Climate Program Project and Partnership Manager, AZ

We’re Looking for You
Based in our Phoenix, AZ office, the Climate Program Project and Partnership Manager works closely with colleagues, technical specialists, partners, and other Conservancy professionals to identify and advance meaningful partnerships and projects that achieves objectives established in the Climate Program Business Plan. Working with the Climate Program Director, they will develop climate mitigation projects and strategies that grow, maintain, and develop sustaining partnerships with institutions, local governments, clean energy advocates, community groups, indigenous organizations, and other non-governmental organizations. They help to raise funds for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects by writing proposals and cultivating donors as needed. Essential functions include:

Project Management (approx. 50%) 

• Identify, develop and implement a portfolio of replicable projects and strategies that fulfill the objectives of the Climate Program’s business plan and The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 climate mitigation goals.
• Develop relationships and works effectively with local governments, community and non-governmental organization partners, and others to support broad strategies in cities and towns to do climate mitigation and action planning.
• Identify partnerships and investments that give indigenous and rural underserved communities agency to engage in climate mitigation planning and strategy.
• Coordinate and manage multiple projects with several stakeholders, develop and manage project work plans, budgets, metrics, and manage project timelines.
• Document project accomplishments and learning with reports, white papers, slide decks, and other materials as appropriate.

Building and Sustaining Relationships (approx. 25%)

• Develop, steward and advance key partnerships to fulfill the objectives of the Climate Program’s business plan and The Nature Conservancy’s 2030 climate mitigation goals.
• Develop relationships and work effectively with local government, community and non-governmental organization partners to execute successful projects that reduce carbon emissions and give communities agency to take action on climate mitigation strategies.
• Strengthen TNC’s role as an effective, credible partner on energy and climate issues.
• Support program outreach, communications, and stakeholder engagement.
• Supports the climate team to lean into emerging climate mitigation issues in Arizona.

Strategy Development and Implementation (approx. 15%) 

• In collaboration with the Climate Program Director, develop multi-year project plans, metrics, and budgets to advance the objectives of the Climate Program.
• Manage project budgets, negotiating and contracting with vendors, and assisting with program budget development.
• Works collaboratively within cross-functional interdisciplinary teams.
• Support fundraising efforts for overall functional initiatives and/or specific projects by providing input into proposal writing, as needed.

Other (approx. 10%) 

• Participate in Arizona Climate Program, business unit, and regional TNC meetings, trainings, etc. as required.
• Adhere to TNC’s and Arizona’s established operational procedures and business processes.
• Complete administrative tasks accurately and in a timely manner (includes those related to the portfolio of projects, time reports, expense reports, and performance self-evaluations).
• Occasionally travel including overnight/weekends throughout Arizona for meetings and occasionally in U.S. for trainings, etc.
• Occasionally work long hours, weekends, and holidays.
• May direct or supervise other staff or volunteers.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Responsibility and accountability for meeting departmental strategic goals and objectives.
• Overall responsibility for financial management of projects, including setting goals, analyzing results, and taking corrective action.
• Makes strategic decisions within scope based on analysis, experience and judgment.
  Demonstrates sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• Work is diverse and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Other duties as required.

Are you looking for a career to help people and nature? Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive together. We’re looking for someone who is passionate, motivated problem-solver. Come join TNC and apply today!

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree and 4 years’ experience in a functional field, which may include, community development, sustainability, urban planning, economics, public health, or other related fields - or equivalent combination.
• Fluency in English.
• Experience in designing, implementing, and directing multiple complex projects and ensuring program accountability.
• Communications experience including preparing and presenting project proposals and developing written communications.
• Experience negotiating with project partners such as, stakeholders, government agencies, and other non-governmental organizations.
• Experience using Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams or in a cross-functional environment. 
  Valid driver’s license.
• Occasionally 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 sustainability, climate mitigation, and climate equity issues.
• Experience building networks, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity, and identifying key stakeholders.
• Understanding of and relevant experience in the culture and politics of the southwest.
• Experience using project management techniques and software.
• Experience working in a metrics-driven culture.
• Proficiency in interpreting guidelines and manipulating, analyzing, and interpreting data.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Outstanding written and oral communication, negotiating and organizational skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions based on analysis, consultation with others, experience, and judgment.
• Supervisory experience.
• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.