Air & Energy Program Director

Environmental Advocates of New York seeks applicants for the position of Program Director for Clean Air & Energy Issues. Environmental Advocates is your government watchdog in Albany, and a leading voice for conservation, the environment, and public health. We are a non-profit organization that advances the cause of environmental protection and we seek candidates who are highly motivated to change public policy and build the movement for sustainability and conservation.  

Salary and Benefits: Salary commensurate with experience, excellent health benefits, retirement savings including an employer contribution, and a vibrant, fast-paced work environment.

Application Deadline: Applications will be received through November 30, 2009

To apply please send a cover letter, resume, references and a writing sample to:

Dave Gahl, Policy Director
Environmental Advocates of New York
353 Hamilton Street
Albany, NY 12210
Email: dgahl@eany.org

General Duties

The Clean Air & Energy Program Director is a full-time salaried exempt position who reports to the Policy Director. The program director oversees and executes advocacy efforts around the inter-related issues of global warming, air emissions/air quality, and energy policy. This includes, but is not limited to, projects that deal with developing agency policies; reviewing and advocating for implementation and enforcement of the state’s environmental policies; and crafting and lobbying for legislation within the State Capitol pertaining to these issues.

The Clean Air & Energy Program Director should have a broad knowledge of environmental issues, with a particular interest and knowledge of global warming, air emissions/air quality, and how energy usage impacts these issues.

Specific Responsibilities 

Advocacy  

• Lead advocacy efforts that fall within program areas;

• Serve as a public spokesperson before the general public and the media;

• Work with the communications staff to develop and execute a communications strategy that includes electronic and web-based communications, media releases, and the development of other outreach materials;

• Work with program staff to develop strategies for achieving the organization’s policy goals;

• Conduct public outreach and be able to build and lead effective coalitions;

• Serve as a lobbyist and spokesperson before the state legislature; and

• Conduct analysis of specific regulations, legislation, the state budget and other policies as needed.

Project Management

• Establish goals for programs and projects including intermediate objectives and timelines for achieving them;

• Stay up-to-date on developments that influence programs and projects;

• Define the strategic direction of programs and projects and identify what Environmental Advocates’ priorities should be in those areas;

• Identify funding opportunities, develop grant proposals and foundation reports, and maintain relationships with funders;

• Ability to manage 1-2 volunteer interns; and

• Develop and manage project budgets.

Skills/Experience 

• At least five years of experience in advocacy, community organizing, policy analysis, and/or government relations;

• Master's degree (preferred) in environmental or physical sciences, natural resource management, public policy, or other applicable fields;

• Ability to juggle competing priorities, manage multiple projects, and make decisions under pressure;

• Willingness to travel as needed;

• Ability to work as part of a team;

• Excellent verbal and writing skills;

• Strong interest in environmental policy and politics; and

• A strong will to succeed against all odds.