategic partners in thecorporate and nonprofit sector to facilitate, align, and leverage sharedpolicy agendas to promote WDFFP goals.RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE: Guides thedevelopment and implementation of a West-Wide Forest and Fire policy agendathat advances the goals of the WDFFP along with complementary North Americastrategies. Coordinates and aligns state and federal-level policy advocacy tomaximize impact and to influence and drive public funding for forestrestoration, prescribed fire and related work in the western US and Canada.Works with TNC's North America Policy and Government Relations(NAPGR) Team to represent the West with the US Forest Service, NaturalResources Conservation Service, the Department of the Interior, WesternGovernors Association, Western State Forestry organizations, and otherrelevant organizations in the Western U.S. and at the national level asappropriate; and coordinates with relevant state-based government relationsstaff on local engagement. Works with TNC's North AmericaIndigenous Right Relations Program, to build partnerships with TribalNations, Indigenous communities, and Inter-Tribal organizations toincorporate aligned values and priorities into TNC's advocacy forforest and fire policy priorities. Coordinates the development anddissemination of policy positions on priority topics to relevant audiences.Provides opportunities to build and communicate state-focused modellegislation, policy initiatives and other state-level policy strategies.Engages with media on WDFFP policy priorities in coordination with appropriateTNC North America communications and marketing colleagues as well as those inrelevant states. Represents a Western-focused voice on national level forest& fire policy discussions. Elevates equity in all aspects of the WDFFPpolicy portfolio with particular attention to challenges faced by Westerncommunities impacted by fire. Aligns with program goals and values. Followsall applicable TNC policies and procedures in engaging with decision-makers,reporting time, lobbying compliance and media representation and engagement. Un