Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the United States. Our mission is simple yet powerful: foster the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the outdoors. With a focus on protecting mountains, forests, waters, and trails throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, we envision a world where our natural resources are healthy, loved, and always protected, and where the outdoors occupies a place of central importance in every person’s life.

This position helps advance AMC’s mission and the four strategic priorities of AMC’s All Out Action Plan:

• Inspire joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences

• Protect critical landscapes for the well-being of people and the outdoors

• Cultivate and sustain a robust and welcoming community

• Foster access to the outdoors

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is seeking a talented and enthusiastic conservation advocate and public policy professional to lead our coalition-based work to advance conservation and recreation priorities in New York (remote role located in SE New York, NYC, or nearby with ability to travel up to 25 percent of the time). A qualified candidate will be enthusiastic about AMC’s conservation mission and approach, have a proven track record in public policy and decisionmaker outreach, and will have experience in community and constituency engagement.

What You’ll Be Doing at AMC

• Lead AMC's conservation and recreation policy work in New York, including identifying and implementing public policy and advocacy campaigns and initiatives at the local and state level.
• Building relationships with state and local (SE NY, NYC) government officials, especially in areas supporting AMC operations.
• Build and convene coalition partners with conservation and outdoor recreation organizations and coordinate coalition advocacy efforts.
• Monitor, analyze, and engage in legislation in the New York State Legislature affecting conservation, outdoor recreation, and AMC operations and build relationships with key legislators, staff, and committees.
• Represent AMC at regional conferences, press events, and meetings in New York and other parts of the region, as needed.
• Track state regulatory proceedings and comment periods.
• Build relationships with the congressional delegation and support federal policy priorities, including implementation of the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
• Lead public engagement efforts through policy communications, ideating and participating in events, and outreach with AMC chapters.
• Support internal coordination across the Conservation team (Trails, Research, Lands, and Policy) and with Operations, Growth, and Development teams.

What AMC is Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) plus a minimum of 5 years of experience preferred in fields related to: conservation advocacy, land and water protection, understanding of outdoor recreation industry and conservation funding mechanisms, environmental policy, issue-based campaign work, or related experience, is required.
• Leadership experience working in a coalition setting, network, or partnership of diverse interests towards a common set of goals.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills and an ability to effectively reach different audiences with different communications tools.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proven experience in working effectively to support and engage volunteers and other constituents often of a varied background and experience level.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, as well as a willingness to travel throughout New York as needed.
• Physical abilities required: Majority of work is performed in a standard office setting. Ability to occasionally travel safely in the backcountry in all weather conditions carrying a backpack of up to 20 pounds is preferred. Must be able to sit, stand, walk, and operate standard office equipment.

What AMC Can Offer You

Salary range: $66,157 - $89,265

We are committed to fair compensation practices, and we encourage qualified candidates to apply. The initial salary represents our starting point, and our compensation philosophy is designed to reward and recognize the contributions of our employees as they grow within the organization. External candidates typically begin their journey with us at the starting point of the salary range. The final compensation offer will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills and geographic differential relevant to the position, and will be discussed during the interview process.

Benefits

• Health Plan: Generous employer contributions with optional vision and dental.

• Other Insurance: 100% employer paid life insurance, AD&D insurance, long-term disability.

• Career Progression: The potential to have annual compensation reviews commensurate with performance and effort.

• Retirement: Voluntary 403(b) with 4% matching employer contributions and a vesting schedule.

• Paid Time Off: up to 4 weeks of paid earned time and up to 11 paid company holidays.

• Other Team Member Perks:

• 30% discount on AMC Merchandise

• Free Annual AMC Membership

• 10 Free nights at AMC locations

• Educational Assistance

• Prodeals discounts on equipment & gear and more!

To Apply: Please include your resume and a cover letter when applying. No phone calls, please.

The Appalachian Mountain Club has zero tolerance for child abuse or placing children in danger. The AMC requires all employees to have a criminal background record check performed on their name annually with employment contingent upon satisfactory results.

The AMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in the workplace. The AMC encourages the involvement of all people in its mission and activities, through its membership, programs, policies, and procedures. Our goal is to be a community that is comfortable, inviting, and accessible for people of any age, gender, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Join us!