New York Director, Government Affairs

NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization focused on safeguarding the Earth and its inhabitants through science‑based advocacy and policy work.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute proactive and defensive legislative plans, engage on existing or emerging legislation, and lobby relevant state decision‑makers 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, and decision‑makers 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 set priorities for the broader environmental community.
• Track bills and legislative processes, including hearings for all priority legislation. Attend hearings, provide testimony, and integrate relevant NRDC policy experts as needed to advance policies throughout the 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 the development of effective advocacy strategies.
• Maintain 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.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of 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 a relevant field.
• Equivalent education or experience may also be considered.

Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

• 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. Government‑affairs experience with New York City government is preferred, but not required.
• 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 odd hours—including nights and weekends—during key junctures in the legislative session.
• 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 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.
• Familiarity with State and Federal electoral and PAC laws (preferred).
• Experience drafting questionnaires and working candidates through endorsement processes (preferred).
• Experience managing external lobby consultants (preferred).
• Ability to travel to NRDC U.S. based offices, approximately 10–15 % annually.
• Commitment to NRDC’s mission, values, and DEI principles.

Benefits and Compensation

Salary range: $150{,}000 to $170{,}000. NRDC offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. Employees work under a hybrid model and are required to be in the office eight days per month.

Equal‑Opportunity and Diversity Statement

NRDC is an equal‑opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

NRDC is committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, both in our work and in our workplace. We encourage applications from candidates whose identities have been historically under‑represented in the environmental movement.

Vaccination policy: Employees are expected to be vaccinated unless they have an approved medical or religious accommodation or exemption in accordance with state and local law.