Job Description

Job Title: Manager of Public Affairs

Department: Community Engagement & Impact

Location: 97-77 Queens Blvd, 5th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374

Report To Title: Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9 am –5 pm; 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 2 days in office

Salary: $75,000- $85,000 annually FLSA Classification: Exempt

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY: The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Manager of Public Affairs will play a key role in advancing the Natural Areas Conservancy's mission by building support for urban natural areas among policymakers, partner organizations, community stakeholders, and the wider public.

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact, the Manager of Public Affairs will help develop and implement strategies that connect the NAC's research, volunteer engagement, and public programs to advocacy, partnerships, and public affairs goals. The position will serve as a bridge between the NAC's on-the-ground work and external stakeholders, helping to strengthen awareness, investment, and support for the care and protection of New York City's natural areas locally and at the state and federal levels.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-builder and strategic advocate who understands how community engagement, partnerships, and communications work together to drive lasting change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advocacy & Government Relations

• Support the development and implementation of the NAC's advocacy priorities related to the care, management, and protection of forests, wetlands, grasslands, and nature trails.
• Coordinate advocacy activities that advance the NAC's funding and policy goals at the city, state, and federal levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, legislative staff, and other public-sector stakeholders.
• Track legislative, budgetary, and policy developments relevant to the NAC's mission and identify opportunities for engagement with elected officials and the public.
• Draft testimony, briefing materials, public comments, fact sheets, and advocacy communications.
• Assist with compliance related to lobbying and advocacy activities.

Strategic Partnerships & Coalition Engagement

• Manage relationships with coalition partners, nonprofit organizations, and professional networks.
• Represent the NAC in select coalition meetings, working groups, and collaborative initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen partnerships that advance the NAC's advocacy, stewardship, and community engagement goals.
• Encourage and coordinate partner engagement around campaigns, events, research reports, and policy initiatives.

Community Engagement

• Work closely with the Deputy Director of Community Engagement & Impact to ensure the NAC's advocacy and public affairs work reflects community priorities and programmatic goals.
• Help develop pathways for volunteer stewards, interns, and community members to engage in advocacy and public awareness efforts.
• Support outreach efforts that connect more New Yorkers to nature and increase participation in the NAC’s programs and initiatives.
• Lead training and other engagement efforts to cultivate community leaders and champions who can help advance the NAC's mission.

Communications Support & Thought Leadership

• Partner with communications staff to align advocacy, partnership, and public engagement efforts with organizational messaging and campaigns.
• Contribute content and subject matter expertise for reports, presentations, campaigns, newsletters, and public-facing materials.
• Identify opportunities to elevate the NAC's work through public events, conferences, speaking engagements, and partner networks.
• Help translate NAC research and programmatic outcomes into compelling stories and messages for policymakers, partners, and community audiences.

National Engagement

• Support the NAC's leadership in national initiatives, including the Forests in Cities network and related programs.
• Lead the implementation of a national urban forest awareness and advocacy campaign, to be scaled across the 26 cities in the Forests in Cities network.
• Help identify opportunities for federal funding, partnerships, and collaboration that advance urban forestry and natural areas stewardship nationally.
• Represent the NAC in select national forums and professional networks.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Three to five years of experience in public affairs, advocacy, government relations, community engagement, nonprofit partnerships, communications, or related fields.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in public policy, communications, environmental studies, urban planning, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working with government agencies, elected officials, coalitions, community organizations, or advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead multiple priorities simultaneously.
• A deep understanding of New York City government, both executive and legislative branches, including first-hand experience with the city’s legislative and budget processes. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing presentations, briefing materials, testimony, and other public-facing content.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-management skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to collaboration, equity, and environmental stewardship.
• Existing relationships in local government are a plus.  
• Experience working with New York State or the federal government is a plus.

Benefits / Additional Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability Insurance, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, sick time, personal time, vacation time, paid holidays, professional development funds, and wellness programs.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.

