Environmental Advocates of New York seeks applicants for an Advocacy Director who will lead the policy aspects of our work and execute campaigns to ensure that New York’s environment is protected and improved. The position is a senior-level, full-time, exempt position and reports directly to the Executive Director.

Environmental Advocates currently has an activist network of 40,000 people, with a strategy for continued growth. We are looking for an individual with a background in grass-roots campaigns, direct advocacy, campaign development and a passion to improve the health and well being of New York’s environment and its people.

S/he will staff the organization’s Program Committee of the board of directors, attend board meetings and provide direct supervision of the policy team.

Specific Responsibilities

The Advocacy Director (Director) is responsible for managing and directing the work of Environmental Advocates of New York’s policy team. The director oversees projects in air/energy and water/natural resources, fiscal policy and environmental health. The Director coordinates with the Communications Director and Membership Director to effectuate message development, campaign design, and outreach strategies; and serves in leadership capacity for the organization in the absence of an Executive Director.

Qualifications: 

• Advanced degree in public policy, management, law or equivalent experience;
• leadership experience (minimum 5 years) as an advocate in the public interest, with demonstrated commitment to environmental protection considered a plus;
• substantial experience managing people in a demanding work environment, with demonstrated ability to listen and build team strength;
• solid understanding of and experience in political organizing and constituency building; strong analytical and strategic skills;
• well organized, with excellent speaking and writing skills;
• experience working for nonprofits, preferably policy-focused or advocacy organizations; and, licensed driver with the ability to travel.

Supervisor: Executive Director

Status: Full-time, Salaried, Exempt

Job Responsibilities:

• Program planning: Work with Board of Directors Program Committee, the Executive Director and senior staff on long-range planning; oversee design, development, and evaluation of the annual policy priorities. 
• Policy team management: Manage policy team, with direct supervisory responsibility for professional policy staff and interns; work closely with program directors on strategic direction of initiatives and budgets; review legal, scientific, and political directions of projects.  Ensure integration of projects and regular communication among policy staff.
• Outreach/organizing oversight: Working with membership staff, oversee progress of EANY organizing effort, integrating efforts to build constituency for environmental agenda; coordinate outreach/organizing with other advocacy tools.
• Policy priorities oversight: Working with program directors, determine priority issues, constituency outreach, and alliance building with other organizations; integrate policy priorities agenda with advocacy in other forums – litigation, regulatory intervention, coalition, Green Panel, etc. 
• Project responsibility: When appropriate, serve as project leader or organizational spokesperson on a project or issue that has implications for a wide range of organizational work.
• Major campaign development: Work with policy, development and membership staff to craft major initiatives of significant public interest; design advocacy goals, strategies and tactics to achieve environmental protections, educate the public, and mobilize constituencies.
• Fundraising: Work with policy staff and Board and Foundation Manager to craft concept papers, letters of inquiry and funding proposals on major initiatives.

Salary & Benefits

Salary will be commensurate with experience. Environmental Advocates offers excellent health benefits, retirement savings including an employer contribution, and a vibrant, fast-paced work environment.

To apply please send resume, cover letter, an appropriate writing sample, and at least three references via email to: Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director piwanowicz@eany.org. No calls please.