Manager of Public Affairs

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming.

Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26‑city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

The Manager of Public Affairs will play a key role in advancing the Natural Areas Conservancy's mission by building support for urban natural areas among policymakers, partner organizations, community stakeholders, and the wider public.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact, the Manager of Public Affairs will help develop and implement strategies that connect the NAC's research, volunteer engagement, and public programs to advocacy, partnerships, and public affairs goals. The position will serve as a bridge between the NAC's on‑the‑ground work and external stakeholders, helping to strengthen awareness, investment, and support for the care and protection of New York City's natural areas locally and at the state and federal levels.

The ideal candidate is a relationship‑builder and strategic advocate who understands how community engagement, partnerships, and communications work together to drive lasting change.

• Support the development and implementation of the NAC's advocacy priorities related to the care, management, and protection of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and nature trails.
• Coordinate advocacy activities that advance the NAC's funding and policy goals at the city, state, and federal levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, legislative staff, and other public‑sector stakeholders.
• Track legislative, budgetary, and policy developments relevant to the NAC's mission and identify opportunities for engagement with elected officials and the public.
• Draft testimony, briefing materials, public comments, fact sheets, and advocacy communications.
• Assist with compliance related to lobbying and advocacy activities.

• Manage relationships with coalition partners, nonprofit organizations, and professional networks.
• Represent the NAC in select coalition meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships that advance the NAC's advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement goals.
• Encourage and coordinate partner engagement around campaigns, events, research reports, and policy initiatives.

• Work closely with the Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact to ensure the NAC's advocacy and public affairs work reflects community priorities and programmatic goals.
• Help develop pathways for volunteer stewards, interns, and community members to engage in advocacy and public awareness efforts.
• Support outreach efforts that connect more New Yorkers to nature and increase participation in the NAC’s programs and initiatives.
• Lead training and other engagement efforts to cultivate community leaders and champions who can help advance the NAC's mission.

• Partner with communications staff to align advocacy, partnership, and public engagement efforts with organizational messaging and campaigns.
• Contribute content and subject matter expertise for reports, presentations, campaigns, newsletters, and public‑facing materials.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the NAC's work through public events, conferences,…