Job Number:
HC-04578
Date Posted:
April 6, 2026
Position Title:
Director of Government Relations, New York State
Party:
N/A
Office Code:
Office/Company:
Open Space Institute (OSI)
Reports To:
Location:
Albany, NY
Contact:
Salary:
$140,000–$150,000
Primary Role
Secondary Role:
Job Type:
Full Time
Description:
Lead state-level policy, legislative, and agency engagement in New York.Government Relations and Policy Implementation, Relationship-Building, Outreach, and Coalition Development, Communications and Public Engagement, Internal Coordination, Shared Programmatic CommitmentsBachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, government, or related field (Master’s degree preferred), 8–10+ years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public affairs, or environmental policy
Responsibilities:
• 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.
Qualifications:
• Proven strategic and political judgment with the ability to shape and drive policy initiatives.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, capable of representing OSI with legislators, agencies, and external partners.
• Demonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional teams and consultants.
• Strong interpersonal relationship-building and influence skills with policymakers and stakeholders; able to build trust quickly.
• Comfort serving as a visible public-facing representative and translating policy into clear, persuasive messages for diverse audiences.
• High level of initiative, professionalism, and accountability.
Instructions:
Email <ddress>
Other:
Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.
