Position Title: Policy Coordinator
Reporting to: Government Relations Manager
Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
Our Mission: To sustain and enhance the Hudson Valley’s inspirational beauty and health for generations to come.
Mission of Position: This position provides strategic support to the Government Relations Manager through public policy research, preparation of reports and case statements, community outreach and engagement, and both direct and grassroots lobbying on matters related to public funding, as well as environmental, agricultural, and land-use laws, regulations, and programs. A central focus is to unite diverse stakeholders across the Hudson Valley and New York State to protect the region’s vital natural resources: its air, water, land, and other irreplaceable assets that are essential to public health and economic prosperity. The role also plays a key part in advancing climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts through coordinated federal, state, and local action. In addition, the position provides auxiliary support to other Scenic Hudson departments and teams as needed.
Principal responsibilities may include:
- Conduct research on legislation, reports, data, and media related to high-priority outcomes and strategies; monitor local, state, and federal legislation, as well as state and federal budget processes.
- Review and report on the State and Federal Registers and the State Environmental Notice Bulletin for issues of interest, as assigned.
- Represent Scenic Hudson on coalitions, advisory committees, and working groups, as directed.
- Synthesize research findings into clear, concise memoranda summarizing situations, issues, and potential implications, informed by organizational priorities, partner perspectives, and relevant context.
- Coordinate with Scenic Hudson’s Land Conservation Team to share information and gather feedback on agricultural policies and programs that advance sustainable and regenerative practices while supporting farm viability.
- Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local policy developments related to land conservation, climate change, environmental justice, watershed management, storm resiliency, and infrastructure development; facilitate policy reviews with Scenic Hudson’s Land Conservation, Conservation Science, River Cities, and Advocacy Teams.
- Review and assess requests for letters of support related to legislation or grant funding; prepare recommendations for consideration.
- Draft fact sheets, letters, press releases, reports, and other written materials in support of advocacy and policy initiatives.
- Prepare and, when appropriate, deliver public statements; represent the organization in public forums, on social media, and in meetings with public officials and their staff, in coordination with the supervisor.
- Maintain contact lists, databases, and project files to ensure easy access to critical information and to track progress toward strategic outcomes.
- Communicate with legislative staff and partner organizations to schedule meetings, collect signatures on sign-on letters, and otherwise advance legislation.
- Maintain accurate records and generate monthly reports on government relations activities in compliance with New York State’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) requirements and other relevant regulations.
- Travel frequently to Albany, New York City, and other locations within the region to attend meetings and events, and perform both direct and grassroots lobbying.
- Support cross-departmental initiatives and projects as assigned, collaborating with colleagues across the organization.
- Assist with general development activities and perform other duties as needed to advance Scenic Hudson’s mission.
Compensation: Full Time, with competitive benefits and a salary range of: $60,000 - $64,000
Contact: Please submit a resume and cover letter as one combined document along with a writing sample as part of your application. Further information can be found on our website: www.scenichudson.org. No phone calls please.
Scenic Hudson provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type. Decisions related to all terms and conditions of employment are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
