State Director, New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Inc., NY, US

Please include a cover letter for consideration.

Location: New York, Hybrid 

Duration: This is a three-year fixed-term position with full benefits and the possibility of extension. 

OVERALL FUNCTION  

The State Director is responsible for shepherding the development and implementation of political and advocacy strategies that support EDF’s priorities in New York State. The Director will collaborate with EDF policy experts to identify opportunities to promote a clean energy transition across the state that secure critical reductions in climate- and health-harming pollution, while also spearheading policies and programs that bolster community resilience and human well-being in the face of a changing climate. The Director will work closely with EDF Political Affairs leadership to ensure that these priorities are aligned with EDF’s overarching goals for the U.S. region, including federal policy goals. 

The Director will play a leading role in strategic planning, drawing upon a nuanced understanding of the state’s cultural, economic and political climate – and the landscape of aligned NGOs – to identify promising opportunities to advance EDF’s priorities in New York. In addition, the Director will oversee and bolster EDF’s existing State Affairs advocacy team and infrastructure in New York – including lobbying, grassroots & grass tops advocacy and public communications. The Director will collaborate closely with EDF’s policy experts and team members to match programmatic goals with effective campaign strategies, enabling our advocacy to respond quickly and effectively in a turbulent political environment. The Director’s responsibilities will also include identifying and capitalizing on synergies across EDF’s broad portfolio of work.  Conversely, the Director is responsible for early identification and management of potential conflicts – either among EDF programs or with key external allies.   

The Director will serve as an ambassador for EDF in New York State.  Fluent in EDF’s priorities in the U.S. region, the Director will act as a spokesperson with the media, and a representative at significant meetings and events.  Over time, drawing upon EDF’s existing institutional connections as well as their own, the Director will help cultivate long-term relationships with key stakeholders including elected leaders, regulators and other government officials, business and labor leaders, media, and peer/partner organizations across the environmental, conservation and environmental justice communities. 

Finally, the Director will collaborate with colleagues at EDF Action to support state-based political activity, with the goal of reenergizing a powerful coalition that advances climate solutions as a salient concern for any elected official seeking a city, state or federal  office. The Director will lead outreach and engagement efforts to help cultivate climate champions in the state’s Congressional delegation as a key component of a broader effort to generate bipartisan support to advance critical climate progress.   

The position is based in New York and reports to EDF’s Senior Director for the Mid-Atlantic Region, State Affairs.   

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Provide strategic leadership in organizational planning, fundraising, political strategy, advocacy campaigns, and communications that will shape, prioritize and then make progress towards EDF goals across multiple programs in New York.  

• Serve as a primary relationship manager for a lead donor and other key supporters of EDF’s work in New York. Collaborate closely with EDF policy experts and the EDF Development team as needed on proposals, reports, and building funding interest. 

• Supervise a New York-based State Affairs team and consultants. 

• Oversee budget and financial operations In New York to ensure effective allocation and use of donor dollars to impact policy change priorities and to support stewardship efforts through financial accountability. 

• Serve as a primary spokesperson for EDF in New York, and co-develop and manage the execution of strategic communications, in partnership with EDF Marketing and Communications, State Affairs, program experts and New York-based consultant(s), where applicable. 

• Develop and execute strategies in collaboration with State Affairs staff to enhance EDF relationships and advocacy with state decision-makers and influencers (e.g., governors, state and federal legislators, media and members of the New York Congressional delegation) to engage, educate and advance EDF goals.  

• Engage in collaborative efforts across EDF that support equity and justice in policies and strategies that impact New York.  

• Participate in advancing EDF’s organizational effectiveness and culture goals, in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges aligned with EDF values.    

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Bachelor's required; advanced degree preferred.  

• At least ten years of relevant professional experience that provides evidence of strategic vision and alignment with EDF's mission and approach. A Master’s degree or equivalent may substitute for up to 2 years of relevant experience. 

• Demonstrated track record as an innovative, entrepreneurial leader with the necessary political, legislative and other professional experience to direct a distinctive program for an internationally prominent environmental organization.   

• A nuanced understanding of New York culture and politics; experience working with people, communities, constituencies and elected officials across the political spectrum; and familiarity with relevant subject matter. 

• The ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, from business leaders to academic institutions and community organizations. A collaborative leadership style, with proven ability to inspire and manage diverse teams. 

• A history of tangible fundraising success, including demonstrated capacity and comfort stewarding donors, developing proposals, and helping to secure large gifts. 

• Experience developing and managing budgets. 

• Excellent communication skills, including experience with public speaking and media relations.   

• A strong understanding of public policy with a proven track record of building alliances and working with policymakers to achieve results. 

• Proven ability and cultural competency to build trust and work effectively with diverse external stakeholders, including from business leaders to academic institutions and community organizations, and across diverse cultures and backgrounds.  

• Exemplary problem-solving and interpersonal skills. 

• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage a team, including experience managing multiple distinct projects concurrently.  

• Demonstrated ability to forge collaborations in and across a complex, matrixed organization while delivering results, including experience mediating internal conflicts both inside and outside of a chain of command. 

• Demonstrated capacity and desire to step into new roles as needed. 

• Comfortable working with a remote manager.   

• Demonstrated self-awareness, cultural competency, inclusivity, and ability to work with colleagues and stakeholders across all cultures and backgrounds.