New York State Executive Chamber Hiring for Senior Policy Advisor for Environment at New York, United States Full Time

Location: Albany, NY or New York City, NY

As a member of the Executive Chamber of Governor Kathy Hochul, the Senior Policy Advisor for Environment serves under the direction of the Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment and the Assistant Secretary for Environment overseeing all phases of government operations and policy management within New York State’s portfolio of environment agencies. The environment portfolio includes the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC), Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP), Adirondack Park Agency (APA), Lake George Park Commission (LGPC), Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT), Hudson River-Black River Regulating District (HRBRRD), and Hudson River Valley Greenway (HRVG).

The Senior Policy Advisor reports to the Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment and the Assistant Secretary for Environment and will work in close coordination with the Energy & Environment team, along with senior agency staff across New York State government to implement and execute Governor Hochul’s major environmental priorities.

The Senior Policy Advisor for Environment also works closely with Chamber energy portfolio colleagues (Assistant Secretary for Energy and Senior Policy Advisor for Energy) and Energy portfolio agencies on overlapping issues. (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Public Service Commission/Department of Public Service (PSC/DPS), New York Power Authority (NYPA), Long Island Power Authority (LIPA), and Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES)).

Duties:

• Aids the Deputy Secretary for Energy & Environment and Assistant Secretary for Environment in all aspects of state agency management, including but not limited to, preparing status briefs, facilitating portfolio meetings, overseeing major priority projects, coordinating new initiatives, structuring policy and strategy conversations, communicating policy proposals, and advancing the Governor’s policy objectives.
• Interacts with senior agency and authority staff to oversee and ensure proper functioning of agency business.
• Drafts, reviews and coordinates policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Consults with non-governmental agencies and organizations within program areas.
• Coordinates closely with the Governor’s Office of Public Information.
• Coordinates closely with the Governor’s Office of Counsel.
• Liaises with the Division of Budget on the policy implications of fiscal decisions affecting assigned areas.
• Drafts, coordinates, and provides informed opinion and advice on policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Reviews and authorizes rulemakings and other regulatory actions within the Environment portfolio.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on various public comments on behalf of the Governor and the Administration.
• Aides in the development, coordination and execution of the Governor’s priorities for the annual State of the State address.
• Travels between NYC, Albany and throughout NYS as needed.
• Represents the Governor at various meetings.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

A Bachelor’s Degree and at least five years of years of relevant work experience with a focus on public administration, environmental and/or natural resource policy, climate policy, or related topics. A Master’s or Law degree may substitute for an additional year of experience.

• Knowledge and passion for environment and climate issues and commitment to public service.
• Ability to work both well independently and within broad, diverse teams, building relationships with other portfolios to accomplish objectives.
• Strong diplomatic skills and ability to exercise discretion to navigate policy negotiations among executive teams and stakeholders with varied interests.
• Ability to successfully handle multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and adaptability.
• Excellent research, writing, analysis, and communications skills.
• Broad experience in developing and executing strategic plans.