Director of Government Relations, New York State

DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, NEW YORK STATE

Director of Government Relations, New York State Open Space Institute Position title: director of government relations, New York state Reports to: Executive vice president and chief of staff

Department:

External affairs

Location:

Albany, New York

Salary Range:

$140,000-$150,000 The Open Space Institute is a national leader in land conservation and efforts to make parks and other protected land more welcoming for all. Since 1974, OSI has partnered in the protection of more than 2.5 million at-risk and environmentally sensitive acres in the eastern U.S. OSI's land protection promotes clean air and water, improves access to recreation, provides wildlife habitat, strengthens communities, and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather. The New York State director of government relations director advances the Open Space Institute's mission by leading state-level policy, legislative and agency engagement in New York. Reporting to the executive vice president and chief of staff, the DGR will lead OSI's comprehensive efforts to promote greater land conservation across New York state by strengthening conservation funding from state and local governments; coalition building; research; advocacy and education. The DGR serves as OSI's primary representative to New York state government, cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key partners to advance OSI's policy objectives. The position also coordinates across OSI departments and with coalitions and advocacy partners to align policy and program priorities. This role is perfect for a self-starter who excels in relationship-building, strategic outreach, and cross-functional collaboration. While the primary focus of this position is New York state, the DGR may also engage in related policy and government relations work in other states in the eastern U.S. - where OSI has active conservation initiatives and partnerships. Primary roles and responsibilities Government relations and policy implementation Lead the development and implementation of OSI's state policy and advocacy strategies in collaboration with executive leadership. Oversee the tracking and analysis of New York State legislation, budget items, and regulatory initiatives related to conservation funding (e.g., Environmental Protection Fund), climate resilience, public lands, and outdoor recreation. Direct and coordinate OSI's representation with key state agencies (e.g., DEC, OPRHP, DOS) and statewide coalitions addressing open space, parkland, and public access policies. Serve as OSI's senior representative and spokesperson in meetings with legislators, agency leaders, and coalition partners. Develop and deliver policy briefs, testimony, and correspondence articulating OSI's positions to policymakers and partners. Lead planning and strategy for OSI's participation in key lobbying days and advocacy events, including EPF Lobby Day and Parks and Public Lands Advocacy Day. Manage external consultants, lobbyists, and advocacy contracts to ensure alignment with OSI's strategic priorities. Relationship-building, outreach and coalition development Expand, cultivate and leverage high-level relationships with state legislators, agency leadership, and partner organizations to advance OSI's policy and funding goals. Build strategic coalitions with nonprofit, environmental, and community partners to coordinate advocacy efforts and strengthen statewide impact. Advise and collaborate with OSI program teams (Land, Parks, Stewardship, and External Affairs) on government-related opportunities affecting land acquisitions, transfers, and stewardship. Represent OSI at public hearings, stakeholder meetings, ensuring a consistent and influential organizational presence. Communications and public engagement Partner with OSI Communications leadership to develop and deliver messaging that advances OSI's state policy priorities. Serve as a policy spokesperson for OSI in public, media, and coalition forums. Prepare and review briefing materials, talking points, and presentations for OSI leadership and board members. Contribute to OSI's thought leadership by articulating the organization's role in advancing conservation and public access policy. Internal coordination Provide strategic policy guidance and analysis to OSI's senior leadership and program teams, translating policy developments into actionable organizational strategies. Track and evaluate advocacy outcomes and report on progress to OSI leadership, funders, and the board. Supervise staff or consultants supporting policy or advocacy initiatives. Maintain oversight of legislative contacts, policy positions, and coalition activities to ensure coordinated advocacy across the organization. Shared programmatic commitments Identify and implement new strategies and expand initiatives to serve and fund a broad range of communities. Promote and support public funding implications of environmental initiatives to include a wide variety of partners from within and outside the organization that represent historically underserved communities. This job description is not intended to represent a complete, comprehensive list of all duties and responsibilities that may be required in this position. There may be unplanned activities and other duties as assigned. Job Details

APPLICATION DEADLINE

May 7 LOCATION New York

JOB TYPE

Full-Time Open Space Institute

NEW YORK, NEW YORK

215,524 total acres protected