Director of Government Relations, New York State

Position Title: Director of Government Relations New York State

Reports To: Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff

Direct Reports: None

Department: External Affairs

Location: Albany New York

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $140000 - $150000

Date: April 2026

About the Open Space Institute

The Open Space Institute (OSI) 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. OSIs land protection promotes clean air and water improves access to recreation provides wildlife habitat strengthens communities and combats the devastating impacts of extreme weather.

Position Summary

The New York State Director of Government Relations Director (DGR) advances the Open Space Institutes (OSI) 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 OSIs 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. Working closely with colleagues the DGR serves as OSIs primary representativeto New York State government cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials agency leaders and key partners to advance OSIs 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 OSIs 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.
• Coordinate and direct OSIs representation with key state agencies (e.g. DEC OPRHP DOS) and statewide coalitions addressing open space parkland and public access policies.
• Serve as OSIs senior representative and spokesperson in meetings with legislators agency leaders and coalition partners.
• Develop and deliver policy briefs testimony and correspondence articulating OSIs positions to policymakers and partners.
• Lead planning and strategy for OSIs 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 OSIs 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 OSIs 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 OSIs 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 OSIs thought leadership by articulating the organizations role in advancing conservation and public access policy.

Internal Coordination

• Provide strategic policy guidance and analysis to OSIs 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.

Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in public policy environmental studies government or related field (Masters degree preferred).
• 810 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations public affairs or environmental policy preferably within the nonprofit or public sector.
• Demonstrated success in leading advocacy or legislative initiatives and influencing policy outcomes.
• Deep familiarity with New York States legislative administrative and budget processes.
• Experience managing consultants staff or multi-organization coalitions.
• Strong understanding of conservation land protection parks and outdoor recreation access policy.

Skills

• 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with CRM advocacy or legislative tracking tools preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Regular travel throughout New York State; valid drivers license required.
• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks reads writes and uses a computer keyboard.
• May require occasional standing walking lifting stooping bending moving files.

Please note: If you do not wholly meet the above qualifications but believe you are otherwisewell-suited to meet the needs of this position we encourage you to apply.

How to Apply

Apply using the button below! Attach a cover letter that includes where you learned of the job posting along with your resume. Applications without a cover letter are not likely to be considered.

Applications will be actively reviewed on a rolling basis from the time of posting in April 2026 with earlier submissions receiving priority consideration. If you are interested in applying for this position please submit your application as soon as possible. You will receive an acknowledgment once your application has been submitted and we will contact you if we would like to schedule an interview.

This is a full-time position requiring 37.5 hours per week within regular business hours; typically 9am-5pm. The role involves working onsite at our Albany New York office at least three days per week.

Pay for this position is $140000-$150000 commensurate with the candidates skill level and experience. OSI also offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive medical dental and vision benefits a 403(b) plan paid time off and more. The recruiting team is committed to sharing details regarding compensation based on the candidates qualifications and OSIs benefits during the interview process.

Equal Opportunity Statement

OSI is an equal opportunity employer. We recognize that our conservation mission is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds experiencesbeliefs and cultures. We are committed to cultivating and retaininga diverse and inclusive work environment that fosters belonging.

OSI offersaccommodationsfor individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need assistance oran accommodationdue to a disability please emailwithRequest for Accommodationin the subject line.

Consistent with New York State law OSI does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race color religion gender gender identity or expression marital status sexual orientation national origin citizenship age disability height weight veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. OSI will not sponsor applicants for work visas.