Government Affairs and Capital Region Coordinator

Riverkeeper Inc•Village of Ossining, NY

11d•$50,000 - $60,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and law. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit operating in the Hudson Valley. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-oriented organization. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org. POSITION SUMMARY The Government Affairs and Capital Region Coordinator is a high-impact role for energetic changemakers focused on advancing Riverkeeper’s state and local policy priorities, with a special emphasis on the New York State legislative session and building our footprint across the Capital Region and Mohawk River Valley. Working closely with the Associate Director of Government Affairs, you will serve as part advocate, project manager, and community organizer—amplifying Riverkeeper’s reach across legislative affairs, policy research, communications, and campaign operations. This position puts you on the front lines of advocacy, collaborating directly with Riverkeeper’s team of scientists, legal experts, and campaigners. It is the perfect fit for an organized, ambitious self-starter seeking a high-energy launchpad in environmental advocacy, ideal for candidates eager to get a crash course in effective policy campaigns and become part of the next generation of climate & environmental leaders.

Requirements

College degree or equivalent practical experience in environmental policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.
Have 1-2 years of experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, or government affairs, or demonstrated experience in community building
Are proficient in research, with experience in online research tools, databases, and complex policy topics.
Have strong writing skills, with excellent attention to detail
Strong event management skills, scheduling, room bookings, turnout mobilization, vendor/materials preparation, and on-site coordination
Comfortable with public speaking with a desire to strengthen this skill through practice and on-the-ground experience
Strong people skills and demonstrated enthusiasm to build and maintain collegial professional relationships.
Ability to organize events, presentations, and community meetings.
Demonstrate the ability to be a resourceful, self-starter, able to navigate multiple tasks and priorities independently.
Are familiar with Google Drive (Sheets, Docs) and other productivity tools.
Are enthusiastic about Riverkeeper’s mission for clean water and climate resilience and ready to support the Associate Director of Government Affairs in achieving annual advocacy goals.
Must be eligible to register as a lobbyist under New York State and federal law (i.e., not subject to lobbying bans or restrictions)
Must be timely and prompt for appointments and meetings

Responsibilities

Advocate for clean water and climate resilience policies at the state, local, and occasionally at the federal level.
Coordinate the development of Riverkeeper’s annual policy agenda and legislative priorities under the Associate Director’s supervision.
Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, their staff, experts, and partners, scheduling regular meetings with key legislators, lead coalition calls with partners, and prepare for meetings with legislators, government officials, and key stakeholders to advance clean water policy
Assist in drafting legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities, providing policy recommendations for legislators.
Primary responsibility for organizing advocacy events including lobby days, such as Hudson River Advocacy Day, roundtables, and webinars.
Organize meetings and events in the greater Capital Region with local organizations and become a leading voice in the community for clean water and the Hudson River
Collaborate with external partners and coalitions to amplify advocacy efforts and achieve shared policy goals.
Provide administrative support for the Associate Director of Government Affairs, managing schedules, logistics, and materials for meetings and events.
Conduct policy research and track legislation to support the team in identifying clean water legislative priorities
Shape the narrative and find your voice as a Riverkeeper spokesperson at press conferences and events
Support media strategy by drafting initial press releases, action alerts, and social media content in collaboration with the Communications Team
Provide day-to-day task coordination and project guidance for Government Affairs interns under the supervision of the Associate Director
Thrive in a fast-paced environment that benefits from quick thinking and dynamic problem-solving