Manager of Public Affairs

NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Public Affairs

Department:  Community Engagement & Impact

Location: 97-77 Queens Blvd, 5th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374

Report To Title: Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9 am –5 pm; 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 2 days in office

Salary: $75,000- $85,000 annually FLSA Classification: Exempt

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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy & Government Relations

• 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.

Strategic Partnerships & Coalition Engagement

• 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.

Community Engagement

• 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.

Communications Support & Thought Leadership

• 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, speaking engagements, and partner networks.
• Help translate NAC research and programmatic outcomes into compelling stories and messages for policymakers, partners, and community audiences.

National Engagement

• Support the NAC's leadership in national initiatives, including the Forests in Cities network and related programs.
• Lead the implementation of a national urban forest awareness and advocacy campaign, to be scaled across the 26 cities in the Forests in Cities network.
• Help identify opportunities for federal funding, partnerships, and collaboration that advance urban forestry and natural areas stewardship nationally.
• Represent the NAC in select national forums and professional networks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three to five years of experience in public affairs, advocacy, government relations, community engagement, nonprofit partnerships, communications, or related fields.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, communications, environmental studies, urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, coalitions, community organizations, or advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A deep understanding of New York City government, both executive and legislative branches, including first-hand experience with the city’s legislative and budget processes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing presentations, briefing materials, testimony, and other public-facing content.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to collaboration, equity, and environmental stewardship.
• Existing relationships in local government are a plus.
• Experience working with New York State or the federal government is a plus.

Benefits / Additional Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability Insurance, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, sick time, personal time, vacation time, paid holidays, professional development funds, and wellness programs .

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.