Position Announcement

Senior Advisor for Conservation and Strategic Partnerships

Reports to: Chief Operations Officer                

Supervisory Role:  Yes

Status: Full-time; Exempt                                                                    

Travel: Yes – up to 35%

Location: Remote                                                                   

Application Deadline: July 4, 2025

Compensation: $165,000 to $200,000 annually

Application Link: https://screening.insperity.com/application/application.asp?client=5129500a&job_req=0725%2DSrAdvisPart&hiring_manager_email=alopez%40nativephilanthropy%2Eorg

*When applying, please submit your resume and cover letter combined into one PDF file*

About Native Americans in Philanthropy 

Native Americans in Philanthropy’s (NAP) mission is to promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We do this by increasing engagement and funding to Native-led organizations; increasing and supporting Native professionals in philanthropy; and transforming and influencing the philanthropic sector to be in alignment with an Indigenous worldview. We also aim to improve the availability of regular, reliable data and Indigenous-led research on Native communities and their relation to philanthropy. NAP’s new strategic plan seeks to increase awareness among key constituents and engage Native and non-Native philanthropic professionals, Tribal Nations, and Native-led nonprofits with NAP’s resources, activities, and programs.

About the Position

As part of the Tribal Community Vision Partnership team, this position will support and drive key initiatives focused on Native-led conservation, land restoration, and economic development. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of conservation strategies, environmental policy, land and water management, economic development, and government affairs, coupled with a proven track record of fostering strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.

This role requires specialized knowledge of federal policies and programs that directly affect Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian Community, as well as demonstrated cultural competency in working with Indigenous communities. The position will work closely with NAP leadership, Tribal leaders, Inter-Tribal Organizations, Native-led organizations, federal officials and staff, and philanthropic organizations to advance, shape, and execute conservation and economic development priorities.

Primary Responsibilities

Conservation Strategy Leadership

1. Lead the development and implementation of conservation programs and strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and Native-led conservation and land restoration priorities
2. Develop policy recommendations and provide thought leadership to enhance Native-led conservation efforts across diverse landscapes
3. Foster coalition building with Inter-Tribal organizations, Native-led organizations, conservation groups, and Tribal and State leaders to achieve conservation and land restoration priorities
4. Coordinate with federal agencies to align conservation programs with Tribal sovereignty and self-determination principles

Economic Development

1. Provide strategic support for economic development priorities as identified by NAP leadership
2. Advise on policy and interagency coordination efforts to elevate economic development opportunities for Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiians
3. Support economic development projects that leverage federal programs and increase access to capital for Tribal Nations

Policy Analysis and Development

1. Monitor and engage with government policies, legislation, and regulations that impact Native-led conservation efforts at the federal, state, and local levels
2. Conduct comprehensive policy analysis and research on conservation and environmental issues to inform strategic advocacy
3. Support policy development and coalition building for NAP priorities in legislative and regulatory settings
4. Prepare detailed reports, policy briefs, and position papers for senior leadership on relevant policy developments and opportunities
5. Build and maintain relationships with government officials, agencies, and legislative bodies to advance policy outcomes favorable to Native communities

Strategic Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships with environmental organizations, Tribal and Native Hawaiian groups, private sector leaders, and government entities
2. Collaborate with partners to align Native-led conservation efforts and resources, facilitating joint initiatives and funding opportunities
3. Develop and oversee public-private partnerships that advance conservation and economic development goals
4. Support the development, execution, and oversight of Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) positions and advise on IPA opportunities with federal agencies
5. Represent the organization at key stakeholder meetings, conferences, and public forums

Collaboration and Team Support

1. Work closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, communications, programmatic staff, and consultants to ensure coordinated advocacy and programmatic efforts
2. Provide strategic advice and recommendations to the CEO, COO, and the Tribal Community Vision Partnership leadership team on conservation and economic development initiatives
3. Support senior leadership in managing internal and external relationships critical to organizational success
4. Mentor junior team members, fostering professional growth and development within the conservation and policy teams

Non-Essential Job Duties

1. Other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, political science, public administration, Indigenous studies, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
2. Minimum of 10 years of experience in conservation, strategic partnerships, and/or government affairs.
3. Proven track record of successfully building and maintaining relationships with federal agencies, environmental organizations, and key stakeholders.
4. Experience with federal grant processes and public-private partnership development.

Knowledge and Skills

1. In-depth knowledge of environmental policies, conservation issues, and legislative processes.
2. Strong analytical skills with ability to conduct complex policy research and analysis. 
3. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to effectively influence and engage diverse audiences. 
4. Proficiency in project management and ability to navigate complex political landscapes. 
5. Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Physical Requirements 

1. Must be able to lead Zoom and other video conference calls and use computer equipment for extended periods of time.
2. Ability to travel up to 35% of the time for events, conferences, and staff meetings. 

Commitment to Equity   

Native Americans in Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.   

Americans with Disability Act   

Native Americans in Philanthropy complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact jziegler@nativephilanthropy.org.