Government Affairs and Capital Region Coordinator

ABOUT US

Riverkeeper is New York's premier water quality advocate. Our mission is to protect and restore the Hudson River from source to sea and safeguard drinking water supplies through advocacy rooted in community partnerships, science, and law. With an annual operating budget of $5 million, Riverkeeper is a mid-sized not-for-profit operating in the Hudson Valley. This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic, mission-oriented organization.

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Government Affairs Coordinator

Advocacy, Policy, and Planning

Associate Director, Government Affairs

$50,000-$60,000

Full-time; with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends

Hybrid position, one day per week at the Ossining office when not in the field is required. From January through June during New York's Legislative Session, the Coordinator will be in downtown Albany regularly (about 2-3 days per week) and join the team in Ossining 1-2 days per month. Within and outside of Session, the role includes coordinating advocacy and policy work across the mission area as well as a focus on building relationships within the Capital Region & Mohawk Valley.

The Government Affairs and Capital Region Coordinator is a high-impact role for energetic changemakers focused on advancing Riverkeeper's state and local policy priorities, with a special emphasis on the New York State legislative session and building our footprint across the Capital Region and Mohawk River Valley. Working closely with the Associate Director of Government Affairs, you will serve as part advocate, project manager, and community organizer—amplifying Riverkeeper's reach across legislative affairs, policy research, communications, and campaign operations.

This position puts you on the front lines of advocacy, collaborating directly with Riverkeeper's team of scientists, legal experts, and campaigners. It is the perfect fit for an organized, ambitious self-starter seeking a high-energy launchpad in environmental advocacy, ideal for candidates eager to get a crash course in effective policy campaigns and become part of the next generation of climate & environmental leaders.

• Advocate for clean water and climate resilience policies at the state, local, and occasionally at the federal level.
• Coordinate the development of Riverkeeper's annual policy agenda and legislative priorities under the Associate Director’s supervision.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with legislators, their staff, experts, and partners, scheduling regular meetings with key legislators, lead coalition calls with partners, and prepare for meetings with legislators, government officials, and key stakeholders to advance clean water policy
• Assist in drafting legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities, providing policy recommendations for legislators.
• Primary responsibility for organizing advocacy events including lobby days, such as Hudson River Advocacy Day, round tables, and webinars.
• Organize meetings and events in the greater Capital Region with local organizations and become a leading voice in the community for clean water and the Hudson River
• Collaborate with external partners and coalitions to amplify advocacy efforts and achieve shared policy goals.
• Provide administrative support for the Associate Director of Government Affairs, managing schedules, logistics, and materials for meetings and events.
• Conduct policy research and track legislation to support the team in identifying clean water legislative priorities
• Shape the narrative and find your voice as a Riverkeeper spokesperson at press conferences and events
• Support media strategy by drafting…