Fiscal Policy Associate

~ Environmental Advocates of New York has served as the state's government watchdog in Albany for more than 40 years. ~

We are a nonprofit organization that advances the cause of environmental protection and we seek candidates who are highly motivated to participate in the "political" process and engage the public on policy matters. 

Position Overview 

Environmental Advocates seeks applicants for the position of fiscal policy associate. This position is unique within the state's environmental community, and the right candidate must demonstrate an ability to analyze the New York State budget, track spending on environmental projects, and to communicate how environmental funding effects the state's ability to implement existing programs and important health safeguards.

General Duties: 

• The associate is a full-time salaried exempt position that reports to the Executive Director. This position oversees and executes analysis and advocacy efforts around the state budget and publishes findings on state spending and other fiscal issues related to environmental quality.
• The associate is our lead lobbyist and spokesperson on fiscal matters. This includes, but is not limited to, analyzing staffing and funding levels at state agencies and how both impact the agency's ability to carry out its missions, monitoring general expenditures and dedicated revenue funds, and crafting and directly lobbying the Executive and Legislative branches of state government.
• The fiscal policy associate should have a broad knowledge of environmental and state fiscal issues, and have worked on issue based advocacy campaigns.

Specific Responsibilities

Advocacy: 

• Research and analyze the executive budget, one-house, and final budgets with an eye toward spending levels that could protect or harm the environment;
• Prepare reports and detailed analyses of the state budget, state spending and revenue, and state agency staffing, particularly as they pertain to the state's environmental programs;
• Serve as a spokesperson before decision makers, the general public and the media on fiscal matters;
• Analyze legislative proposals that fall within the fiscal program area, draft memos in support or opposition, and advocate for the proposals' passage or demise;
• Work with communications staff to develop and execute a communications strategy that includes electronic and web-based communications, media releases, and the development of other outreach materials to advance policy goals;
• Work with program staff to develop and implement strategies or achieving the organization's policy goals; and
• Serve as a lobbyist and spokesperson before the executive and legislative branches. 

Project Management: 

• Develop goals for programs and projects including intermediate objectives and timelines for achieving them;
• Stay up-to-date on developments that influence programs and projects;
• Provide recommendations on the strategic direction of programs and projects and identify with colleagues what Environmental Advocates' priorities should be in those areas; and
• Develop funding proposals and foundation reports to support program goals.

Qualifications 

Skills/Experience: 

• At least two years of experience in advocacy, policy analysis, and/or government relations;
• Knowledge of the New York State budget process;
• Excellent quantitative analysis skills;
• Ability to juggle competing priorities, manage multiple projects, and make decisions under pressure;
• Willingness and ability to travel, as needed; 
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Excellent verbal and writing skills;
• Strong interest in environmental policy and politics; and
• Degree in political science, public policy, public administration, economics, or other applicable field.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience, excellent health benefits, retirement savings option, including an employer contribution, and a vibrant, fast-paced work environment. 

To Apply: 

Please use the email address below to send a cover letter, resume and a writing sample to Peter Iwanowicz. No calls please. 

~ Environmental Advocates is proudly an Equal Opportunity Employer. ~