Legislative Director

Environmental Advocates of New York seeks applicants for the position of Legislative Director. Environmental Advocates is your government watchdog in Albany, and a leading voice for conservation, the environment, and public health. We are a non-profit organization that advances the cause of environmental protection and we seek candidates who are highly motivated to change public policy and build the movement for sustainability and conservation.

GENERAL DUTIES 

The Legislative Director is a full-time salaried position at Environmental Advocates of New York that reports to the Executive Director. The Legislative Director will oversee the organization's activities in the state legislature, be the primary lobbyist for the organization, and lead the lobbying efforts of a team of dedicated professional advocates. 

The Legislative Director must have an appreciation and understanding of the broad spectrum of environmental issues that Environmental Advocates works on and that can potentially arise in the state legislature. They must also have a deep understanding of the workings of the legislative and budget process in New York State. 

The Legislative Director will be a senior staff member, helping make important managerial, strategic, policy, development and budgetary decisions. They will directly supervise a Program Associate, who is responsible for tracking legislation, circulating bill memos, and other programmatic duties. The Legislative Director will also coordinate the lobbying activities of our program staff, who lead our efforts in specific issue-oriented program areas. 

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES 

Strategic Oversight 

* In coordination with Environmental Advocates' staff, develop and implement effective strategies for achieving the organization's policy goals in the state legislature;
* Work with program staff to effectively build coalitions within the broader environmental community and recruit new allies to support mutual public policy goals;
* Work closely with the Board of Director's Program Committee to keep the board well-informed of our advocacy goals and to receive input from board members regarding our policy goals and the strategies for achieving those goals; 
* In conjunction with the program, development, and communications staff, identify and find the resources necessary to achieve Environmental Advocates' goals. 

Legislative Affairs and Lobbying 

* Conduct analysis of specific legislation, state budget and other policies as needed; 
* With the program staff members, devise and implement strategies to achieve Environmental Advocates' legislative objectives; 
* Monitor and analyze state legislation, executive orders, policy issues, etc
* that are pertinent to our efforts in the state legislature; 
* Work with program staff to draft position memos and other materials to support Environmental Advocates' position on legislation and the state budget; 
* Arrange, attend, and participate in legislative hearings, press conferences and legislative briefings; 
* Facilitate meetings of the Green Panel, a group of environmental leaders, to create a consensus agenda of legislative priorities for the environmental community; and 
* Perform similar duties with regards to federal legislation as needed. 

SKILLS/EXPERIENCE 

* At least 5 years of experience in legislative advocacy, preferably before the New York State Legislature; 
* Exceptional writing, researching and editing skills; 
* Exceptional verbal skills and experience talking to legislators and reporters in the capacity of a lobbyist and spokesperson; 
* Strong familiarity with the legislative and budget process; 
* Strong ability to set goals, identify intermediate objectives, and find the resources necessary to achieve those goals and objectives; 
* Ability to manage staff and work effectively as part of a leadership team; 
* Strong interest in environmental policy and politics; and 
* A strong will to succeed against all odds.

Salary and Benefits: Environmental Advocates offers competitive salaries for the non-profit sector, excellent health benefits, retirement savings including a modest employer contribution, and a vibrant, fast-paced work environment. Please provide your salary requirements with your application materials. 

Application Deadline: This position will remain open until filled. 

To apply please email or send a cover letter with salary requirements, three references and resume to: 

Robert Moore,
Executive Director
Environmental Advocates of New York
353 Hamilton Street
Albany, NY 12210