Position:           Legislative Advocacy Assistant

Supervisor:       Director of Government Relations

Location:          Albany, NY

Hours:             40 hours/week

Start Date:      October 1, 2022

The Adirondack Council is the largest organization focused specifically on preserving the wildlands, air and water of the Adirondack Park and working with communities across the North Country. The Council has offices in Elizabethtown and Albany and supporters in all 50 states who care deeply about protecting wilderness and wildlife and fostering vibrant local communities. Through fact-based advocacy, a deep understanding of the Albany political decision-making process, and decades educating, informing, and motivating public policy makers, the Council secures public and private actions that ensure the legacy we inherited over 100 years ago remains a national treasure for current and future generations.

The Legislative Advocacy Assistant’s main responsibilities are to ensure that the Council’s busy Government Relations program functions efficiently and at the highest capacity possible. This will be achieved by providing essential support for grassroots campaign activities, oversight of state legislative actions and correspondence, internship supervision, lobby compliance and administration of the Albany office facilities. This entry-level position provides a unique opportunity for those looking to build an exciting career in environmental advocacy and work on Adirondack Park issues. The Assistant is expected to use traditional technology and new tools to develop, maintain and execute systems for project management, Legislative relations and record keeping. This position is full-time at the Albany office (and remote depending on Covid-19). Opportunities for professional growth and advancement exist.

 

·        Support Government Relations Director by tracking legislation using the NYS Legislative Retrieval System (training provided), managing the Adirondack Council’s bill memo correspondence and archive, and collecting news clippings of current events in the Adirondack region

·        Supervise the Clarence Petty Legislative Internship and related core program functions (Legislative Retrieval System, memo correspondence, clips, etc.)

·        Plan lobby days in coordination with Government Relations Director and oversee scheduling of meetings with legislators and their staff

·        Support Government Relations Team and fellow Council staff with development of action alerts, petition drives, and online content development, using carefully crafted Adirondack Council messaging

·        Coordinate with the Director of Operations, Director of Government Relations, property manager and fellow Albany staff in the management and maintenance of the Albany office facilities, technology/software upkeep, office supply purchasing and stocking

·        Coordinate with the Directors of Government Relations and Operations in compiling lobby reporting information for bimonthly and biannual reports to the Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE)

·        Review and synthesize research and develop advocacy materials as requested by the Director of Government Relations

·        Lobby state policymakers to act in the best interests of the Adirondack Park as experience dictates

·        Other duties as assigned

The Adirondack Council values diversity within its workforce, the Adirondack Park, and beyond. We continually seek to increase diversity within our own organization and the Park to foster a holistic approach to protecting our environment by empowering everyone to get involved. We encourage people of every race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability to apply. We are a dynamic team committed to personal growth, professional advancement, and building a culture that encourages a healthy work life balance. We are advocates for a globally significant landscape and are looking for people who support our critical mission and believe in our vision of an Adirondack Park where people and nature can co-exist and thrive together.

·        Bachelor’s Degree is required, preferably in relation to the environmental field, but all who are interested should apply

·        At least one year of experience in environmental advocacy or a related field

·        An awareness or familiarity with the Adirondacks is preferred, but not required

·        Self-directed, detail oriented and organized person able to follow guidance from the Director of Government Relations and manage multiple projects simultaneously with grace and enthusiasm.

·        Applicant should thrive in a fast-paced environment

·        Value the intersection of social & environmental justice with environmental advocacy, and seek to approach issues and engagement through a Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion lens

·        Excellent verbal and written communication/interpersonal communication skills are essential. This work consists of frequent communication with coworkers, staff of elected officials, and the public

·        Experience and comfort with the Microsoft Office Suite and Zoom. Familiarity with Phone2Action (canary) a plus

·        Must be willing to travel occasionally for work when needed (not frequently)

·        Ability to work full days in a fast-paced environment, moving around the NYS Capitol and Legislative Office Building during the NYS Legislative Session

·        Willingness and ability to work flexible schedules, including early mornings, late evenings and weekends on rare occasions or during the NY legislative session. Standard business hours are 9am-5pm

·        Dedication to conservation, the Adirondacks and the mission of the Council

·        Excellent health insurance benefits, including vision and dental

·        Generous vacation, paid holidays, etc.

·        Eligible for 401K

·        Entry level salary, $35,000- $40,000, depending on experience

 

HOW TO APPLY: To apply, please send a resume to kchlad@adirondackcouncil.org and complete the application questionnaire. Questions? Call Kevin Chlad, Director of Government Relations at 518-432-1770 x201