External Affairs Program Associate

The Nature Conservancy • Lansing, MI

1d • $70,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The External Affairs Program Associate will manage activities and events supporting programs and projects of the Michigan Business Unit (BU). They will provide leadership and support to the Michigan BU by planning, directing, and implementing activities and developing strategies that foster deep connection with our constituents, expand relationships, and create recognition with identified audiences to advance our conservation strategy. The External Affairs Program Associate will provide high-level services and project management for multiple departments in the Michigan Business Unit (BU). They will work closely with various constituents such as department staff, field offices, partners, program consultants, and vendors to manage all phases of external affairs projects or initiatives. They will implement programs that actively support identified conservation objectives. They will also work with BU teams to develop and implement a variety of strategies to secure public and private support for TNC conservation priorities. They will ensure that external affairs programming is aligned with Midwest Division and North America Regional goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience managing business relationships such as donors, partners, and members.
• Experience with public speaking, communications, digital media, and proofreading.
• Experience with project management and supervising other staff or volunteers.
• 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."
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing graphical communications pieces and related software systems.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experiences are appreciated.
• Volunteer outreach and/or recruiting experience.
• Time management and organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience working in a team-based environment with internal and external partners.
• Experience writing creatively for various audiences, from technical information.
• Experience with database management programs.

Responsibilities

• Develop graphical communication materials.
• Develop external affairs activities that attract and engage target audiences as per the business unit/department priorities.
• Use software systems to track results.
• Ensure positioning, platform, and voice are aligned with the organization’s marketing objectives.
• Organize, manage and coordinate diverse projects and activities with many variables.
• Manage the Conservancy Youth Qualification program for the Michigan business unit and ensure background screenings are completed.
• Track program metrics needed to show goals are being accomplished.
• May supervise volunteers, interns or temporary staff.
• May coordinate the work of peers on department project teams.
• Manage a budget to complete a project and minimizes expenses, maximizes revenue and meets quality standards, and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
• Work in a fast-paced, stressful environment and manage deadlines.
• Act independently on assigned tasks and projects and may have full opportunity to direct individual projects; duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines.
• Travel and work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings, as needed.
• Work performed in a general office setting and outdoor settings with some exposure to disagreeable elements; work requires only minor physical exertion and/or physical strain.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level