The Policy Research Associate will support the evaluation, prioritization and advancement of state and local policies that can provide effective and scalable contributions to the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices and water quality improvements across the country, primarily though not exclusively at the state level. They will work with interdisciplinary teams to identify, compile, and research promising water policy interventions, develop legislative or administrative solutions for those interventions, and work with government relations professionals and others to implement those solutions at the state or federal level. The Research Associate will help identify and foster relationships with third-party contractors, including consultants, other NGOs, universities, among others to build TNC’s policy research capabilities.
Responsibilities & Scope
May supervise administrative staff and/or volunteers, interns, or temporary staff.
Financial responsibility to complete projects appropriately and assist with budget development and meeting fundraising goals for local and worldwide conservation.
Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
Provides research and policy analysis in support of legislative and/or policy priorities.
May aid with preparation of program materials including presentations, memos, and other communications.
Influences the outcome of policy and/or corporate initiatives at the federal, state, and local levels.
Develop strategic partnerships with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.
Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
May require occasional domestic travel for multi-day retreats, meetings, and conferences
May work long/flexible hours as needed to coordinate with staff and partners across the US or region. This is a full-time, 2-year grant-funded position with the possibility of extension based on continued grant funding. Working location is remote from a home office within the continental United States.
The Policy Research Associate will play a vital role in the development and support of replicable policy interventions at the state and local level to advance the outcomes of the North America Agriculture Program’s Water Policy Accelerator. They will serve as a subject matter expert on projects with other teams and will be responsible for assisting our government relations staff in advancing interventions to water quality challenges. A priority area for this work will be to research and design policy interventions that expand the implementation of Edge of Field practices, such as vegetative buffers and wetlands, as well as identifying and developing policy solutions to other water policy challenges. This position will report into the North America Agriculture Program, working closely with an interdisciplinary team from North America Policy and Government Relations, Global Conservation Campaigns, numerous state Business Units, and external stakeholders. The Policy Research Associate will have strong analytical skills, experience in policy analysis, and an understanding of law and the legislative process. The successful candidate will be able to work effectively independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, highly matrixed organization; and be adaptable to shifting needs and priorities.
What You’ll Bring
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Fluency in English
Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
Experience with legislative or policy initiatives at the state level.
Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
Experience working with partners and government agencies.
Desired Qualifications:
Juris Doctor Degree or Master’s Degree in Public Policy or related field.
Experience drafting legislation and negotiating with interested parties.
Experience developing or implementing federal or state policies, including funding/grant programs.
Experience with programs, laws and stakeholders who engage on agriculture, water and land-use policy related work in the United States.
Salary Information:
The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $60,000 - $85,000. 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. 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.
The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.
Sounds like your next step?
Meet the team:
USA The Nature Conservancy The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization working in more than 80 countries to protect biodiversity and advance environmental sustainability. The organization operates through a Global Science division that conducts research, monitoring, and data analytics to understand and demonstrate biodiversity outcomes at scale. TNC combines field observations, remote sensing technologies, and data science to support conservation planning and decision-making across regional and field teams worldwide. The organization focuses on building science capacity and developing practical monitoring frameworks that are rigorous, feasible, and timely enough to inform real-world conservation decisions.
