CT & NY State Policy Fellow – Conservation Policy

National Audubon Society; New York (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Audubon NY - Albany office in New York seeks a CT and NY Policy Fellow to support policy efforts during the NYS and CT legislative sessions. The fellow will assist policy directors, conduct research, draft memos and testimonies, and help shape environmental policy decisions through collaboration with staff and coalitions.

The role requires a recent graduate with interest in conservation policy, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced legislative setting.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Policy research

Legislation tracking

Writing & editing

Verbal communication

Organization

Collaboration

Travel willingness

Driver's license

Social media

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science

Tools

EveryAction

Mobilize

Job description

Audubon NY - Albany office in New York seeks a CT and NY Policy Fellow to support policy efforts during the NYS and CT legislative sessions. The fellow will assist policy directors, conduct research, draft memos and testimonies, and help shape environmental policy decisions through collaboration with staff and coalitions.

The role requires a recent graduate with interest in conservation policy, strong writing and communication skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced legislative setting.