Conservation Advocate

Environment America is seeking a Conservation Advocate in Rochester, NY, to protect the state's natural environment and promote clean energy. Responsibilities include shaping policy, building coalitions, organizing events, engaging with media, advocating to decision-makers, fundraising, and team management. Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in advocacy or organizing, strong communication skills, and a passion for environmental conservation. Compensation ranges from $39,750 to $46,000.
Conservation Advocate, Environment New York


Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, or Albany, New York


From Long Island Sound to Lake Erie, New York is full of special places and vibrant nature. Our rolling hills and serene lakes, rivers, and gorges make New York’s natural environment something special. We are seeking a Conservation Advocate to conserve and protect New York’s special places, wildlife and clean water, reduce needless waste, and promote clean energy solutions.


Key Responsibilities


Our Conservation Advocate will lead our efforts to protect the places that make New York a special place to live. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.


Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:



Help shape program priorities: Participate in policy development, research and messaging to determine our priorities and policy positions for environmental protection in New York and present a compelling case for action.
Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to build and demonstrate support for our campaign goals, including unlikely allies who might agree with us on one issue, even if we disagree on other issues.
Organize events and recruit volunteers: Organize webinars, community events and public meetings to educate and persuade others to join us in our advocacy.
Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize media events and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for your campaign.
Advocate: Build relationships with key players in the state, the region and at the federal level. Persuade decision-makers to support our goals through lobbying, testifying at hearings, and producing powerful written materials.
Fundraise: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and raise money from individual donors, to bring more resources to our campaigns.
Grow our team: Identify and recruit strong candidates to join our staff and manage interns to maximize the impact of your campaigns. Potential to oversee staff.

Qualifications


You are:



An advocate or organizer with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Advanced degrees may count toward experience.
Passionate about saving the natural world. It’s not about you, it’s about the cause.
An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills.
A people person and good listener with a track record of recruiting people; open-minded and interested in working with people who you might disagree with on some issues.
Creative and effective at solving complex problems; a strategic thinker who can take advantage of new opportunities.
Well-organized and goal-oriented; capable of holding yourself accountable to a plan and also nimble enough to adapt as new opportunities or challenges arise.

Compensation and Benefits


The target annual compensation for someone with 2-5 years of relevant experience is $39,750-$46,000. Candidates on the lower end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. Environment New York offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.


Location: This position could be based in Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, or Albany, New York.


Why work with Environment New York? Check out 10 reasons on our website.


About Environment New York


Environment New York is part of Environment America. Environment America has one mission: to protect the natural world.


We advocate ideas and actions to guide our country onto a greener, healthier path. Our network of 30 state environmental groups promotes clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members put grassroots support behind our research, public education, advocacy and litigation.


Nothing is more important to our future than facing this fact: Infinite economic growth on a finite planet is neither wise nor possible. We must shift from deplete to preserve, from disposable to sustainable, from “never enough” to “enough.” Together, our staff, members and other supporters are committed to winning changes that allow nature to thrive and our children to live healthier, more enriching lives.


Our Mission and Values


Environment New York and Environment America are part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit our website for things you should know about our network when you apply.


Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.


Environment America is an equal opportunity employer.