Government Affairs Coordinator

ABOUT US

Riverkeeper is New York’s premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard 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. For more information, visit www.riverkeeper.org .

TITLE:                            Government Affairs Coordinator

DEPARTMENT:             Advocacy, Policy, and Planning

REPORTS TO:               Associate Director, Government Affairs

SALARY:                          $50,000-$60,000

SCHEDULE:                  Full-time; with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends

LOCATION:                  Hybrid position, one day per week at the Ossining office when not in the field is required. From January through June during New York’s Legislative Session, the Coordinator will be in downtown Albany regularly (about 2–3 days per week) and join the team in Ossining 1–2 days per month. Within and outside of Session, the role includes coordinating advocacy and policy work across the mission area as well as a focus on building relationships within the Capital Region & Mohawk Valley.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Government Affairs and Capital Region Coordinator is a high-impact role for energetic changemakers focused on advancing Riverkeeper’s state and local policy priorities, with a special emphasis on the New York State legislative session and building our footprint across the Capital Region and Mohawk River Valley. Working closely with the Associate Director of Government Affairs, you will serve as part advocate, project manager, and community organizer—amplifying Riverkeeper’s reach across legislative affairs, policy research, communications, and campaign operations. This position puts you on the front lines of advocacy, collaborating directly with Riverkeeper’s team of scientists, legal experts, and campaigners. It is the perfect fit for an organized, ambitious self-starter seeking a high-energy launchpad in environmental advocacy, ideal for candidates eager to get a crash course in effective policy campaigns and become part of the next generation of climate & environmental leaders.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

(This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.)

- Advocate for clean water and climate resilience policies at the state, local, and occasionally at the federal level.

- Coordinate the development of Riverkeeper’s annual policy agenda and legislative priorities under the Associate Director’s supervision.

- Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, their staff, experts, and partners, scheduling regular meetings with key legislators, lead coalition calls with partners, and prepare for meetings with legislators, government officials, and key stakeholders to advance clean water policy

- Assist in drafting legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities, providing policy recommendations for legislators.

- Primary responsibility for organizing advocacy events including lobby days, such as Hudson River Advocacy Day, roundtables, and webinars.

- Organize meetings and events in the greater Capital Region with local organizations and become a leading voice in the community for clean water and the Hudson River

- 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.

- Conduct policy research and track legislation to support the team in identifying clean water legislative priorities

- Shape the narrative and find your voice as a Riverkeeper spokesperson at press conferences and events

- Support media strategy by drafting initial press releases, action alerts, and social media content in collaboration with the Communications Team

- Provide day-to-day task coordination and project guidance for Government Affairs interns under the supervision of the Associate Director

- Thrive in a fast-paced environment that benefits from quick thinking and dynamic problem-solving

EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

Research shows that people from under-represented groups often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Please know that no one ever meets 100% of the qualifications. If much of this describes you, we encourage you to apply.

- College degree or equivalent practical experience in environmental policy, political science, public administration, or a related field.

- Have 1-2 years of experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, or government affairs, or demonstrated experience in community building

- Are 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, scheduling, room bookings, turnout mobilization, vendor/materials preparation, and on-site coordination

- Comfortable with public speaking with a desire to strengthen this skill through practice and on-the-ground experience

- Strong people skills and demonstrated enthusiasm to build and maintain collegial professional relationships.

- Ability to organize events, presentations, and community meetings.

- 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.

- Are enthusiastic about Riverkeeper’s mission for clean water and climate resilience 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)

- Must be timely and prompt for appointments and meetings

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

- 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

- Ability to regularly travel throughout the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, and occasionally the Hudson Valley & New York City

- Ability to carry bulky dossiers to meetings, as well as boxes, bags, folding tables or other materials for events

- May occasionally require late nights during select periods of high-intensity advocacy during the NYS Legislative session.

- All employees must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.

Riverkeeper is an AA/EEO employer. Riverkeeper is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining exceptional people, and to creating a work environment that is dynamic, rewarding, and enables each of us to realize our potential. Our work environment is safe and open to all employees and partners, respecting the full spectrum of race, color, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and all other classifications protected by law.

People from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.