The Cities Program in New York State builds strategies and initiatives to create a healthy, resilient and sustainable urban environment in NYS cities, with a significant focus on New York City. We work with government and non-government partners to tackle climate change, improve water quality in and around cities, promote nature and environmental solutions to enhance the quality of life, and reduce urban heat island and air pollution.
The Policy and Research Analyst plays a key role on the Cities Program team in New York to further The Nature Conservancy’s mission through research, policy analysis, report-writing, and internal and external communications assistance. Some examples of near-term initiatives that the Analyst may work on include, but are not limited to: efforts to protect, maintain, and grow NYC’s urban forest; green roof legislation; and climate adaptation. The Analyst primarily works on the on-going projects in New York City, while also providing some analytical support to projects upstate.
The Analyst provides research and policy analysis in support of The Nature Conservancy’s conservation priorities and regularly tracks and reports on policies and decisions that directly affect conservation goals. They perform environmental and budget policy-related research and analysis; write briefings and long-form reports; produce presentations; work collaboratively with internal staff and external stakeholders; and coordinate meetings and agendas. They assist in influencing the outcome of policy initiatives in New York and develop strategies on how best to advance the organization’s conservation agenda.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE
- Ensures program compliance with internal policies and external requirements.
- Works within scope of program’s strategic goals.
- Stay up to date and reports to Cities team on policies, news, and decisions that directly affect conservation goals
- Provides research and policy analysis related to legislation, organizational priorities, and/or other relevant public policies.
- Provides assistance with verbal and written communications materials that may be used to influence public policy outcomes in New York. Materials may include, but not limited to: presentations, reports, memos, talking points, and summaries.
- Arrange and prepare for meetings with relevant agencies, conservation organizations, and/or industry.
- Work independently, working with supervisor as needed.
- 3 years related experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience researching information from divergent sources and compiling it into a cohesive reporting structure.
- Experience with legislative, planning, policy or corporate initiatives at two or more of the following levels: country, state, regional or local.
- Experience presenting to and communicating with government or corporate staff and/or program leadership.
- Experience working with partners/government agencies and the corporate sector.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural experience appreciated.
- Strong research and writing skills, with ability to synthesize complex information in a short time.
- Understanding of City of New York governance structure, legislative process, and budgets.
- Working knowledge of relevant current policy and research.
- Experience coordinating multiple, complex projects in a decentralized organization - working across teams, operating units and functions to achieve optimal results.
- Experience identifying key stakeholders, building networks or organizational capacity, facilitating informational sessions, increasing internal knowledge and capacity.
- Experience with writing for different audiences and communications platforms.
- Interest in working at the intersection of environmental and social issues
- Self-starting, independent worker who can thrive in a decentralized organization with minimal oversight.
- Experience producing high-quality materials that effectively communicate science and policy matters.
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.