New York Director, Government Affairs

Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc.•New York, NY

11d•$150,000 - $170,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NRDC (the Natural Resources Defense Council) works to safeguard the Earth, its people, its plants and animals, and the natural systems on which all life depends. NRDC combines the power of more than 3 million members and online activists with the expertise of some 800 policy advocates, lawyers, scientists, and communication experts to confront the climate crisis, protect nature, ensure the rights of all people to clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. As an international nonprofit environmental organization, NRDC is working to address the world’s most urgent environmental challenges, and advance innovative, science-based, and enforceable solutions. Since our founding in 1970, NRDC has helped craft and deliver many of America’s foundational environmental laws, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Safe Drinking Water Act. Today, we continue to lead in advancing and defending strong environmental protections at the local, state, federal and international levels, as well as through the marketplace. Our team works across the United States and around the world, from offices in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., as well as in Beijing, London, and New Delhi (a subsidiary of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd.). Supported by our members and online activists, NRDC is driving impactful solutions that confront the climate crisis, defend nature and safeguard public health across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. At NRDC, we believe lasting change happens when people bring their talent, passion, and expertise together for a common purpose: to build a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient world. Learn more at nrdc.org NRDC is seeking a New York Director of Government Affairs to work with the Center for Campaigns and Advocacy team in Albany. The New York Director of Government Affairs serves as the primary point of contact within NRDC for all state legislative and regulatory work in the state. This position requires collegial work with NRDC staff and collaboration with other organizations to develop and lead coherent strategic advocacy by the New York environmental community. Under guidance from the Eastern Regional Government Affairs Director, the New York Director of Government Affairs leads NRDC’s Albany engagement and coordinates NRDC’s in-state federal advocacy portfolio. The position you are applying for is part of the bargaining unit represented by The Washington Baltimore News Guild (WBNG / The Newsguild-CWA Local 32035).

Requirements

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.
And/or equivalent education or experience.
Proven track record of moving legislation from policy concept through all stages of the legislative process in Albany.
Fluent understanding of how to navigate the legislative and executive branches of New York Government.
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.
Familiarity with managing budgets, including prioritizing and reallocating funds to make the best use of limited resources for strategic purposes.
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.
Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10-15% annually
Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles

Nice To Haves

Government Affairs experience with New York City government is preferred, but not required.
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.

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.