Director of Advocacy and Legislation

Unite NY, a statewide nonpartisan organization advancing pro-voter election reforms across New York State, is seeking a Director of Advocacy & Legislation to lead advocacy campaigns, build and manage coalitions, and direct the organization’s government relations work. Unite NY advocates for pro-voter election reforms like term-limits, fair ballot access, statewide ballot initiatives, ranked choice voting, and open primaries to reform elections and voting in cities, counties, and statewide races in New York State. 

Reporting to the executive director, this is a high-visibility role ideal for an experienced advocate with strong legislative and campaign instincts and a passion for strengthening democracy. We seek to advance coalitions, policies, and legislation which expand every New Yorker’s access to government, increase participation, and create more inclusive outcomes across New York State. 

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy & Strategic Leadership

• Lead planning and execution of ballot initiative and policy advocacy campaigns.
• Set strategic goals, manage timelines, coordinate field operations, and track campaign metrics.
• Recruit, train, and manage volunteers engaged in campaign and voter-contact work.

Legislative Strategy & Government Relations

• Develop and execute Unite NY’s legislative strategy at the state and local levels and will report to the executive director.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with legislators, staff, and government partners.
• Organize lobby days, legislative briefings, and coalition-driven advocacy actions.
• Serve as a spokesperson and messenger on election reform priorities.

Coalition Building

• Cultivate and manage partnerships with democracy reform organizations, civic groups, and community leaders.
• Coordinate coalition strategy, joint campaigns, and statewide alignment on reform goals.
• Represent Unite NY in statewide and regional coalition spaces.

Operations & Communications

• Manage campaign and legislative communications, supporter engagement, and action alerts.
• Support grassroots fundraising strategies and list-building efforts.
• Oversee reporting, goal setting, and data tracking across campaign and legislative work.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Energized by democracy reform, coalition leadership, and public advocacy.
• Values aligned: is passionate about Unite NY's mission, is action-oriented to achieve results, believes community and people come first; and does the right thing, the right way for the right reasons.
• Skilled legislative strategist with strong analytic and political instincts.
• Natural relationship-builder with deep experience coordinating diverse partners.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Strategic planner who can break down big goals into actionable steps.
• Familiarity with digital organizing tools (NationBuilder, CMS platforms, social and email analytics).

Requirements

Required Skills & Experience

• 4–8+ years of legislative, government relations, campaign management, or political advocacy experience (New York State experience strongly preferred).
• Demonstrated success developing and executing legislative or policy strategies.
• Demonstrated success managing advocacy or ballot campaigns.
• Strong volunteer management and public speaking skills.
• Direct experience meeting with legislators, preparing advocacy materials, and coordinating lobby days.
• Proven ability to manage complex issues or ballot initiative campaigns.
• Experience cultivating and leading coalitions or multi-organization partnerships.
• Excellent communication, writing, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible, compelling narratives.
• Willingness to travel throughout New York and spend meaningful time in Albany during the legislative session.
• Availability for evening or weekend events tied to campaigns or advocacy work.

Benefits

Compensation & Benefits

Unite NY offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support the health and well-being of our team.

Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Paid family and medical leave
• Flexible work environment, including remote or hybrid options
• Professional development opportunities and support for growth within the organization

Unite NY is committed to building a sustainable, people-centered workplace that reflects our values and supports long-term leadership in democracy reform.

Salary: $85,000-$102,000/yr