New York Director, Government Affairs

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) seeks a New York Director of Government Affairs to join the Center for Campaigns and Advocacy team in Albany. This position requires a minimum of 10 years' directly related experience, including a minimum of five years leading legislative and/or regulatory work in Albany. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or a relevant field, and a proven track record of moving legislation through the legislative process.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute proactive and defensive legislative plans, engage on existing or emerging legislation, and lobby relevant state decisionmakers to advance NRDC’s policy objectives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials and staff on Committees of Jurisdiction and legislative leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers, regulators, elected officials, and decisionmakers in Albany.
• Advise on legislative and state budget strategy in consultation with NRDC policy and public affairs staff.
• Execute and occasionally lead environmental coalitions advocating in Albany.
• Craft effective messages, prepare coalition letters, and help determine priorities for broader environmental community.
• Track bills and legislative processes including hearings for all priority legislation across the institution.
• Attend hearings, provide testimony, and integrate relevant NRDC policy experts within NRDC as needed to advance policies throughout legislative and regulatory processes.
• Provide strategic direction to colleagues across the institution on short-, medium-, and long-term objectives needed to advance NRDC’s institutional goals.
• Draft and review external communications explaining NRDC’s annual legislative agenda and regulatory priorities.
• Prepare background briefings and staff trainings regarding New York legislative and regulatory processes, and development of effective advocacy strategies.
• Hold relationships with New York federal delegation offices and engage with the Regional and Federal Affairs teams within NRDC on federal policy objectives.
• Collaborate on occasional NRDC engagement on state and local ballot measure campaigns.
• Coordinate and execute projects as needed with NRDC Action Fund.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ directly related experience, including a minimum of five years leading legislative and/or regulatory work in Albany.
• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, or relevant field.
• Extensive network of high-level relationships in New York’s government, political, NGO, and philanthropy landscape.
• Comfort with and willingness to self-motivate and challenge oneself in a hybrid or remote work environment.
• Willingness to work strange hours – including nights and weekends – during key junctures in the legislative session.
• Possess the ability to prioritize and respond timely to legislators and their staff, administration officials, donors, affiliates, coalition partners, NRDC staff and the public.
• Experience with public speaking on technical and non-technical topics.
• Proven success in building strong partnerships with national leaders and organizations.
• Experience in and deep commitment to incorporating and growing the use of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in strategic goals, work plans, team culture, and operations.
• Familiarity with and understanding of State and Federal electoral and PAC laws preferred.
• Experience drafting questionnaires and working candidates through endorsement processes preferred.
• Experience managing external lobby consultants preferred.
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10-15% annually.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.