Connecticut and New York State Policy Fellow

Audubon; Audubon Industrial Park (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon seeks a Policy Fellow to support the New York and Connecticut policy teams during the 2027 legislative sessions. The fellow will research, draft memos and testimonies, and help advocate for birds and habitats.

This on-site role at Audubon's Albany office offers hands-on experience with state budgets, bill tracking, and stakeholder engagement across chapters and staff. Length of assignment is January 2027 to June 2027, 35 hours per week, at $22 per hour, with potential travel and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in political science, environmental policy, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Review legislative introductions, monitor priority legislation and state budget proposals.
• Assist in drafting legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities.
• Research policy issues affecting birds and habitats and summarize findings for staff.
• Attend hearings, committee meetings, and coalition meetings and prepare summaries.
• Collaborate with communications staff to develop social media content and advocacy materials.
• Organize lobby days and coordinate with chapters, members, and partners.
• Participate in policy events at Audubon centers and sanctuaries.
• Meet with state and federal officials and Audubon policy staff to advance priorities.

Skills

Written communication

Research skills

Verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Detail oriented

Team collaboration

MS Office

Social media platforms

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, environmental studies, public policy, or another relevant field

Tools

EveryAction

Mobilize

Job description

About Audubon

The National Audubon Society is a leading nonprofit conservation organization with 120 years of science-based, community-driven impact, dedicated to protecting birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Birds are powerful indicators of our planet’s health, acting as sentinels that warn us of environmental change and inspire action. Audubon works across the Western Hemisphere, driven by the understanding that what is good for birds is good for the planet. Through a collaborative, bipartisan approach across habitats, borders, and the political spectrum, Audubon drives meaningful and lasting conservation outcomes. With 800 staff and over 1.9 million supporters, Audubon is a dynamic and ever-growing force committed to ensuring a better planet for both birds and people for generations to come. Learn more at www.audubon.organd on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Position Summary:

The CT and NYS Policy Fellow will contribute to Audubon's team in New York and Connecticut by supporting our policy efforts. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how environmental conservation intersects with state law and policy. The fellow will support the activities of the Audubon CT and NY Policy Directors during the NYS and CT Legislative sessions.

The ideal candidate is a curious, organized recent graduate or graduate student with a strong interest in environmental policy who enjoys research, writing, and working with others in a fast-paced legislative environment.

This role is on-site at Audubon's Albany Office.

• Length of Assignment: January 2027 - June 2027
• Hours: 35 hours per week

Compensation:

$22.00 / hour

Additional Job Description

Essential Functions

• Review legislative introductions, monitor and track priority legislation and state budget proposals in both states, and maintain the team's bill tracker.
• Assist in drafting legislative memos, testimonies, and budget priorities, providing policy recommendations for legislators.
• Research legislative, regulatory, and policy issues affecting birds and their habitats, and summarize findings for staff.
• Attend legislative hearings, committee meetings, and coalition meetings, and prepare brief summaries and follow-up notes.
• Collaborate with Audubon communications staff to develop social media content, action alerts, blogs, and fact sheets that support advocacy goals.
• Assist with organizing and scheduling lobby days, including coordinating with chapters, members, and coalition partners.
• Assist with policy events at Audubon's nature center and sanctuaries.
• Participate in meetings with state and federal officials and their staff alongside Audubon policy staff to advance Audubon's policy priorities.
• Participate in Audubon team meetings and collaborate with colleagues across the Connecticut and New York office and the broader Audubon network.
• Maintain and foster a culture of safety.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

The fellow will gain experience and knowledge in the following:

• The New York and Connecticut legislative and budget processes, from bill introduction through end of session.
• Analyzing conservation policy.
• Writing legislative memos, testimony, and advocacy communications.
• Planning and executing grassroots advocacy, including lobby days.
• Building professional relationships with legislators, agency staff, coalition partners, and conservation professionals.
• Representing a large conservation organization in a professional manner.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, environmental studies, public policy, or another relevant field required.
• Demonstrated interest in conservation, environmental policy, or the legislative process; prior internship or volunteer experience in policy, government, or advocacy is a plus.
• Excellent written communication skills, including spelling and grammar, with a knack for communications and messaging.
• Strong research skills and the ability to translate complex information into clear, accessible materials.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Well organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines during a fast-paced legislative session.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter), and the ability to quickly learn new online communications tools.
• Experience with EveryAction, Mobilize, or similar advocacy and email management systems is valued.
• Willingness to travel, including to the State Capitol in Albany and to Connecticut as needed, and to commit to some evening work.
• Must have reliable transportation and/or a valid driver's license.
• Commitment to Audubon's organizational values of care, collaboration, change, integrity, impact, and innovation.
• Experience fostering inclusive and collaborative work environments is valued.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic outlined by federal, state, or local laws. We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates.

Accessibility Statement

The National Audubon Society endeavors to keep our careers site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact [e-mail] contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.