Director of Government Relations

Job Title: Director of Government Relations

Reports to: Lake George Waterkeeper

Location: Hybrid, Albany, NY or Lake George, NY (with regular presence in Albany)

Salary Range: $90,000–$110,000, commensurate with experience

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Benefits: Health, dental, vision; 403b with employer contributions; generous PTO; professional development

Managing: None

To Apply: Please include a cover letter, resume and contact information for three professional references to: hiring@lakegeorgeassociation.org

Please write the email subject line as: “Job Title First Name Last Name.” For example: “Director of Government Relations Jane Doe.”

No phone calls, please. Any applications missing materials, not emailed to this address or without the correct subject line will not be considered. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

The Role

The LGA Director of Government Relations will serve as a leading voice for freshwater protection at the state and federal level, with a strong emphasis on Albany-based advocacy. This role sits at the heart of LGA’s strategy, translating science-driven solutions into lasting public policy and funding that protect Lake George and advance freshwater conservation across New York and beyond. Working closely with LGA leadership and the Lake George Waterkeeper, the Director will shape and champion LGA’s policy agenda, build trusted relationships with policymakers and partners, and represent the organization in legislative and regulatory forums. This is an opportunity for an experienced government relations professional to help secure enduring protections for one of the world’s most iconic freshwater lakes—while influencing broader, generational change in how freshwater resources are safeguarded.

What You'll Do

• Become the leading government relations advocate for protecting Lake George, a freshwater resource of national significance.
• Work at the intersection of science, policy and community, turning research and on-the-water experience into meaningful laws, regulations and funding.
• Join a committed, mission-driven organization with a bold strategic plan and growing influence in Albany and beyond.

What We're Looking For

• Demonstrated experience supporting senior leadership or board governance in a mission-driven environment.
• Strong project management and organizational skills; proven ability to keep complex initiatives on track.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence to serve as a proxy for the Executive Director in select forums.
• Fluency with modern productivity tools (Office 365, project management platforms, CRMs, etc.).
• Sound judgment, discretion and a passion for environmental protection.

Full Director of Government Relations Job Description

The Lake George Association (LGA) seeks a Director of Government Relations to lead our state and federal policy and advocacy efforts to advance freshwater protection legislation, with a primary focus on Albany-based government relations. This role is central to LGA’s strategy, using the best available science, the law, and a deep understanding of political decision-making to turn solutions into durable policy and funding frameworks that protect Lake George and advance broader freshwater conservation initiatives for generations to come. Through policy, partnership and persistence, the Director of Government Relations helps ensure enduring protection for one of the most unique and valuable freshwater resources in the world.

Working closely with the Lake George Waterkeeper and LGA leadership, the Director will advocate for LGA priorities by coordinating LGA’s policy agenda, monitor legislative and regulatory activity, develop policy recommendations and briefs, and represent LGA at relevant hearings and with elected officials, agencies and coalition partners. The ideal candidate brings significant experience in New York State government, including roles in the Assembly, Senate, legislative committees, or state agencies, and has established relationships within Albany’s policymaking community.

Key Responsibilities:

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as LGA’s primary representative in Albany, maintaining strong, bipartisan relationships with legislators, committee staff, state agencies and key contacts in executive offices.
• Coordinate the development of LGA’s annual policy agenda and legislative priorities, and manage day-to-day government relations activities.
• Advocate to legislators and their staff in support of LGA’s policy priorities; draft and deliver testimony, budget requests, and policy memos.
• Prepare and brief the LGA President and Lake George Waterkeeper for testimony, meetings and public appearances related to policy and legislation.
• Identify legislative champions and cultivate opportunities for proactive policy proposals, amendments, and funding initiatives that advance LGA’s strategic goals.

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• In coordination with the Lake George Waterkeeper, lead the development and execution of LGA’s state and federal policy and government relations agenda.
• Evaluate legislation, regulatory actions and budget proposals affecting freshwater protection, invasive species, water quality, climate resilience and watershed management, sharing summaries and recommendations with LGA leadership.
• Translate LGA’s science, research and monitoring into clear policy briefs, legislative priorities and advocacy strategies, positioning LGA as a go-to resource for decision-makers.
• Lead production of policy briefs on primary threats to Lake George water quality, to drive policy wins at federal, state and local levels.
• Support the Waterkeeper in regional and local policy efforts, including local ordinances, land use decisions and implementation of state and federal programs.

Partnership & External Relations

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with environmental organizations, watershed groups, Adirondack and statewide conservation partners, academic institutions and local governments.
• Track policy activity across the Adirondack region and New York State, as well as key federal freshwater and watershed initiatives, and align LGA’s efforts with relevant coalitions.
• Position LGA as a visible, credible, science-driven policy voice in the region through participation in coalitions, panels, hearings, briefings and public forums.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with LGA’s science, community, development, and executive leadership teams to integrate policy with research, program design, public engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Provide regular updates and strategic guidance to the President, Waterkeeper, Board and staff on legislative and regulatory developments and opportunities.
• Advise messaging and communications related to policy issues for consistency and accuracy in public statements and advocacy materials.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in New York State government or government relations, preferably including one or more of the following:
  • NYS Assembly or Senate staff
  • Legislative committee staff
  • Judicial staff
  • Governor’s Office or state agency policy unit
  • Government relations / lobbying role with existing Albany relationships
• Demonstrated success advancing, shaping or defending policy initiatives.
• Demonstrated knowledge of New York State’s legislative and regulatory process, budget cycle and political dynamics.
• At least 10 years experience in progressively responsible positions with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Strong relationships within Albany policy circles and relevant state agencies.
• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s or JD degree preferred.
• Ability to synthesize complex scientific and technical information into compelling, understandable policy recommendations.
• Experience working with and presenting to a Board of Directors and Policy/Program Committees.
• Clear, persuasive communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills (policy briefs, memos, testimony, talking points).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in environmental, conservation, water quality, climate or natural resource policy.
• Familiarity with Adirondack conservation issues, freshwater protection or related advocacy.

Salary & Benefits

The anticipated salary range is $90,000 - $110,000, commensurate with experience, along with a health benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, 403b retirement savings with employer contributions after six months, generous paid time off, and professional development opportunities.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.

Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate office equipment and keyboards.

Some work (less than 5%) may require the ability to lift and carry small parcels, packages, and other items, to walk short distances, and drive a vehicle.

NOTE: This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job· related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

To perform this job successfully, the employee(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities.

The Lake George Association is an equal opportunity employer, drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Lake George Association values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is committed to providing a workplace where all team members feel respected, supported, and able to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.

Health, dental, vision; 403b with employer contributions; generous PTO; professional development.