Market Strategies Engagement Manager

Position Summary

The Market Strategies Engagement Manager serves as a subject matter expert on market-based strategies such as shareholder advocacy, corporate engagement, and standard setting, and supports the work by building relationships with Indigenous Peoples, leaders, and communities to identify and implement market-based strategies to further their self-determined priorities. This role primarily works with partners to set and initiate related strategy; in more limited instances they may work with a partner or coalition to set and implement related strategy across the lifespan of a larger campaign. This role also collaborates with other Tallgrass Institute staff to manage market-based engagements not tied to specific partner projects.

Position Responsibilities

• Cultivating and maintaining positive and trust-based relationships with Indigenous partners
  • Centering Indigenous Peoples’ self-determination and the values of respect and reciprocity to foster an environment of mutual trust and collaboration
  • Attending meetings and maintaining close communication with Indigenous leaders and communities, coalitions, and other partners to identify priorities and advance work
  • In line with strategy and resources, travel to relevant meetings, conferences, and forums to meet with partners and advance the work
• Maintaining expertise on market-based strategies to support partner priorities including shareholder advocacy, corporate engagement, and standard setting
  • Staying up to date on related trends to inform strategy (for example - rule changes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), updates to the International Finance Corporation’s Sustainability Framework, and trends in shareholder proposals at annual general meetings)
• Collaborating across the Tallgrass Institute team to integrate additional expertise and support into projects
• Evaluating the landscape in line with partner priorities to identify strategic market-based advocacy opportunities, and working with partners to develop implementation plans
• Providing technical assistance to partners as they implement identified strategy
  • Completing research/tracking information on identified companies and other related entities
  • Providing preparatory and strategic support for partners prior to specific engagements, including writing briefs and talking points
  • Leveraging Tallgrass’ network of investors to open pathways for Indigenous-led initiatives, including facilitating Indigenous participation in shareholder advocacy and other corporate accountability mechanisms
• Managing broader market-based engagements not tied to specific partner projects
  • Identifying opportunities opportunities for engagement in line with strategy and capacity
  • Providing thorough research and analysis to inform strategy and producing written materials
  • Attending and participating in engagement meetings

All staff contribute content for articles and publications and provide narratives and requested information for grant reports.

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree
• 5 years of related experience
• Familiarity and experience working with Indigenous Peoples, their governance institutions, and/or organizations with demonstrable positive outcomes
• Experience and excellence in written and oral communication for different audiences
• Client-centered focus and approach to work
• Willingness to travel
  • Based on funding, needs, and strategy, the Market Strategies Engagement Manager can expect to travel 5-10 times per year. Tallgrass Institute is committed to promoting a balanced travel schedule for staff; staff should discuss needs, preferences, and opportunities with their supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in law, human rights, public policy, or similar field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge:
  • Understanding and familiarity with Indigenous Peoples’ rights frameworks, tribal governance, and Indigenous Peoples advocacy ecosystem
  • Deep understanding of market-based advocacy tools and mechanisms such as shareholder engagement, proxy voting, corporate dialogues, and responsible investor frameworks
  • Knowledge of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, reporting frameworks (such as GRI, SASB, and ISSB) and standard-setting processes that influence corporate behavior.
  • Awareness of U.S. SEC rules and trends in shareholder proposal policies that shape advocacy opportunities.
  • Understanding of Indigenous Peoples’ rights and rights frameworks such as the UNDRIP, ILO 169 and relevant international norms
• Skills:
  • Ability to build and maintain trusting and authentic relationships with partners
  • Skilled at interpreting corporate disclosures and updates to inform actionable advocacy strategies
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to gather, assess, and synthesize information to inform partners and set strategy
  • Skilled collaborator with the ability to maneuver work across multiple partners
  • Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and partner relationships
  • General computer literacy skills including proficiency with Google Workspace
• Abilities:
  • Ability to work effectively both collaboratively as part of multiple teams and autonomously, and to seek support and direction as appropriate
  • Ability to work effectively in an all-remote team environment, including working independently, managing time, adhering to deadlines, and communicating effectively
  • Ability to display initiative and introduce innovations to accelerate progress toward strategic vision and mission
  • Willingness to learn new things

Position Details

• Full-time salaried exempt
• 40 hours weekly (core hours Monday-Friday 9am-2pm PST/noon-5pm EST with remaining hours based on geographic location; some evening/weekend hours may be required due to events and meetings with geographically dispersed partners)
• Fully remote within the United States with some travel
• Funded via grants

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance with a benchmark premium paid 100% by the employer; 13 paid holidays + the week between Christmas and New Years off; 2 floating holidays annually; and 20 vacation days/year