Advocacy Associate, Scenic Hudson – Poughkeepsie, New York

Organization: Scenic Hudson

Position Title: Advocacy Associate for Land Use and Policy

Location: Poughkeepsie, New York

Hours and Compensation: Full time, with competitive salary and benefits.

 Application Deadline: Open until filled (posted Sept. 12)

Description: Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 20,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally healthy communities, champion smart economic growth, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley’s inspiring beauty and natural resources

We are guided by these enduring principles:

• Everyone deserves opportunities to experience the Hudson River, to enjoy open space and to have a voice in decisions affecting their community.
• The beauty of the Hudson River Valley is a unique source of spiritual and artistic vitality and must be preserved forever.
• An outstanding quality of life is achievable only when a clean, healthy environment is a key component of economic growth.

Responsibilities: The Advocacy Associate will provide strategic support to the Director of Public Policy and Environmental Advocacy Attorney in the form of all aspects of office administration, research, report preparation and social media outreach in order to aid in campaigns that protect the Hudson River as a public and natural resource, secure public funding for environmental projects and strengthen land use and other environmental regulations and programs administered by county, state and federal government.  They will provide auxiliary support to other Scenic Hudson departments/teams as directed.

• Researches data, trends and news that relate directly and indirectly to high priority outcomes and strategies. Monitors county, state and federal government legislation and budget processes.
• Prepares memoranda summarizing situations and issues based on research and monitoring, and knowledge of the organization and its partners. Compiles and manages databases and project files to provide easy access by others to this critical information.
• Reviews State and Federal Registers for projects of interest.
• Drafts fact sheets, letters, press releases and reports and conveys information to the public via social media. May create and deliver public statements and represent organization in public settings, and in meetings with public officials and their staff, when Director of Public Policy, Environmental Advocacy Attorney, Land Use staff or others are not available.
• Administrative coordination and support, including mailings, faxing, proof reading, coordination and scheduling of meetings, document retrieval and filing, directing phone calls and inquiries, and tracking Team’s budget expenses.
• May make frequent trips to Albany, New York City, the Hudson Valley’s County Seats and other communities.
• May work on an array of projects for other teams and individuals in the organization, as assigned.
• Assists with ongoing general Development activities and performs other related duties as assigned

Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree or higher in environmental sciences, political science, pre-law, public administration or related field required; 1-3 years experience in related position preferred. Excellent research, analytical, organization, interpersonal communication and social media skills needed.

Must be a team-player, accountable for generating outcomes and results following predictable work plans as well as in response to sudden events, and handle multiple priorities simultaneously. Knowledge and proficiency in using internet-based legal and legislative research tools, social media applications and Microsoft Office Suite. Knowledge of New York State Environmental Quality Review and Coastal Consistency Review processes, county, state and federal law making, budgeting and granting processes preferred. Must have own transportation and valid drivers license. Must be able to lift 30 lbs to transport meeting materials. Occasional evening and weekend responsibilities.

How to Apply: Please send resumé and brief writing sample to: [email protected]. No phone calls please. Scenic Hudson is an EOE promoting cultural diversity and excellence.