Job Description

Job Title: Community Engagement Coordinator

Department: Community Engagement & Impact

Location: 97-77 Queens Blvd, 5th Floor, Rego Park, NY 11374

Report To Title: Senior Manager, Trails Program 

Schedule & Hours: M-F, 9 am –5 pm; 35 hours per week

Workplace Flexibility Modality: Hybrid, 2 days in office

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY: The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on the care of our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits because we believe that by working together–with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks–we can create healthy and thriving natural spaces and more resilient and connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW: There are approximately 275 miles of formalized trail in New York City that provide New Yorkers access to nearly 20,000 acres of natural areas on city parkland. Since 2017, the Natural Areas Conservancy has worked with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation (NYC Parks) to formalize, improve, and steward those trails. The NAC has been leading the training of advanced volunteers since 2019 to steward and activate these spaces, with a goal of having every mile of trail adopted by an advanced volunteer or community group. We provide training to these advanced volunteers on trail design and maintenance to empower them to adopt and maintain trails in their communities. The role of Community Engagement Coordinator will report to the Senior Manager, Trail Program and will recruit and train advanced volunteers citywide to help us achieve our goal of long-term maintenance and activation, and provide engaging community programming to teach New Yorkers about the benefits of  natural areas. This role will also collaborate with our Trails Manager on advanced volunteer training.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce scopes of work, training and support to new volunteers for trail improvement projects such as non-native/invasive plant management, corridor pruning, and forest restoration activities
• Collaborate with the Trails Manager to identify project sites, support training and project work on trail structures such as: water bars, check step, puncheons, locally sourced or lumber/rock structure
• Conduct outreach to volunteers, event attendees, and other community members
• Collaborate with Senior Manager, Manager, and colleagues at NYC Parks to scope trail improvement projects suitable for volunteers
• Create, support, and lead ongoing programming and event opportunities in natural areas to engage the public in the benefits and management of natural areas
• Document all new and ongoing volunteer projects, and report on the efforts of local trail stewards
• Collaborate with Manager to develop training curriculum for volunteer groups and individuals that are properly suited to their skill level and interest
• Support training and supervision of trail and forest restoration event volunteers as needed
• In partnership with the Senior Manager, implement strategies to build a culture of engagement and belonging among volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3 years’ experience engaging volunteers
• Experience developing and managing partnerships
• Experience planning and executing public events
• Experience with workplace safety practices
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and liaise with a wide range of senior stakeholders
• Willingness to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Valid New York State driver’s license

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in environmental science or outdoor recreation
• Experience initiating or growing volunteer programs
• Knowledgeable about trail design, construction, and maintenance

Benefits/ Additional Information:

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, 401(k), life insurance, disability Insurance, flexible spending account, employee assistance program, sick time, personal time, vacation time, paid holidays, professional development funds, and wellness programs.

JOB LOCATION:

This job will be 70% field-based and 30% office-based or remote, with typically a Tuesday through Saturday work schedule. The Community Engagement Coordinator should be willing to work from a primary office location in Queens when needed, and field work reporting locations in all five boroughs of New York City. Access to a reliable network connection for meetings and presentations is required.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.

Forest Restoration Site Coordinator

Reporting to: Senior Manager, Conservation Science

Salary: $69,000 - $72,000 

ABOUT THE NATURAL AREAS CONSERVANCY

The Natural Areas Conservancy (NAC) is the only nonprofit organization in New York City focused on caring for our 20,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and grasslands. For over a decade, we’ve worked closely with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation to champion urban natural areas in dozens of parks across the five boroughs through critical research, advocacy, trails work, workforce development initiatives, and community programming. Through these efforts, we’re ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality natural areas and understands their benefits, because we believe that by working together—with New Yorkers, our partners, and NYC Parks—we can create healthy, thriving natural spaces and more resilient, connected communities. We also convene the Forests in Cities network, a 26-city coalition of experts dedicated to preserving, improving, and expanding urban forests nationally.

POSITION OVERVIEW

This role will assist with forest restoration implementation projects in natural area sites in New York City.

This new position supports the advancement of management goals detailed in the 2018 Forest Management Framework for New York City (FMF), a 25-year roadmap to invest in and care for forests co-developed by NAC and NYC Parks. Informed by extensive research, the FMF’s robust metrics recommend that management enhance biodiversity, adapt forests to climate change, engage the community, and expand its trail system. 

The Restoration Site Coordinator is responsible for assisting with tracking and reviewing forest restoration projects in the field to support a program of long-term natural-area forest management. This role will report to NAC’s Senior Manager of Conservation Science (SMCS) and work closely within the NAC forest restoration implementation team within NAC’s Research and Conservation team to meet the broader goals of implementing natural areas management citywide. The Coordinator will collaborate with the NYC Parks’ Forestry and Natural Resources teams and non-profit NYC Parks conservancies. This position will be 20% office and 80% field-based, with a schedule that varies depending on field activities. 

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the direction of the SMCS, assist in implementing forest restoration projects in NYC in the field according to project plans.

Develop a calendar and prepare maps for multiple forest restoration projects, and coordinate work schedules and deliverables with the NAC Restoration Ecologist and the project team. 

Conduct regular site visits to assess and document progress, quality, and adherence to project tasks and contract specifications. 

Prepare and maintain accurate project documentation, including daily and task-oriented reports, schedules, spatial work depictions, and any proposed scope changes using specified forms, GIS, and databases in a timely manner. 

Prepare plant orders, inspect and tag nursery stock at nurseries. Coordinate plant deliveries and ensure delivered plants meet quality specifications and are secured on-site.

Conduct regular site safety inspections in coordination with contractors and partners to ensure the site complies with city, state, and federal site safety codes and permits.

Inform the supervisor promptly about work delays, safety concerns, or emergencies, as per written protocols.

Facilitate, organize, or lead planting and volunteer events as needed in cooperation with NYC Parks and park conservancies

Provide community engagement support and participation in site monitoring as needed in the context of restoration projects

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications required to excel in this position can come from a range of both professional and lived experiences.

• Minimum education of an Associate Degree or B.S. or M.S. degree, preferably in forestry, ecology, environmental science, or a related field, plus one year of professional experience in ecological project or construction management

• Urban natural area forest management skills and knowledge

• Familiarity with ecological construction management, forest ecology, ecological plot analysis, and developing and communicating forest management recommendations. 

• NYC Plant identification skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• A motor vehicle driver’s license valid in the State of New York

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and/or Google Suite

• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working in NYC natural areas or parks. 

• Knowledge of NYC natural area parkland

• Proficiency in ArcGIS

JOB LOCATION:

This position will report directly to field locations 80% of the time. Field locations are primarily northern Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn, with occasional work in all five boroughs of New York City (Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island).

The Restoration Coordinator will also work from a primary office location in Queens when needed (20% of the time).

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

The NAC is offering a salary of $69,000-$72,000 for this position at 35 hours/week, in addition to a competitive benefits package including generous 15 days vacation, 10 sick/safe days, 2 personal days, medical/dental/vision insurance,  401K with 4% employer match, and annual professional development funds. This position is not eligible for overtime pay.

APPLICATION

To apply for the Forest Restoration Site Coordinator role at the Natural Areas Conservancy, please upload your resume, including three references with contact information, and your cover letter. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until September 15, 2026. Please address any questions to jobs@naturalareasnyc.org. The deadline for applications is September 15, 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

At-Will Employment Statement

Employment with NAC is at-will, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. This job description does not constitute a contract of employment.

Residency Requirement

You must live in the New York City Tri-state area (NY, NJ, CT) to be considered for a position at the NAC.

To Apply

Click “Apply for this position” and upload an up-to-date resume, including relevant experience for the position.