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. OSI’s 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 Institute’s (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 develops and directs advocacy initiatives to protect land for people and wildlife by shaping, leading, and implementing policies that strengthen conservation funding, stewardship, and equitable public access to parks, trails, and natural areas. 

The DGR serves as OSI’s primary representative to New York State government, cultivating senior-level relationships with elected officials, agency leaders, and key partners to advance OSI’s policy objectives. The position also coordinates across OSI departments and with coalitions and advocacy partners to align policy and program priorities. 

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. 

Job Responsibilities 

Government Relations and Policy Implementation 

• Lead the development and implementation of OSI’s state policy and advocacy strategies in collaboration with the EVP and Chief of Staff. 
• 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. 
• Direct and coordinate OSI’s representation with key state agencies (e.g., DEC, OPRHP, DOS) and statewide coalitions addressing open space, parkland, and public access policies. 
• Serve as OSI’s senior representative and spokesperson in meetings with legislators, agency leaders, and coalition partners. 
• Develop and deliver policy briefs, testimony, and correspondence articulating OSI’s positions to policymakers and partners. 
• Lead planning and strategy for OSI’s participation in key lobbying days and advocacy events, including EPF Lobby Day and Park Advocacy Day. 
• Manage external consultants, lobbyists, and advocacy contracts to ensure alignment with OSI’s strategic priorities. 

Relationship Management and Collaboration 

• Cultivate and leverage high-level relationships with state legislators, agency leadership, and partner organizations to advance OSI’s 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, and legislative sessions, ensuring a consistent and influential organizational presence. 

Communications and Public Engagement 

• Partner with OSI Communications leadership to develop and deliver messaging that advances OSI’s 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 OSI’s thought leadership by articulating the organization’s role in advancing conservation and public access policy. 

Internal Coordination 

• Provide strategic policy guidance and analysis to OSI’s 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. 

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 

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, environmental studies, government, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). 
• 8–10+ 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 State’s 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 relationship-building and influence skills with policymakers and stakeholders. 
• 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 driver’s 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 otherwise well-suited to meet the needs of this position, we encourage you to apply.