Job Description

Government Affairs Coordinator

Riverkeeper is New York's premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguards 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.

The Government Affairs Coordinator is an integral role focused on advancing Riverkeeper's state and federal policy priorities, with a special emphasis on the New York State legislative session and select federal policies. Working closely with the Associate Director of Government Affairs, this position will amplify Riverkeeper's reach in legislative affairs, public policy research, communications, and administrative functions through the addition of a second full-time lobbyist. The role is designed to provide essential leadership and support for effective advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels, collaborating with Riverkeeper's diverse program team of scientists, legal experts, and advocates.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the development of Riverkeeper's annual policy agenda and legislative priorities under the Associate Director's supervision.
• Lobby legislators and their staff, advocating for Riverkeeper's legislative priorities and initiatives.
• Provide testimony at committee hearings and legislative forums on behalf of Riverkeeper.
• Draft legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities, providing policy recommendations.
• Primary responsibility for organizing advocacy events such as lobby days such as Hudson River Advocacy Day, roundtables, and webinars.
• Schedule and prepare for meetings with legislators, government officials, and key stakeholders to advance policy goals.
• 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.
• Track, review, and analyze legislation and environmental policies relevant to Riverkeeper's mission.
• Serve as a Riverkeeper spokesperson at press conferences and events.
• Write blogs, action alerts, and op-eds, communicating Riverkeeper's legislative work and campaigns to the public.
• Shares supervisory responsibilities for Government Affairs interns and fellows throughout the year, under the general supervision of the Associate Director.

Experience & Competencies:

• Hold a college degree (post-graduate education preferred).
• Have 1-2 years of experience in advocacy, legislative work, or government affairs.
• Are highly 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.
• Strong public speaking skills.
• 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.
• Experience creating visually engaging materials using Canva, InDesign, or similar design applications.
• Are enthusiastic about Riverkeeper's mission 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).

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work in an open office environment with stairs (no elevators)
• May require sitting or standing for extended periods
• Requires the ability to navigate extensive distances throughout the NYS legislature complex and the US Capitol
• Ability to occasionally travel throughout the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Hudson Valley, and New York City
• Ability to carry bulky dossiers to meetings

Hours/Shifts:

This is a non-exempt full-time position (40 hours) and is eligible for overtime; requires flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Salary:

Full-time base salary range: $50,000-60,000 annually.

Benefits:

Riverkeeper offers healthcare, dental, and vision, life and disability coverage, retirement savings plan match, annual professional development stipend, Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, personal days, floating holidays, most federal holidays, summer Fridays), and other benefits; office is closed between Christmas and New Year's Day holidays.

Other:

All employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

The position will remain open until filled.

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