Director or Senior Director of Government Relations, New York State

Open Space Institute • Albany, NY

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position serves as OSI’s lead strategist for New York State government relations, advancing state-level policy, funding, advocacy, and agency engagement in support of OSI’s conservation mission. Reporting to the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, the role leads OSI’s efforts to strengthen conservation funding, build coalitions, inform policy through research and advocacy, and expand land protection and improve access to public land across New York State. Working closely with colleagues across the organization, the position will serve as OSI’s primary representative to New York State government, cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key partners to advance OSI’s policy objectives and strategic priorities. The position will work across OSI departments, coalitions, and advocacy partners to align policy, funding, and program priorities. The ideal candidate will be a self-directed strategist who excels in relationship-building, influence, cross-functional collaboration, and leadership. While the position’s primary focus is New York State, it may also support related policy and government relations work in other eastern U.S. states where OSI has active conservation initiatives and partnerships. This position may be filled at the Director or Senior Director level, depending on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, government, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Deep familiarity and experience with New York State’s legislative, administrative, and budget processes.
• At least 8 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, or environmental policy, preferably within the nonprofit or public sector.
• Demonstrated success in leading complex advocacy, legislative, or public funding initiatives and influencing policy outcomes.
• Experience managing consultants, staff, or multi-organization coalitions.
• Strong understanding of conservation, land protection, parks, and outdoor recreation access policy.
• Proven strategic and political judgment with the ability to shape and drive policy initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of representing OSI with legislators, agencies, and external partners and acting as OSI’s spokesperson.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and consultants.
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building and influence skills with policymakers and stakeholders; able to build trust quickly.
• Comfort serving as a visible public-facing representative and translating policy into clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences.
• High level of initiative, professionalism, and accountability.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM, advocacy, or legislative tracking tools preferred.
• Regular travel throughout New York State; valid driver’s license required.
• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, and uses a computer keyboard.
• May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, bending, moving files.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
• OSI will not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Nice To Haves

• Those with at least 10 years of relevant professional experience will be considered for the position at the Senior Director level.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of OSI’s state policy, advocacy, and public funding strategies in collaboration with executive leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and long-term conservation objectives.
• Oversee the tracking and analysis of New York State legislation, budget items, and regulatory initiatives related to conservation funding (e.g., Environmental Protection Fund), climate resilience, public lands, and outdoor recreation.
• Coordinate OSI’s representation with the Governor’s office, key state agencies, including DEC and OPRHP, and statewide coalitions addressing open space, parkland, and public access policies.
• Serve as OSI’s senior representative and spokesperson in meetings with legislators, administration and agency leaders, and coalition partners.
• Develop and deliver policy briefs, testimony, and correspondence articulating OSI’s positions to policymakers and partners.
• Lead planning and strategy for OSI’s participation in key lobbying days and advocacy events, including EPF Lobby Day and Parks and Public Lands Advocacy Day.
• Manage external consultants, lobbyists, and advocacy contracts to ensure alignment with OSI’s strategic priorities.
• Develop strategies to increase public investment in conservation, parks, greenways, and climate resilience initiatives, positioning OSI and its partners to pursue state funding opportunities.
• Identify emerging political, legislative, and funding opportunities and advise OSI leadership on strategic actions that advance the organization's mission and long-term impact.
• Expand, cultivate, and leverage high-level relationships with state legislators, administration and agency leadership, and partner organizations to advance OSI’s policy and funding goals.
• Convene and lead statewide strategic coalitions with nonprofit, environmental, and community partners to shape advocacy efforts and agendas, mobilize partners and communities around key priorities, and strengthen statewide impact.
• Advise and collaborate with OSI program teams (Land, Parks, Stewardship, and External Affairs) on government-related opportunities affecting land acquisitions, transfers, and stewardship.
• Represent OSI at public hearings, stakeholder meetings, ensuring a consistent and influential organizational presence.
• Partner with OSI Communications leadership to develop and deliver messaging that advances OSI’s state policy priorities.
• Serve as one of OSI’s primary external leaders on policy and government relations matters, representing OSI with elected officials, agencies, coalition leaders, funders, and other stakeholders, acting as a policy spokesperson for OSI in public, media, and coalition forums.
• Prepare and review briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for OSI leadership and board members.
• Contribute to OSI’s thought leadership by articulating the organization’s role in advancing conservation and public access policy.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to OSI’s Executive Team, Board, and program leaders on public policy, government funding, and legislative matters, translating policy developments into actionable organizational strategies.
• Track and evaluate advocacy outcomes and report on progress to OSI leadership, funders, and the board.
• Lead cross-functional policy initiatives that require coordination across multiple OSI teams and/or external partners; supervise staff or consultants supporting policy or advocacy initiatives.
• Maintain oversight of legislative contacts, policy positions, and coalition activities to ensure coordinated advocacy across the organization.
• Identify and implement new strategies and expand initiatives to serve and fund a broad range of communities.
• Promote and support public funding implications of environmental initiatives to include a wide variety of partners from within and outside the organization that represent historically underserved communities.

Benefits

• choice of medical plans (both traditional and high-deductible health plans with HSA), with premiums for employees and their dependents covered up to 100% on some plans
• dental and vision coverage with premiums for employees and their dependents 100% covered by OSI
• flexible spending accounts
• a 403(b) plan with both an up to 4% employer match and 4% discretionary employer contribution after 2 years of service
• paid time off, including paid holidays, accrued PTO and sick days, up to 3 “Summer Fridays” and 2 floating holidays
• life insurance
• disability coverage
• an employee assistance program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior