Indigenous Partnerships Specialist

The Nature Conservancy; United States; Remote; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nature Conservancy seeks an Indigenous Partnerships Specialist to develop and advance Tribal engagement strategy across state and regional levels, focusing on Nebraska. You will lead initiatives with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities, collaborating across internal teams to align conservation priorities with Indigenous leadership.

Travel is common, including up to 50% in the first year, and you will work with diverse partners to strengthen relationships and ensure program compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations and/or Indigenous people and communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of Tribal partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
• Must have valid driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Builds and maintains relationships with a variety of Tribal and non‑Tribal partners.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Independent work

MS Office

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Word

Excel

Web browsers

Job description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Indigenous Partnerships Specialist develops, manages and advances Tribal engagement strategy, plans and programs at state and regional levels.

We're looking for you:

The Indigenous Program supports and builds relationships with Tribal Nations and Indigenous people in Nebraska to co-create a shared future of healthy lands, waters, and communities. The Indigenous Partnerships Specialist helps lead this initiative, with a focus on guiding TNC Nebraska efforts in becoming a trusted and value-added partner working in support of Tribal and Indigenous conservation priorities and as an advocate for Indigenous-led conservation overall. The Indigenous Partnerships Specialist will serve as a primary liaison with Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. They will work internally with TNC Nebraska’s conservation team, Northern Great Plains Indigenous Rights Relations team and TNC North America's Indigenous Right Relations team to advise, partner, and lead programs focused on Tribal history, Tribal Sovereignty, and Traditional Ecological Knowledge. As a member of TNC Nebraska’s conservation team, the Indigenous Partnerships Specialist will serve as a resource and advisor for colleagues leading programs focused on Tribal engagement in conservation. The Indigenous Partnerships navigates services and departments to build relationships and further TNC’s conservation mission.

This role will involve frequent travel (mostly day trips). The travel could be as high as 50% in the first year.

Responsibilites & Scope

• Performs tasks with minimal supervision and makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and context.
• Builds and maintains relationships with a variety of Tribal and non‑Tribal partners.
• Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
• May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience in natural resource management or similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with Tribal Nations and/or Indigenous people and communities in a culturally appropriate manner.
• Relationship building experience to work closely with a variety of Tribal partners, i.e., media, government officials, internal scientists.
• Experience completing tasks independently with respect to timeline(s).
• Experience with communication via written, spoken and graphical means in English and other relevant languages.
• Experience using common software applications such as Word, Excel, web browsers, etc.
• Experience in training.
• Must have valid driver's license.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience appreciated.
• 3-5 years’ experience in natural resource management, similar field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability and willingness to apply science to decision‑making and guide activities.
• Familiarity with principles of land acquisition or similar asset acquisition.
• Knowledge of ecological land management principles.
• Knowledge of current trends and practices in conservation, land management and natural resource preservation.

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