Connecticut and New York State Policy Fellow

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

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.